Rhetorical Modes Quiz

Complete the following chart to identify the purpose and structure of the various rhetorical modes used in academic writing. Provide at least two tips for writing each type of rhetorical device.

Rhetorical mode
Purpose

Explain when or why each rhetorical mode is used.
Structure

Explain what organizational method works best with each rhetorical mode. Tips

Provide two tips for writing in each rhetorical mode.
Narration
the action or process of narrating a story.

The organizational method that works best with narrative writing is chronological order. Two tips for narrative writing are decide if the story is factual or fictional, and use transitional words and phrases. Illustration

The purpose of an illustration essay is to show or demonstrate a point to the reader. Order of importance is the best way to organize an illustration essay. One tip is to use transitional words so the reader can follow the evidence being presented. Another tip is to vary the types of words and phrases used in order to keep the reader’s attention. Description

The purpose of a descriptive essay is to describe something using sensory details. The organization method used for a descriptive essay is spatial order. The writer should use sharp and concise details in the descriptions. When describing things the writer needs to incorporate the five senses. Classification

The purpose of a classification essay is to break down a topic into specific parts. A classification essay is organized by the subtopics.
One tip for writing a classification essay is to use strong details for each subtopic. The writer should break down the original topic into three or more subtopics. Process analysis
The purpose of a process analysis is to explain how to do something or how something works. Typically follows chronological order because the process is conveyed in the order in which the steps occur. Always have someone read over yours.

Definition
Defining something based only on legal, moral, and medical context.

Stating definition of term while explaining rationale of the definition. Comparison and contrast
The discussion of the similarities and differences of a subject

Two subjects compared and the reason why Providing useful knowledge to reader. Cause and effect
The producing and results from an event or condition.

General introduction of a event or condition that leads to main cause and main effect or various cause and effects. Persuasion

Copyright © 2011 by Flat World Knowledge. All rights reserved. Adapted with permission.

Select one of the topics below and determine at least one rhetorical mode that would be appropriate for addressing the topic you selected. Write 100 to 150 words explaining the topic you selected, the rhetorical mode, and why you think this mode is most appropriate for addressing your topic.

Pollution
Workplace proposal for a new initiative
Arguing to change a law
Building a new park in your town
Climate change
Profile of your best friend or a family member

I choose Pollution.
If you live, work or go to school near high-traffic roads, seaports or railyards, you face a greater risk of cancer pr decresed lung function, as these places contain more concentrated levels of air pollution. For your child, toxic air pollution is an even bigger problem, in part because children breath much more quickly than adults. Breathing air in polluted metropolitain areas such as Los Angeles or Riverside can reduce your life expectancy by 2 or 3 years. Transportation sources such as cars, trucks, buses, ships and trains account for 90% of cancer risk associated with air pollution. Diesel exhaust from trucks, ships, trains, buses has been declared to contain over 40 substances listed as hazardous air pollutants by the U.S. EPA. Pollution is one of the biggest global killers, affecting over 100 million people. That’s comparable to gobal diseases like malaria and HIV. Over 1 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. 5,000 people die each day due to dirty drinking water.