1. Helping with essays and MCq
Rhetorical Modes
Helping with essays and MCq

2. What are Rhetorical Modes?
Different methods of writing which you can incorporate into your writing to make it more effective
Use the modes to your advantage – as a writer (to make your essay stronger) – and for your reader (to help them connect with your essay better)
Use your knowledge of the rhetorical modes and your (future) knowledge of the rhetorical terms to determine how to attach a multiple choice passage
These modes are often found with one another.
Example: rarely will you find just a process analysis paper without a little bit of definition and description.

3. What are the Nine Rhetorical Modes?
Illustration
Description
Narration
Definition
Comparison/Contrast
Cause/Effect
Division/Classification
Argumentation
Process Analysis

4. Illustration
Explains a general statement by means of one or more specific examples
Examples are specific cases or stories which make a general statement more believable.
Usually used in conjunction with some kind of analysis or argumentation
Use illustrations (specific reasons) to support an argument

5. Description Describes something – a person, a place, or an object
Captures it in words so others can imagine it or see it in the mind's eye
Uses descriptive examples that make use of the senses (sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch) to convey an image or represent an idea

6. Narration
Tells the story of what happened, the specific events that happened, and the people who were involved
Uses organized facts and details in a clear chronological or time order
May use first, second or third person in any narrative, but be consistent in your use of personal pronouns

7. Definition Explains what a word, idea, or topic means
Remember you must be very clear when you define something for your reader!

8. Comparison/contrast
Comparison examines the ways in which two persons, places, or things are similar
Contrast examines the ways in which they are different
Helps the reader understand one person, place, or thing in relation to another
Many times the goal of a comparison is for evaluation
Example: If you are comparing various fast food restaurants, for example, you will want to reach some conclusion about which restaurant is the best. Therefore, you need to use some specific criteria (price, healthiness, etc.) on which to base your comparison.

9. Cause/effect
Examines why something happened or what its consequences were or will be
Refers to a direct relationship between events
Answers the question "why did something happen, and/or what results did it have?"

10. Division/Classification
Gathers items, ideas, or information into types, kinds, or categories according to a single basis of division
Division/Classification essays often also use Definition
Example: You might start with a paper about sports and divide it up into three particular sports – baseball, football, and basketball. You could then classify these sports by their popularity in the American culture.

11. Argumentation Also known as Persuasion
Involves the development of the writer's own argument
Sometimes involves using outside sources and references to other writers
The primary function of Argumentation is for the writer to articulate his/her opinion about the issue being discussed.

12. Process Analysis
Describes how to do something, how a particular event occurs, or how something works
Instructions are very similar to a Process Analysis essay