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RHETORICAL MODES
  Argument   | |   Cause-Effect  | |   Classification   | |   Comparison/
Contrast   | |   Description   |
     
  Extended
Definition   | |   Exemplification   |   |   Narration   | |   Analyzing
Readings Using
the Modes   |
               
                            
            This is a very simple, brief introduction to the rhetorical modes.  Usingthe modes is like putting together the pieces of a puzzle: most major paragraphs use at least one mode, and most papers use several modes.  The modes are useful in particular in helping writers learn how to develop paragraphs, create longer papers in many subjects and disciplines in college, and complete careful analyses of college readings.  
 
            The modes may help you survivewriting assignments in a wide variety of subjects and disciplines.  This is because some instructors give assignments using the names of the modes as key words: e.g., "Write a comparison-contrast paper on the psychology of Sigmund Freud and the philosophy of Plato.   
                                           
Introduction            
            A rhetorical mode is a strategy--a way or methodof presenting a subject—through writing or speech.  Some of the better known rhetorical modes are, for example, "argument" and "cause and effect."  There are literally dozens, perhaps hundreds, of strategies or methods for presenting subjects; however, the modes are among the most basic. Instructors have used rhetorical modes to teach writing or public speaking since ancient Greek times over twothousand years ago, perhaps longer.  Knowing the modes can help us understand the organization--the methodology--of most kinds of writings or other presentations. 
            The basic modes are presented below in alphabetical order.  Though you can study and practice the modes in any order, often it is helpful to start with "Extended Definition" because it's pattern of thought useful when writingthe introduction to any paper using the other rhetorical modes.  Similarly, you may find "Description" helpful to learn early: not only do many people find this mode easier to use, but also its pattern of thought, too, is used in many other types of papers. 
 
| Argument |
            An "argument" is, simply, an educated guess or opinion, not a simple fact. It is something debatable: "Menhave walked on the moon" is a fact, but "People will walk on Venus in the next ten years" is an opinion. Anything that reasonably can be debated is an argument. A simple argument paper usually presents a debatable opinion and then offers supports in favor of it, or sometimes an argument paper will discuss both sides of an issue and then give good reasons for choosing one side over the other.  Forexample, a paper about space flight might argue that humans should not spend large sums of money in sending people into space.  The paper might then argue that three good reasons this is true is that there are many poor on our planet, on whom our resources should be spent, that space flight is not as enlightening for humankind as increasing literacy or cultural awareness, and that most of he moneybeing spent on space is for military purposes, which is useless.  Another type of argument paper might ask the main idea as a question: "Should the human race spend large sums of money to send people into space?"  Then it might argue both sides thoroughly and, finally, choose one side and give strong reasons why this side is best.
            A typical argument paper often has what is called a"thesis" structure.  It starts with an introduction that offers an interesting opening--a quotation, perhaps, or an interesting story, a statement of the main argument, and sometimes a list of the several reasons (often three, but not necessarily so) to be given in support of this argument.  Then, step by step, the reasons are given with supporting details such as quotations, facts, figures,...