Unit 2: Basic Rhetorical Modes

Rhetorical Modes

Ways of using language to have an effect on the audience.

Classification

Aristotle's division of quantity into discrete and continuous categories. Classification is a useful skill to understand.

When and How to Use Classification

Useful for analyzing and explaining something, with a central idea and meaningful groups.

What not to do with categorization

Do not use overlapping categories or justify the reasoning for classification.

Illustration

Using examples to substantiate an argument or point.

When and How to Use Examples (Illustration)

Use relatable examples from real life or culture, ensuring they truly illustrate the point. Ensure that the reader will be able to identify and understand the given examples.

What not to do with illustration

Do not use examples that will not make sense to the reader or will require too long to analyze.

Analogy

Comparing difficult or abstract concepts with easier or concrete ones.

When and How to Use Analogy

Use for expository writing to explain abstract or difficult ideas, ensuring the audience readily understands the concrete subject.

What not to do with analogy

Never use analogy in argumentative writing or compare to something that the audience is unlikely to understand.