Rhetoric
Rhetoric is the art of persuasion. In addition to using techniques such as unity and coherence and logic, the modes of rhetoric are used. Rhetorical modes are ways to use language for persuasion. In addition to using a sentence variety, unity and coherence, and logic, modes such as narration, comparing and contrasting, and cause and/or effect to prove a point. These can be used within a paragraph as well as the approach for an entire essay.
Types of Rhetorical Modes
Narration
Narration is when an author writes as though 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 come 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 against 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.
