The invention of writing and the discovery of scripts had opened up the biggest modes of expression ever.

It was actually in this very moment that humans realized their own potential of becoming the most powerful race on this planet.

Writing has been experimented upon since it came into being. And, it has been subjected to the test of time itself to prove its worth in expressing the deepest human emotion in the most profound ways.

But what makes the written words carry the effect and tone of the writer’s mood are the rhetorical modes of writing. These modes of writing are the keys to developing language-based communication, which encompasses all aspects of speaking and writing.

So, to understand the numerous dimensions of writing, and apply that practically, one definitely needs to know all about the modes of writing!

And, that is precisely what we have tried to explain to you in the next few sections of this guide!

Take a look!

What are the rhetorical modes of writing?

The rhetorical modes of writing or the modes of discourse refer to the conventions, variety, and the intended purposes of the major sorts of language-based communication, dealing specifically in writing and speaking.

There are four common rhetorical modes of writing, and their main purposes are those of:

Narration: This is the mode used when one has to narrate a story or event. It is vital for putting events in chronological order.

Description: The mode of description is used when the author has to recreate an event, feeling, scene, or an object in words, painting a textual picture for the reader to understand.

Exposition: This is mainly adopted in rhetorical modes where the writer has to inform, explain, or describe anything.

Argumentation: This is primarily a discussion between two people who may represent multiple sides to a story.

These different modes of writing apply to a varied range of writing styles. These are a part of a broader literary method that seeks to depict the mood and manner of the writer and the nature of their thoughts at the time of writing. These are not exclusively tied to any particular genre or form. And the examples for these include the ironic, the satiric, the comic, the didactic, and the pastoral modes.  

General purpose vs. specific purpose

There can be two major purposes for writing anything: general and specific. A specific purpose of writing anything can be associated with personal requirements for achieving a particular goal. But, a general purpose is intended to convey a direct message to a broader readership or to achieve a more significant target.

Writing has always been conventionally linked to four main purposes, namely, to express, to inform, to persuade, and to entertain. These are the most common purposes for a writer to have, and the goal, consequently, arises from the requirement to achieve these ends.

The purpose of expressing is a deeply personal feeling and can be meant for both limited or general readership. It is generally an elaboration of a thought that gives us a glimpse right into the writer’s mind. Whereas, when the purpose is to persuade, it can take on a serious tone, appealing to the intelligence of the readership.

It takes a central idea to be conveyed through writing, which is stressed upon using supportive claims and arguments. This idea should be supported by existing, well-found, and approved statements as well as logical reasoning that establishes the validity of the central idea.

Coming to the purpose of informing or entertaining, they are almost always meant for the wider public. More often than not, there is a social message in such writings, which is carefully constructed using the different modes of writing and expression.

How to form a central idea statement in writing?

For writing practically anything, you need to have a central idea that you will clearly put forth for your readers to reason with. However, this fundamental idea should be subtly put forth in verse, woven in the apparent setting of the theme.

So, in the next couple of sections, we’re going to provide you with a few basic ways of formulating the central idea of your writing.

1. Select a topic that you clearly understand

To form a central idea, you have to know what exactly you’re going to write about. It is as simple as that, but, at the same time, this is going to be the toughest part to get right. This is so because you have to understand that a central idea will always run on a particular setting or structure, which may or may not be similar to the main idea. 

For example, if you are writing a comic play with a burning social issue as its central idea, you have to balance out two very different factors correctly, to make your readers understand it.

So, in every way, you should write about something, which you, as the author, will have no problem at all in conveying correctly to the reader.

2. State the purpose of your central idea

Stating the purpose of your idea clearly will require you to hone in on your subject and break it up for your readers to understand all the elements of it. All of these elements should be able to connect to the central idea, while sharing a point of association with the rest.

For instance, if you’re writing an anthology about four different characters with the central idea of corruption, they should have a common factor that brings them to a single standpoint with the idea.

The purpose should clearly state what you, as a writer, are looking to achieve through directing your writing to your readership. As long as you keep it clear on both sides of the text, you should be able to make a legit mark with your work.

3. Wrap it up with a definite conclusion

The conclusion to what you have to express through your writing is as important as the idea itself. Not only does a conclusion help emphasize the central idea, but it helps foreground the importance of the text as a whole.

The conclusion to a text is an assertion and affirmation of your thoughts and opinions. It should reflect your understanding of the text and the points that you want to convey.

Why do we write?

Although there could be a million different reasons for writing all the things that one may write, the act of writing depends on many different purposes. And in the next few sections, we have tried to jot down all the possible reasons for writing. So, do give it a good read.

1. To communicate

It goes without saying that the next best thing to verbally communicating with anyone is writing. And in an era that is bent on their phone-screens to get the conversation started, there can be no doubt about the fact that writing is taking up the central spot. And it is doing so even by displacing verbal interaction in many cases.

2. To understand your thoughts clearly

For those who are actively into journaling, writing is the greatest way to understand their true selves and realize many different aspects of their lives. Not many have it in their nature to speak their minds out in a given situation. So, writing for them is a way to tell their stories, visit their thoughts, or accept certain hard-hitting facts in their lives.

Also, one of the biggest reasons for writing is documenting different creative ideas or experiences, which otherwise may go out of our minds due to forgetfulness.

And, writing can be a great way to calm your mind in the event of any inner conflict, putting your thoughts in perspective for you to know better.

3. Looking back on the journey 

If you are in the habit of documenting all the major events of your life in words, then it can be of great help for you to look back in time to see your personal growth. This way, you will be able to revisit all such occurrences that tested your capabilities as an individual, and what helped you overcome adversities. This way, you can continue being the best version of yourself no matter what life throws at you.

4. Sharing your thoughts and opinions

Writing will always help you express your personal feelings and opinions about something in a highly productive way, with the rest of the world. It is undeniably one of the greatest ways to hold the kind of discussions on a global platform, which will have all the potential of making a great difference in the present scenario.

The way you write can reflect a great many things about you as a person. So, in such cases, you do have to be mindful and sensitive about what you share with the world.

5. Building relationships in the community

As you write to share your views and opinions, you will attract all kinds of readers. And, the majority of that will be like-minded people who will share your point of view. As more and more such people join in on your bandwagon, you will get to build a strong relationship with them based on similar ideas, approaches, and shared feedback. This healthy community will help you grow as an individual.

Conclusion

Writing is undoubtedly the greatest way, after verbal communication, for social interaction. Not only does it help you form your social bonds by conveying your views to all, but it also aids your personal growth by putting your thoughts into perspective.

So, in this regard, understanding the different modes of writing becomes the key to achieving enormous success when it comes to expressing your deepest feelings through words.

Thanks for reading!