Rhetorical Modes of
Writing
Essay Unit for English III AP
What happened? What did it look like?
 College Entrance Essays
 Personal Anecdotes
 Turn to page 41 in The Riverside Reader
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Narration
How do you do it?
 How-to Paper
 Turn to page 102 in The Riverside Reader
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Process Analysis
How is it similar or different?
 Two types of organization: topic to topic
or subject by subject
 Turn to page 158 in The Riverside Reader
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Comparison and Contrast
Topic Organization
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Extra Curricular
Homework
Social Life
Subject by Subject
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Middle School
◦ Extra Curricular
◦ Homework
◦ Social Life
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High School
◦ Extra Curricular
◦ Homework
◦ Social Life
Comparing Middle School to High
School
What kind of subdivisions does it contain?
 Turn to page 218 in The Riverside Reader
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Division and Classification
How would you characterize it?
 Turn to page 287 in The Riverside Reader
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Definition Paper
Why did it happen? What happened next?
 Turn to page 326 in The Riverside Reader
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Cause and Effect
How can you prove it?
 Turn to page 293 in The Riverside Reader
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Persuasion and Argument
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Introduction (exordium)—introduces the reader or view to the subject under
discussion. The introduction draws the readers in by piquing their interest,
challenging them, or otherwise getting their attention. Often the introduction is
where the writer establish ethos.
Narration (narratio)—provides factual information and background material
on the subject, or establishes why the subject is a problem that needs
addressing. Although classical rhetoric describes narration as appealing to
logos, in actuality it often appeals to pathos because the writer attempts to
evoke an emotional response about the importance of the issue.
Confirmation (confirmation)—the major part of the text, includes the
development or the proof needed to make the writer’s case, containing the
most specific and concrete detail in the text. Strongest appeal to logos.
Refutation (refutation)—analyzes the opposition's argument and summarize
it; refute or address the points; point out faulty reasoning and inappropriate
appeals.
Conclusion (peroration)—brings presentation to a satisfying close. Appealing
to pathos, reminds the reader of the ethos established earlier. The conclusion
brings all the writer’s ideas together and answers the question, so what?
Remember the classical rhetoricians’ advice that the last words and ideas of a
text are those the audience is most likely to remember.
Organization of Argument
Claims—the stand taken on a specific issue. There are several different types
of claims: claims of fact, claims of definition, claims of cause, claims of value,
and claims of policy. You can use any one or more of these claims to introduce
your issue and to establish your case.
 Data—information you use to support your claims: Evidence, facts, stats,
examples, expert testimony.
 Warrant—the assumption made by a writer in order for the claim to be true.
Shows how the evidence supports the claim. It’s a more general assumption
that links the data to the claim.
 Backing—what you use to support the warrant. More data and evidence that
supports the warrant instead of specifically the claim.
 Rebuttal—this is where you consider the opposing viewpoints and refute
them.
 Qualifier—use language that seeks to qualify the claims you make in order to
bring your argument to a close. Modifies, limits, or restricts the claim.
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Toulmin Logic
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An introduction that briefly and objectively defines the
issue or problem
A neutral, non-judgmental statement of the
opponent's position, presented within valid contexts,
that demonstrates the writer clearly understands it
A neutral statement and explanation of your position
and the contexts in which it is valid
An analysis of what the two positions have in common
and what goals and values they share. This is where your
data would logically contribute the most.
A proposal for resolving the issue in a way that recognizes
the interests of both parties, or a statement of how the
opponent's position would benefit if he were to adopt
elements of the writer's position
Rogerian
“My Name is Margaret” pg. 42 Quiz on Friday
 “The Extendable Fork” pg. 219
 “The Knife” pg. 136
 “My Daily Dives in the Dumpster” pg. 103
 Quiz over “The Knife and “My Daily Dives” on
April 7
 “The Chem 20 Factor” pg. 328
 “Beauty” pg. 313
 AP MC Test over all essays on April 11
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http://ridgepoinths.com/faculty-and-staff/
Quizzes and Test