MODs + Rhetorical Devices

Narration - MOD

Tells a story or recounts events in a structured format.

Narration - Effect

Aims to evoke emotions and connect with the audience on a personal level.

Description - MOD

Focuses on detailing sensory experiences to create vivid imagery.

Description - Effect

Helps to establish mood and atmosphere in a piece of writing.

Exposition - MOD

Provides background information and context to help the reader understand the topic.

Exposition - Effect

Aims to inform rather than persuade or entertain.

Argumentation - MOD

Presents a claim or thesis and supports it with evidence and reasoning.

(Always focus on this for the author’s purpose)

Argumentation - Effect

AUTHORS’ PURPOSES: to influence the reader's beliefs, attitudes, or actions.

Cause/Effect - MOD

Explores the relationship between events, identifying what causes certain outcomes.

Cause/Effect - Effect

Helps the reader understand the reasons behind phenomena or actions.

Compare/Contrast - MOD

Examines similarities and differences between two or more subjects.

Compare/Contrast - Effect

Helps to clarify distinctions and highlight relationships.

Classification/Division - MOD

Organizes subjects into categories based on shared characteristics.

Classification/Division - Effect

Helps to simplify complex information by breaking it down into manageable parts.

Definition - MOD

 Explains the meaning of a term or concept, often providing examples for clarity.

Definition - Effect

Aims to eliminate ambiguity and ensure the reader understands the topic.

Process Analysis - MOD

Breaks down a process into steps to explain how something is done.

Process Analysis - Effect

Can be instructional (how-to) or informative (explaining a process).

Exemplification - MOD

Provides examples to illustrate a point or argument. 

Exemplification - Effect

Seeks to help the reader understand the concepts conveyed through relatable scenarios.

Problem/Solution - MOD

explores a specific problem and offers a specific solution.

Problem/Solution - Effect

Ideally, resolves issues. Might assuage concerns about issues; could exacerbate issues.

Simile* - Basic Device

makes a comparison between unlike things, suggesting an unexpected likeness while using the words like or as (or sometimes than or resembles).

Simile* - Effect

Establishes a similarity so the audience can relate a known concept to a lesser known one. Does not say the 2 things are the same; they are just similar.

Metaphor* - BD

compares two essentially dissimilar things, but instead of saying one thing is like another, it equates them,

Metaphor* - Effect

Establishes sameness so the audience can relate a known concept to a lesser known one; emotional impressions of the things transfer to the others.

Hyperbole* - BD

an extreme exaggeration; often used comically or satirically.

Hyperbole* - Effect

The obviousness of the exaggeration conveys a lack of seriousness; it sometimes creates irony, and often humor.

Understatement* - BD

a description of something as less than it actually is; often used comically or satirically.

Understatement* - Effect

By downplaying a statement, understatement can make it ironic, memorable, humorous, or emotionally impactful.

Analogy* - BD

an extended metaphor or simile. Sometimes extended over several sentences or even several paragraphs; analogies help readers understand an unfamiliar idea by comparing it to something concrete they already know.

Analogy* - Effect

This simplifies complex and abstract ideas for greater audience understanding