| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Rhetorical modes (modes of discourse) | this flexible term describes the variety, the conventions, and the purpose of the major kinds of writing. The four most common rhetorical modes and their purpose are exposition, argumentation, description, and narration |
| Exposition | The purpose is to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion |
| Argumentation | The purpose is to prove the validity of an idea, or POV, by presenting sound reasoning, discussion, and argument that thoroughly convince the reader. Persuasive writing is one type that has an additional aim or urging some form of action |
| Description | The purpose is to re-create, invent, or visually present a person, place, event, or action so taht the reader can picture that being described. sometimes an author engages all five sense in it; good writing of this type can be sensuous and picturesque. It may be straightforward and objective or highly emotional and subjective |
| Narration | The purpose is to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events. This writing frequently uses the tools of descriptive writing. |
| Stream of consciousness | the presentation of the procession of thoughts passing through the mind without logical sequence, but mingled randomly |
| Parody | a work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. As comedy, parody distorts or exaggerates distinctive features of the original. As ridicule, it mimics the work by repeating and borrowing words, phrases, or characteristics in order to illuminate weaknesses in the original |
| Satire | A work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule. Regardless of whether or not the work aims to reform humans or their society, satire is best seen as a style of writing rather than a purpose for writing. It can be recognized by many devices used effectively by the satirist, such as irony, wit, parody, caricature, hyperbole, understatement, and sarcasm. The effects of satire are varied, depending on the writer's goal, but good satire, often humorous, is thought provoking and insightful about the human condition |
| Anecdote | a short narrative detailing the particulars of an event |
| Bildungsroman | a coming of age novel, the story of a person's developement |
| Homily | this term literally means "sermon," but more informally it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice |
| Allegory | the device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. In some allegories, an author may intend the characters to personify an abstraction like hope or freedom. The allegorical meaning usually deals with moral truth or a generalization about human existence |
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