The Four Modes of Writing

The Four Modes of Writing

Expository Writing, Descriptive Writing, Narrative Writing, Persuasive Writing

Expository Writing

Writing to inform or educate the reader

Organizational Strategies of Expository Writing

Definitions, Quotations, Statistics, Authoritative Sources, Historical Data, Chronological or Numerical Order, Cause and Effect, Comparison and Contrast, Problem Solution, Classification, Ascending or Descending Order, Jargon, Hypophora

Descriptive Writing

Writing that describes an event, person, place or thing

Language Techniques of Descriptive Writing

Precise Adjectives, Adverbs, Strong Verbs, Imagery or Sensory Details, Figurative Language

Organisational Strategies of Descriptive Writing

Spatial order, Chronological order, Order of Importance, Comparative Order

Narrative Writing

Writing that tells a story by connecting a series of events using characters and plot

Organizational Strategies for Narrative Writing

Theme, Character, Setting, Plot, Conflict, Point of View, Dialogue, Flashback, Foreshadowing, Satire, Situational Irony, Cliffhanger

Language Techniques of Narrative Writing

Imagery (visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory), Symbolism, Simile, Metaphor, Personification, Hyperbole, Verbal Irony

Persuasive Writing

Writing to influence or convince the reader to agree with you

The Three Appeals of Persuasive Writing

Ethos, Logos, Pathos

Ethos

An appeal to ethics

Logos

An appeal to logic or reason

Pathos

An appeal to emotions

Language Techniques of Persuasive Writing

Rhetorical Questions, Repetition, Slogan, Emotive language, Loaded Words, Hyperbole, Alliteration, Ridicule or Humour, Irony or Sarcasm

Organisational Strategies of Persuasive Writing

Statistics, Factual Data, Testimonial, Expert Opinion, Bandwagon appeal, Anecdotes, Quotations, Listing, Call to Action, Bold words, Italics, Brackets, Ellipsis

Two Types of Prose

Scientific or Technical and Artistic