This document outlines 10 common rhetorical modes used in writing and speech: narration, description, classification/division, definition, illustration, comparison/contrast, process, analogy, cause and effect, and argument. It provides a brief definition and examples of how each mode can be used to develop and organize ideas, present information to readers, and achieve intended effects. The modes help structure information in logical patterns to convey meaning and perspectives.

1. RHETORICAL MODES
A Rhetorical Mode is a strategy, a way
or method of presenting a subject
through writing or speech.
Rhetorical modes help develop ideas,
order them according to certain
patterns, and also achieve a particular
effect in the reader.
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2.  NARRATION
 DESCRIPTION
 CLASSIFICATION and DIVISION
 DEFINITION
 ILLUSTRATION
 COMPARISON and CONTRAST
 PROCESS
 ANALOGY
 CAUSE and EFFECT
 ARGUMENTATIVE

3. NARRATION
Narration is used to present events in the past,
the present, or even the imagined future.
Your narrative may:
 focus on the facts, as, for example, in presenting historical
background
 recreate an experience for readers, as in a personal essay
 tell an anecdote to introduce a discussion or illustrate a point
 envision images of the future, as in a proposal for a new policy
or project

4. DESCRIPTION
Description is used to create images of a
place or object, sketch a person’s character,
or provide images that evoke and share a
feeling.
 Subjective description: emphasizes the emotional
impact of scenes, as in a personal essay
 Objective description: sticks to the physical details,
as in a scientific or technical report

5. CLASSIFICATION / DIVISION
 Classification is a useful way of
grouping individual entities into
identifiable categories based on their
similarities. It offers an opportunity to
explore similarities within groups and
explain the differences and
relationships between groups.

6. DEFINITION
When introducing a term or concept to
the readers, the writer must, clearly and
accurately, define it.
 Synonym – offer a word or expression that has the same or
nearly the same meaning
 Example - offer an example that has all central or typical
characteristics of the term we want to define

7. ILLUSTRATION
 The Rhetorical Mode of Illustration
refers to the use of detailed examples
to make abstract or general ideas or
concepts more concrete and specific.

8. COMPARISON and
CONTRAST
 A Comparison and Contrast essay or
paragraph explores the similarities and
differences between two or more items,
ideas, trends, works, etc. When we
compare, we point out the similarities
between two items, and when we
contrast, we show their differences.

9. COMPARISON and
CONTRAST
In arranging comparison paragraphs
you can employ:
 subject-by-subject organization - discuss
each subject in its entirety
 point-by-point organization – examine each
comparable feature for first one subject and then the
other

10. PROCESS
 We use the Rhetorical Mode of Process
when we need to provide readers with
directions or explain how a mechanism
or procedure works.
To explain such processes effectively, label
the steps or stages clearly, and present the
explanation in chronological order.

11. ANALOGY
An Analogy compares topics that at first
glance seem quite different.
A well-chosen analogy can make unfamiliar or
technical information seem more commonplace and
understandable. To be effective, an analogy must be
familiar to the reader, and its features or functions
must be congruent with those of the target.

12. CAUSE and EFFECT
 The Cause and Effect strategy is employed when we need to
trace the causes of a particular event or situation, to describe its
effects, or both.
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