Rhetorical Modes

Rhetorical Modes

Analyze: 

Take apart and look at constituent elements closely.

Compare: 

Look for similarities and differences; stress similarities.

Contrast: 

Look for differences and similarities; stress differences. . . .

Define: 

Explain exactly and clearly what something means.

Describe: 

Show what something looks like, including physical features. . . .

Synthesize: 

Combine or pull together pieces or concepts. . . 

Justify: 

Argue in support of something, using supporting evidence. . . .

Prove: 

Demonstrate correctness by use of logic, evidence, or example. . . .

Evaluate: 

Make a reasoned judgment according to some criteria 
(which it would be wise to make clear using a rubric). . . .

Summarize: 

Pull together the main points. 

Bloom's Taxonomy of Skills (Revised)

Rhetorical Modes

As a writer, you can begin by asking yourself questions and then answering them. Your answers will bring your subject into focus and provide,you with the material to develop your topic. Here are twenty questions or “thought starters” that present ways of observing or thinking about your topic. Each question generates the type of essay listed in parentheses after the question.

1. What does X mean? (Definition)

2. What are the various features of X? (Description)

3. What are the component parts of X? (Simple Analysis)

4. How is X made or done? (Process Analysis)

5. How should X be made or done? (Directional Analysis)

6. What is the essential function of X? (Functional Analysis)

7. What are the causes of X? (Causal Analysis)

8. What are the consequences of X? (Causal Analysis)

9. What are the types of X? (Classification)

10. How is X like or unlike Y? (Comparison)

11. What is the present status of X? (Comparison)

12. What is the significance of X? (Interpretation)

13. What are the facts about X? (Reportage)

14. How did X happen? (Narration)

15. What kind of person is X? (Characterization/Profile)

16. What is my personal response to X? (Reflection)

17. What is my memory ofX? (Reminiscence)

18. What is the value of X? (Evaluation)

19. What are the essential major points or features of X? (summary)

20. What case can be made for or against X? (Persuasion)