Rhetorical modes describe the variety, conventions, and purposes of the major
kinds of language-based communication, particularly writing and speaking. Four
of the most common rhetorical modes and their purpose are narration,
description, exposition, and argumentation.
Narration The purpose of narration is to tell a
story or narrate an event or series of events. This writing mode frequently
uses the tools of descriptive writing. Narration is an especially useful tool
for sequencing or putting details and information into some kind of logical
order, usually chronological. Working with narration helps us see clear
sequences separate from all other mental functions. Examples include:
Anecdotes Autobiography
Biography Novels
Oral history Short story
Description The purpose of description is to
re-create, invent, or visually present a person, place, event, or action so that
the reader can picture that which is being described. Descriptive writing can
be found in the other rhetorical modes. Examples include:
Journal writing Poetry
Exposition Expository writing is a type of writing
where the purpose is to explain, inform, or even describe. It is considered to be
one of the four most common rhetorical modes.
The purpose of expository writing is to explain and analyze information by
presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion. In narrative
contexts, exposition provides background information to teach or entertain. In
other nonfiction contexts, the purpose is to teach and inform. Examples
include: Business
Business letters Reports
Press releases Journalism
How-to essays, such as recipes and other instructions
News article Personal
Personal letters Wills
Academic and technical communication Scientific writing
Scientific reports Scientific journal articles
Academic writing Term papers
Textbooks General reference works
Encyclopedia articles Technical writing
User guides Technical standards
Argumentation The purpose of argumentation is to prove
the validity of an idea, or point of view, by presenting sound reasoning,
discussion, and argument to thoroughly convince the reader. Persuasive
writing/Persuasion is a type of argumentation with the additional aim to
urge the reader to take some form of action. Examples include:
Advertising copy Critical review
Editorials Job evaluation
Job application letter Letter of recommendation
Letters to the editor Résumés
Another form of persuasive rhetoric is satirical rhetoric, or using humor in
order to make a point about some aspect of life or society. Perhaps the most
famous example is Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal".
Fiction-writing modes Each fiction-writing mode has its own
purposes and conventions. Agent and author Evan Marshall identifies five
fiction-writing modes: action, summary, dialogue, feelings/thoughts, and
background. Author and writing-instructor Jessica Page Morrell
lists six delivery modes for fiction-writing: action, exposition,
description, dialogue, summary, and transition. Author Peter Selgin refers
to methods, including action, dialogue, thoughts, summary, scene, and
description. See also
Exposition Fiction writing
Fiction-writing modes Literature
Writing Notes
References Rozakis, Laurie E, Complete Idiot's
Guide to Grammar and Style, Penguin, p. 271, ISBN 1-59257-115-8, retrieved 24
September 2014 Marshall, E, The Marshall Plan for Novel
Writing, Cincinnati, OH: Writer's Digest Books, pp. 143–165, ISBN 1-58297-062-9
Morrell, JP, Between the Lines: Master the Subtle Elements of Fiction Writing,
Cincinnati, OH: Writer's Digest Books, p. 127, ISBN 978-1-58297-393-7
Selgin, P, By Cunning & Craft: Sound Advice and Practical Wisdom for fiction
writers, Cincinnati, OH: Writer's Digest Books, p. 38, ISBN 978-1-58297-491-0
External links The Expository Essay
What is Expository Writing?