Each type of discourse has specific features. This slideshow outlines how different discourse types can be distinguished from each other.

1. Discourse
Types
Prepared by
Miss Keisha Parris

2. Discourse types, also known as
rhetorical modes, are types of speaking
and writing.

3. There are five main types of discourse:
Narrative
Description
Persuasive
Argumentative
Expository

4. Narrative writing involves telling a story
(narrating). Narration involves several
features, such as:
Narrative

5. Point of view (first person or third person)
Characters
Setting
Plot
Conflict
Resolution

6. Descriptive
Descriptive writing features
descriptive words/phrases and
sensory images.

7. An effective piece of descriptive
writing should make the reader feel
as if he or she is experiencing what
is being described.

8. Persuasive
The purpose of Persuasive
writing/speaking is to convince the
readers/listeners to change their
mode of thinking or to persuade
them to take a specific action.

9. Persuasive techniques are often used in:
Advertisements
Argumentative writing
Political campaigns
Persuasion often appeals to emotion.

10. Argumentative
Argumentative writing/speaking is
similar to Persuasive
writing/speaking. However, the
argument is put forward in a logical
manner and is often supported by
facts.

11. Persuasive techniques are often
used in Argument.

12. Expository
The purpose of Expository writing,
or Exposition, is to deliver
information about an issue, subject,
method, or idea.

13. Types of Expository Writing include:
 Analogy
 Analysis
 Cause and Effect
 Classification

14.  Comparison and Contrast
 Definition
 Examples
 Process Analysis

15. What type of writing does each of the
following represent?
1. An examination of education in the
Caribbean
2. Tommy’s journey
3. Beautiful Barbados
4. Try our product today!
5. Extracurricular activities should be
mandatory in schools

16. Identifying Discourse Types
To identify a Discourse Type, you must
pay attention to:
The writer’s purpose
The main idea of the speech/passage
The type of language used
The way the information is organised

17. Combinations of Discourse Types
Very often, a speech/piece of writing
will include a combination of
discourse types.
However, one of the discourse
types should be clearly dominant.