Modes of Discourse
The early Greeks were so enamored of speechmaking, they studied its idiosyncrasies without respite. Their studies led them to the idea that topics and/or subjects can only be discussed in four ways. First, speechmakers can describe what they are talking about in terms of the five senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, smell. Second, speechmakers can tell a story about their topic or subject to illustrate it. Third, speechmakers can explain how something works or how it is put together. Fourth, speechmakers can argue a point of view, attempting to persuade others to change their minds, to adopt the points of view of the speakers (or, in our case, writers).
Over time, these classical speech methods or "modes" became known as the Four Modes of Discourse.
An overview of the four modes of discourse is given below:
- A narrative essay tells a story. It has character, setting, and action. The characters, the setting, and the problem of the narrative are usually introduced in the beginning. The problem reaches its high point in the middle. The ending resolves the problem.
- A descriptive essay is used to create a vivid image of a person, place, or thing. It draws on all of the senses, not merely the visual. Its purpose is to enable the reader to share the writer's sensory experience of the subject.
- A persuasive essay states an opinion and supports it convincingly. It considers the nature of the audience and marshals evidence accordingly. It is neither completely objective nor wholly emotional. Instead, it uses the controlled feelings of the writing to persuade the audience.
- An expository essay can take a variety of forms. It may tell how to make or do something, report on an experience, or explore an idea. Expository writing conveys information to the reader in such a way as to bring about understanding, whether it be of a process or procedure, or of the writer's ideas about a concept.
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