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AP Language and Composition- Modes of Discourse Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
3832294737NarrationTelling a story or recounting a series of events, may be real or fictional, usually governed by chronology, and must support a thesis0
3832294738DescriptionSimilar to narration in its use of concrete details, differs from narration in its emphasis on senses, often used to establish atmosphere or mood, rarely a stand-alone developmental pattern (usually used to strengthen other modes)1
3832294739Process AnalysisExplains how something works, how to do something, or how something was done. Often more expository than persuasive, connotative language may establish a position or tone2
3832294740ExemplificationProviding a series of examples, turns a general idea into a concrete idea, often helps clarify or illustrate a point or argument, Often used in inductive arguments (reasoning from specifics pieces of evidence to a more general conclusion)3
3832294741Compare & ContrastJuxtaposing two things to highlight their similarities and differences4
3832294742Classify & DivideSorting material into categories, making connections between things that might otherwise seem unrelated5
3832294743DefinitionGenerally used to clarify the thesis or subject6
3832294744Cause & EffectMay move from causes to effect or work from the effect backward to the causes7

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