Associate Program Material
Appendix C

Rhetorical Modes Matrix

Rhetorical modes are methods for effectively communicating through language and writing. Complete the following chart to identify the purpose and structure of the various rhetorical modes used in academic writing. Provide at least 2 tips for writing each type of rhetorical device.

|Rhetorical Mode |Purpose – Explain when or why |Structure – Explain what organizational |Provide 2 tips for writing in |
| |each rhetorical mode is used. |method works best with each rhetorical mode. |each rhetorical mode. |
|Narration |Is to tell a story, an event or |The organizational method that will work best| The 2 tips for narration is |
| |series of events |is chronological order. |to decide if the story is |
| | | |factual or fictional and use |
| | | |transitional words or phrases.|
| |Is to show a point to the reader|Organize the evidence in terms of importance,|Vary the phrases of |
|Illustration |and uses evidence to support it |either from least important to most important|illustration you use. |
| | |and vice versa |Use the time transitions to |
| | | |order evidence |
|Description |To make sure their audience is |The organization of description may best |Should set a tone and a point.|
| |fully immersed in the words on |follow spatial