Rhetorical Patterns of Essays

In which type of essay does the writer detail the reasons an action occurred or the results of an action?

• Definition

• Comparison and Contrast

• Cause and Effect

• Argument

In which type of essay does the writer detail the steps involved in completing a task or how something works?

• Description

• Example

• Division/Classification

• Process

In which type of essay does the writer take a stance on an issue and provide valid, logical support in an effort to convince the reader that stance is correct?

• Argument

• Description

• Narration

• Definition

In which type of essay does the writer detail the similarities and differences between two related items?

• Cause and Effect

• Process

• Comparison and Contrast

• Division/Classification

In which type of essay does the writer use vivid adjectives and lively verbs to provide sensory details for a topic?

• Description

• Example

• Narration

• Argument

In which type of essay does the writer categorize the overall topic into types, kinds, groups, etc.?

• Definition

• Description

• Division/Classification

• Comparison and Contrast

In which type of essay does the writer detail the meaning of an abstract term or phrase through the use of supporting details?

• Argument

• Example

• Narration

• Definition

In which type of essay does the writer provide details of a specific event, usually in chronological order?

• Process

• Narration

• Argument

• Definition

In which type of essay does the writer use specific, relevant illustrations and transitions including "such as" and "for instance"?

• Example

• Argument

• Process

• Narration