Modes of Composition

1. Modes of Composition

2. High School Writing • Expectation is for grammatical excellence • Teachers want to see clear organization of information in orderly fashion • Teachers will challenge you to write in a variety of different modes.

3. 4 Modes of Composition • Expository • What we have worked on all year. • Goal is to provide information, such as facts or analysis • Examples: most school papers, your textbooks, a magazine or online article • Narrative • The focus of your Odyssey writing • Goal is to tell a story. Can be fiction or nonfiction. • Examples: novels, short stories, personal narratives, autobiographies or biographies • Descriptive • A highly detailed derivation of Expository Writing • Goal is to help the reader create a visual image of an object; should include appeals to the senses and highly specific description • Examples: (very rare) poetry, journal writing, some very unique essays • Persuasive • Goal is to motivate reader into action or to change the reader’s opinion • Examples: Reviews, political speeches, editorials

4. Applying The Four Modes: • Expository A crab is a type of crustaceon commonly found in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. • Narrative Crispin the crab one day set out from his underwater home on an epic adventure in search of the golden clam of rathgar. • Descriptive The calcium carbonate exoskeleton of a crab is fringed with sharp spines and tinted with a bluish hue. • Persuasive If you want all the piquant delight of a spicy seafood treat, it is worth your while to crack open a savory crab this summer.

5. Applying The Four Modes • Expository Teachers are charged with the dual responsibility of managing a classroom of antsy children while delivering new academic content. • Narrative As Mr. Bailey walked into his classroom, he was greeted by a chorus of “hellos” and opened the day’s lesson with a prayer. • Descriptive The teacher’s breath had a faint aroma of stale coffee while his bald head radiated light from the sun. • Persuasive If you are looking for an opportunity to improve your writing while still having the occasional laugh, it is worth signing up for Mr. Bailey’s class.

6. Applying The Four Modes • Expository Chik-Fil-A is a local chain of chicken restaurants serving the Baltimore area. • Narrative The chicken named Chaloola braced himself for the ultimate sacrifice; facing beheading and the torture of the deep fryer, Chaloola gasped his final words, “At least I will become a delicious sandwich.” • Descriptive The crispy nodules of fried bread on the exterior of the sandwich shine with the residue of drying grease as the bun grows sodden with the greasy moisture. • Persuasive Though many menu items are presented, it is worthwhile to try the spicy chicken sandwich above all others, for when combined with the Polynesian sauce, it provides a delicious balance of sweet and spicy perfection.

7. Your Challenge • Pair up with a group of guys. No fewer than 2, no more than 5. • Write four paragraphs on the same topic. Each paragraph should be in a different mode. Remember: • Expository: provides information • Narrative: tells a story • Descriptive: describes a topic in specific detail that appeals to the senses • Persuasive: convinces the reader to do something or feel a certain way