1. Modes of Discourse
May serve as the primary mode of composition for an essay, or a smaller component of a larger essay

2. Narration
Tells a story by presenting events in an orderly, logical sequence
Typically chronological order

3. Description
Tells readers about the physical characteristics of a person, place, or thing
It relies on the five senses
Usually a component of a larger essay with a different primary purpose

4. Exemplification
Uses examples (or one example) to illustrate or explain a general point or an abstract concept

5. Comparison & Contrast Comparison Contrast
Shows how two or more things are alike
Contrast
Shows how two or more things are different
Usually used together, not separately

6. Classification & Division
Process of breaking a whole into parts
Classification
Process of sorting individual items into categories
Tries to make sense of seemingly random ideas by putting scattered bits of information into useful, coherent order

7. Definition
Tells what a term means and how it differs from other terms in its class
Formal definitions
Dictionary
Extended definitions
Explaining what something, or someone, is – its essential nature
Explaining what something, or someone, is not

8. Cause & Effect Analyzes why something happens
Examines causes, describes effects, or does both
Links situations and events together in time with causes preceding effects
Analysis of why something happened or is happening can lead to a prediction of what will happen

9. Process Analysis Explains how to do something or how something occurs
Presents a sequence of steps and shows how thise steps lead to a particular result
Typically chronological order

10. Argumentation
Process of reasoning that asserts the soundness of a debatable position, belief, or conclusion
It takes a stand and urges the audience to share the speaker’s perspective
Appeals to reason (logos) more so than anything else

11. Quick Think Journal
When was the last time you saw a homeless person? Describe the situation and what you remember about this person. What other experiences have you or someone you know has with the homeless or homelessness? How does the local community perceive homelessness? Do you think that these ideas are accurate? Explain.