Rhetoric is the use of words and style to effectively communicate with the audience. In writing, authors use rhetoric to ensure their writing serves a specific purpose or meets a specific goal. Authors may use more than one rhetorical mode in each piece of writing.
There are multiple rhetorical modes of writing. Rhetorical modes , also known as rhetorical devices, rhetorical style, or modes of discourse, are simply the name for the style, purpose, and technique a writer uses to convey ideas. The four most common rhetorical modes are description, expository, narration, and persuasive.
Below are some examples of rhetorical modes and how writers use these tools in different situations.