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Overview of Discourse Types

This document provides an overview of Module One which focuses on discourse types, levels of comprehension, writing summaries, and evaluating information. It outlines the essay requirements including identifying the main idea and writer's purpose, and commenting on organizational strategies, language techniques, and reliability of information. Finally, it describes different discourse types, their common organizational strategies and language techniques.

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DORRAINE BENNETT
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
17 views14 pages

Overview of Discourse Types

This document provides an overview of Module One which focuses on discourse types, levels of comprehension, writing summaries, and evaluating information. It outlines the essay requirements including identifying the main idea and writer's purpose, and commenting on organizational strategies, language techniques, and reliability of information. Finally, it describes different discourse types, their common organizational strategies and language techniques.

Uploaded by

DORRAINE BENNETT
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Module One Overview & Discourse

Types
Prepared by K Chambers
Content to cover
• Discourse types
• Levels of comprehension
• Writing summaries
• Data collection methods and instruments
• Evaluating information
MODULE ONE ESSAY
FOCUS AREAS
• Main Idea
• Writer’s purpose
• Organizational Strategies
• Language Techniques
• Evaluation – validity & reliabilty
How are questions formulated
How ar

You will be asked to:


A. State the writer’s MAIN IDEA or give a SUMMARY of the writer’s
main idea in a given word limit (usually 30 words).
B. Write an essay in which you identify the WRITER’S PURPOSE and
comment on the ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGIES and LANGUAGE
TECHNIQUES. Usually a limit of 500 words is given.
C. If there is a part ( c ) it will ask you to comment on the use of TONE or
do an evaluation on the reliability and validity of the extract.
25mks
DISCOURSE TYPES
GENRE OF WRITING
The extract is usually written using one of the following Genres:
❖Narrative
❖Persuasive
❖Descriptive
❖Expository
❖Argumentative
Organizational Strategies of the
Narrative Discourse
• Flashback– action that took place earlier than the present action.
• Flash-forward – the opposite of flashback
• Foreshadowing - The author gives an hint as to what is to come.
Organizational Strategies of the
Descriptive Discourse
• Comparison – This is a description that focuses on the similarities
between two or more things.
• Contrast – It focuses on the differences
• Description – Uses sensory details to portray a person, place etc.
Organizational Strategies of the
Expository Discourse
• Cause and effect – To explain why something happened
• Classification – groupings based on shared characteristics
• Comparison and contrast – highlights similarities and differences
Organizational Strategies of the
Argumentative Discourse
• Counterarguments – makes allowances for the opposite perspective. An
objection to an objection.
• Refutation - identifying the weakness in an argument and providing
reasons why it is flawed
• Juxtaposition – Placing two contrasting things side by side to highlight the
differences
Organizational Strategies of the
Persuasive Discourse
• Counterarguments – makes allowances for the opposite perspective. An
objection to an objection.
• Evidence
• Cause and Effect
• Illustrations and examples
• Repetition
Language Techniques for the
Narrative and Descriptive Discourse
• Descriptive language – used to create imagery
• Figurative language
• Conversational tone – informal or friendly way of speaking
• Dialogue
• Voice
• Anecdotes
Language Techniques for the
Expository, Argumentative and Discourse
• Objective arguments
• Precise language
• Use of logos and neutral tone
• Presentation of evidence
Language Techniques for the
Persuasive Discourse
• Subjective arguments
• Non-neutral tone
• Use of logos, pathos and ethos
• Rhetorical questions
• Anecdotes

Common questions

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Flashback and flash-forward are strategic organizational techniques used in narrative discourse to provide a deeper understanding of the story's chronology and character motivations. Flashbacks allow the reader to gain insight into past events that have a significant impact on the present actions and decisions of characters, creating a richer comprehension of their development and the narrative arc. Flash-forwards, by contrast, offer glimpses into the future, building anticipation and suspense while providing context or consequences of the main events, thus enhancing the thematic depth .

Foreshadowing acts as an organizational strategy in narrative discourse by offering hints or clues about events that will occur later in the story. This technique builds anticipation and suspense, engaging readers by prompting them to speculate about future events. It aligns the narrative structure with thematic elements, subtly guiding readers to recognize deeper meanings or connections within the storyline, thus enhancing their overall understanding and investment in the narrative .

Evaluating validity and reliability is essential to constructing a well-founded analysis in discourse, as these criteria assess the trustworthiness of information and arguments presented. Validity ensures that the arguments are logically sound and conclusions are drawn from accurate premises. Reliability evaluates the consistency and dependability of the data and sources used. Together, they reinforce the integrity of discourse, ensuring that analyses are robust, credible, and capable of standing up to scrutiny, thereby fostering confidence in the conclusions drawn .

The 'use of figurative language' in narrative discourse primarily serves to create vivid imagery and deepen symbolic meanings, aiding in character development and enhancing the emotional resonance of the narrative. It often contributes to the narrative tone and supports thematic elements, creating a richer storytelling experience. In descriptive discourse, figurative language is used to evoke sensory details and paint vivid pictures in the reader's mind, focusing more on illustrating a scene or object in intricate detail. While both employ figurative language to engage readers, narrative use emphasizes plot and character dynamics, whereas descriptive use concentrates on enhancing visual and sensory richness .

In narrative discourse, anecdotes are used primarily to enrich the story by providing personal or relatable experiences that develop characters and advance the plot. They add depth and realism to the narrative structure. In persuasive discourse, anecdotes serve as emotional appeals that connect with the audience, reinforcing the writer's argument by illustrating real-world relevance and eliciting empathy or agreement, hence they function as a tool for persuasion .

'Juxtaposition' in argumentative discourse is highly effective as it places two contrasting ideas or perspectives side by side, highlighting differences and encouraging critical analysis by the reader. This strategy enhances the persuasive power of the argument by making contrasts more apparent and forcing the audience to consider each side's strengths and weaknesses. It provokes deeper reflection and engagement, often leading readers to understand the argument's nuance and complexity, which in turn can lead to a more compelling argument being made .

The 'use of logos' in expository and argumentative discourse significantly impacts comprehension by relying on logic and structured reasoning to convey information and persuade. In expository writing, logos helps clarify complex ideas by methodically explaining causes, effects, and relationships, thereby enhancing the reader's understanding of the topic. In argumentative discourse, logos is critical in constructing solid arguments, underpinning claims with evidence and logical reasoning. This emphasis on logic not only strengthens the credibility of the argument but also facilitates clearer communication, enabling the audience to critically evaluate the information presented .

Persuasive discourse often employs subjective arguments and a non-neutral tone to evoke emotion and connect with the audience on a personal level. It utilizes logos, pathos, and ethos alongside rhetorical questions to persuade, incorporating anecdotes to create relatability and emphasize points. In contrast, argumentative discourse relies on objective arguments, precise language, and a neutral tone, focusing on logos through logical proofs and evidence to substantiate claims .

In both persuasive and argumentative discourses, counterarguments play a pivotal role in strengthening the argument by acknowledging opposing views. In persuasive discourse, counterarguments are used as a rhetorical strategy to anticipate resistance and convince the audience by addressing and refuting opposing views emotionally and logically. In argumentative writing, the counterargument is a crucial component in presenting a well-rounded, balanced discussion that enhances the writer's credibility; it involves recognizing, then logically disproving the opposing arguments, thereby reinforcing the original claim's validity .

In descriptive discourse, the organizational strategy of 'comparison and contrast' contributes to the effectiveness by allowing the writer to vividly describe subjects by highlighting their similarities and differences. This strategy facilitates a clearer, more detailed depiction, strengthening the reader’s perception and comprehension of the described elements. By juxtaposing contrasting attributes, the writer creates a more relatable and immersive experience, enhancing the vividness and impact of the descriptions .

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