modes of development

8/8/2019 Modes of Development

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The Patterns of Argumentation


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M odes of Development include a variety of logical waysto organize an entire text, sections of a text, or individual paragraphs

The modes of development that an author employs

depend on the authors purpose they are thebuilding blocks that an author uses to construct anargument therefore, every mode of developmentused must support the authors THESIS

It is important to understand the implications of thesebuilding blocks when analyzing the validity of someones argument and when constructing your ownvalid arguments


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` N arration` Description` Process Analysis`

Exemplification` Comparison andContrast

` Classification andDivision

` Definition` Cause and Effect

*N one of these modesare mutually exclusive !

F or example: their could be bothdescription and causeand effect within anauthors section of

narration (or anycombination of modes)


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` A retelling of events based on personalexperience, observation, or reading

` Usually in chronological order ` Often used at the beginning of an argument

to introduce the topic and lead up to a thesisstatement


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` B ecause it is often used to create vividsensory imagery, it often works closely withnarration

` Description, through its imagery, can be astrong tool of persuasion especially in

terms of pathos

` Can be used to set the mood or tone


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` Is instructional in its nature, it:explains how something works,or how to do something,or how something was done.

` Process Analysis must clearly explain asequence of steps, stages, or phases of the

process


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` Provides a series of : facts or specific instances

` H ow does exemplification persuade ?

by transforming general ideas intoconcrete ones

it appeals to logos , specifically

inductive reasoning specific examples leadto a general conclusion


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` This is the same as: juxtaposition` Used to analyze similarities and differences` H ow does it persuade ?

by leading the reader to discover the sameinsights that the author has in mind


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` Comparison and Contrast can be organized in twoways:

1) S ub ject-by-sub ject Ex.Discuss candidate As education, foreign, anddomestic policies, then discuss candidate B seducation, foreign, and domestic policies

2) P oint-by-pointEx. Discuss candidate As education policy, then

candidate B s education policy. N ow switch tocandidate As foreign policy, then to candidate B sforeign policy, etc.


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` S orting of ideas into major categories

` Is the distinctive way an author breaks down a

larger concept into parts

` H ow does this persuade ? by appealing to logos convincing the audience

that certain ideas logically go together


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` If an term, concept, or idea has the possibility of meaning different things to different people, theauthor must set up her argument with a clear definition of what they mean by the term.

Examples: Patriotism, S uccess, H appiness, etc.` Ensures that the writer and her/his audience is on

the same page, speaking the same language thisis essential to constructing an air-tight argument

(one that doesnt leave room for objections)


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` Analyzes causes that lead to a certain effect,or

` the effects that result from a cause

` It is essential not to confuse effects for causesand causes for effects !

` H ow does this persuade ?by appealing to logos, proving how/why somethinghappened

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