Four Modes of Discourse (Methods of Writing/Purpose)

Argument/Persuasion--writer presents a position and hopes the audience will accept it
*Ask yourself--are there words used that are abstract/subjective-could someone else see this differently?
Description--writing that appeals to the 5 senses (see, hear, taste, touch, smell)
*Ask yourself--can I visualize this? Are there lots of adjectives?
Exposition--writing that explains or informs
*Ask yourself are these just facts/instructions?
Narration--tells a story
*Ask yourself, are there characters, a setting, a plot evident?


*Don't get this confused with determining the ethos, logos, and pathos, in Argument/Persuasion! Those are appeals. These are methods/purpose.

Examples for writing one of each:
Subject: Black Friday
Arg/Pers: If you do not go shopping on Black Friday you are stupid. You will get the best deals of the season. Even though the crowds are rough, they are really not as bad as people say. It is indeed the most fun shopping experience you will have in your life.
Descr: The freezing air was biting my red nose. The man behind me was so close I could barely breathe. The fluorescent lights came on and from the darkness came an old man dressed in a blue Wal-Mart smock. The tired crowd became a stampede.
Expo: Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving. On this day, stores have sales in which they drastically reduce regular prices. Many people will camp outside or go out very early in the morning to get these deals.
Narr: Last year, my best friend and I went to Wal-Mart at 3:00 am to get Black Friday deals. She kept telling me how angry at me she was for dragging her out in the darkness, all just for a new television. I reassured her it would all be worth it in the end. After we braved the crowds and emerged victoriously with our new LCD, we went to breakfast--and of course went home to bed!