ANALYZING DISCOURSE TYPES

Analyzing Discourse Types
1. If the writing is descriptive then the text will be organized spatially and will have the following elements:
a. an appeal to the senses
b. descriptive words and phrases
c. a dominant impression through the use of an appeal to the senses.
d. a specific point of view which may either be a physical setting, a dominant mood or tone.

2. Narratives are organized along a chronological order and have a time sequence. Narration has the following features:
a. the use of dialogue
b. action and dynamic words
c. plot
d. conflict
e. point of view whether first, second or third person narration.

3. Exposition – the organizational structure would include:
a. comparison/contrast
b. illustration
c. analogy
d. cause and effect
e. coherent and logical writing
f. a main idea or thesis statement
g. sub-ideas or supporting details

4. Argument / Persuasion – here the writer or speaker will seek to offer proofs for claims which he has made. These are the features of argument/persuasion:
a. fact/opinion
b. refutation and counter argument
c. appeal to authority
d. statistical data
e. emotional appeals
f. rhetorical questions
g. personal experiences