Using Rhetorical Modes

Once writers understands how the different modes work individually, they will be able to write essays based on their common knowledge or experience using one or more of the modes to develop ideas into a cohesive structure organized around a particular mode. In this sense, rhetorical modes can be seen as answers to specific kinds of questions or patterns of relationships between ideas.

For instance, a student wanting to answer the question What is gravity? would write a definition essay. A student wanting to answer the question What is the difference between Newton's and Einstein's theory of gravity? would write a comparison/contrast essay. A student wanting to answer the question How does gravity work? would write a process essay. A student wanting to answer the question What effect has Einstein's theory of gravity had on modern science and culture? would write a cause/effect essay. A student wanting to answer the question Because of the continued influence of scientific theory on popular thought, should all college students be required to take a course in the philosophy of science? would write an argument essay.

Modes as Critical Thinking

Ultimately, the true value of understanding and using rhetorical modes is that they are models for critical thinking. Effective writers are able to use different modes like tools from a toolbox to build and support a thesis and to compile evidence gathered through research and the writer's common knowledge, experience, and personal viewpoints. By using rhetorical modes to strengthen and build the assertion of an essay, writers create credibility, validity, and reliability for their theses. Thus, an understanding of how to use rhetorical modes to cohesively weave together gathered evidence and claims is a great advantage for a writer beginning to craft a paper using sources of support.

ENGL1010 Composition I