Rhetorical Modes as Types of Paragraphs
Narration
Narration is when an author writes as though he or she is telling a story. This mode is used more often in fiction, but it can be used in academic essay writing when the best way to help prove the thesis is by relating a sequence of events.
Description/Definition/Exemplification, and Classification
These closely related modes use specific information about certain aspects of a thing, event, or situation. The terms speak for themselves. Description uses details describing the thing, event, or situation. Definition defines it. Exemplification uses examples, and classification uses categories.
- The rose was red. (description)
- A rose is a flower with soft petals and a beautiful, brief bloom. (definition)
- Roses comes in a variety of colors such as red, yellow, and white. (example)
- Roses come in a variety of types including miniature, climbing, hybrid tea, and floribunda. (classification)
Compare/Contrast
Comparing and/or contrasting one thing, event, or situation is a helpful way to show what it is and isn't. If someone were arguing that a particular type of sneaker was the best, it would be useful to compare to others for support, durability, and price.
Cause and/or Effect
This mode is useful in arguing for or again an action. Showing the cause and/or effect of an action can be persuasive. For example, if someone were arguing for an increase in the speed limit, statistics showing an increase in fatalities where limits are higher would be a persuasive argument.
Persuasion/Argumentation
In a sense, the ultimate intent of all communication is persuasion. Argumentation is one way of talking about debate. We think of arguing as what we do among friends or family members — and it is — but there is a formal way to argue to prove our point. Actually, we can learn how to better have civil arguments which will be constructive. In thinking about persuasion/argumentation as a rhetorical mode, it refers to a type of writing that is clearly arguing in support of a specific point.
To Review
- A paragraph is a series of sentences on a particular point.
- A paragraph should begin with a topic sentence which states that point.
- Sentences with supporting details such as examples should follow.
- A paragraph must have unity and coherence where the sentences smoothly and logically flow from one to the next and stay focused on supporting the topic sentence.
- Transition words and phrases should be used to connect sentences and paragraphs for unity and coherence.
- Paragraphs that are part of multi-paragraph documents serve specific functions.
- The special types of paragraphs in business letters and inter-office memorandums.
- The special types of paragraphs in informational documents and academic essays.
- The special types of paragraphs in informational documents and academic essays.
