Types Of Discourse

TYPES OF DISCOURSE
A discourse is a mode of communication that determines what is said and how it is said. The type of discourse that is used determineshow a conversation or communication will proceed. The primary types of discourse are description, argument, narration and exposition.

DescriptionDescription communicates what things are like according to the five senses; the way things sound, look, taste, feel and smell are given in detail. This type ofdiscourse is good at evoking atmosphere or mood and is helped by the use of metaphors and similes.
Argument
The purpose of argumentative discourse is to get thelistener or reader to agree with what is being said through evidence and reason. Argument tries to elicit agreement through the use of logic, figures, facts,illustrative examples and expert testimony; emotional appeals may also be used. An argument may be persuasive if its purpose is not only to get the readeror listener to agree but also to get them to act on that belief.
Narration
Narration involves telling a series of events, usually in the order that theyhappened. Narration is essentially storytelling, and is often used in forms such as fairy tales. This type of discourse may relate events that are fictional ornonfictional.

Exposition
Expository discourse is used to inform. Exposition can be used to compare and contrast, define, analyze, classify, show causeand effect or lay out a problem and its solution. This type of discourse usually has a distinct type of organization and structure that is easy to follow.