Rhetorical Modes Dr. Downing College Composition Kutztown University Fall 2008

Rhetorical Modes w Narration w Description w Comparison/Contrast w Problem/Solution w Explication w Definition w Analysis w Argument

Narration w Narration involves telling a story. w It typically has a beginning, middle, and end. w There is usually a main character who takes some kind of action. w There are typically other characters. w There is often a lesson, or moral. w Typically, narratives require no sources.

Description w Description is a detailed snapshot (like describing feelings or the beauty of a flower). w It can be used in a narrative to provide specific details about a character or situation. w Although process descriptions can involve the movement of time, literary and narrative descriptions usually make time stand still. w Typically, description requires no sources.

Comparison/Contrast w Comparison means to identify similarities. w Contrast means to point out differences. w The Joseph Campbell essay was comparison. w The organizational styles are either block: AAAA/BBBB w Or point-by-point: ABABAB w Your Joseph Campbell paper was point-by-point. w Comparison/contrast may or may not require sources, depending on the nature of the topic

Problem/Solution w Problem/Solution essays begin with a problem and then offer a solution. w These essays can spend a great deal of time discussing the problem and a short amount of time providing a solution OR w These essays can describe the problem in a paragraph or two (briefly) and then describe several possible solutions. w Problem/Solution almost always requires a works cited page.

Explication w Explication means “explanation.” w For example, I might write an explication essay explaining some of the ideas of Joseph Campbell, August Wilson, or Don Miguel Ruiz. w Such essays provide basic background, cite certain sections of the text, and provide a detailed summary or description. w Explication almost always requires a works cited page.

Definition w According to Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary, definition is “a statement expressing the essential nature of something” w It provides the specific meaning of a term or idea w Provides outlines or limits

Analysis w Analysis literally means to “break into parts” w This kind of essay begins with a complex situation, argument, or text and breaks down the idea into separate parts w Sometimes opinion is included and sometimes not w Analysis almost always requires a cited source

Argument w Argument means “a coherent series of statements leading to a logical conclusion.” w Arguments begin by summarizing a situation, referring to an author, or citing a particular text. w Then it offers numerous reasons for or against the situation w As you provide your rationale, you will continue to cite sources. w Arguments definitely require a works cited page.

Other Tricks w Hegelian Dialectic Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis w Question and Answer Socratic Method w Journalistic Method w 5 Ws and H

Questions?