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A mode is a way of describing an approach to writing that has a specific purpose, or goal. The narrative mode is a mode of writing that is driven by a story; it tells what has happened, whether the story is fictional or true. This might be an opportunity for reflecting upon an event, or maybe just a way to tell an entertaining story about something interesting that happened.
When would you use this mode? You would definitely use narration to tell the story of a recent vacation, but you might also use it academically or professionally.
EXAMPLE
If you're writing a paper for a political science class and want to imagine how a potential policy change might influence the country, you might use the narrative mode.Description provides details that zero in on a specific person, place, or thing. It’s used to draw a clear and vivid picture.
As seen in the example above, it can be used along with narration for an academic paper, or in your professional career.
How else might you use the descriptive mode?
EXAMPLE
In a business setting, you may want to pitch a new product. Using the descriptive mode, you can clearly describe its features and uses.The informative mode is a mode of writing designed to inform, describe, or explain. It is thus similar in some ways to narration and description and may use those modes. It’s also specifically used for informing, which involves giving the reader facts without offering an opinion about them.
This mode is written with as little bias as possible. Your feelings about the facts cannot change whether or not they’re true.
EXAMPLE
When writing a history paper, you would likely use the informative mode to inform your readers about past events. You cannot pick and choose which elements of the truth you’ll include.The argumentative mode takes a clear position on a debatable question and backs up claims with evidence and reasoning. This is where you present a thesis statement, or a clearly stated main point, which takes a side in a debate and presents supporting evidence, logical arguments, and reasoning to back up that position.
Obviously, you’ll use this mode if you’re assigned an opinion or argumentative paper, but you likely already use this mode often in your daily life.
EXAMPLE
Your friends want to go out for Chinese food, but you’d rather have a burger, so you try to convince them to head out for burgers instead. When you do this, you’re using the argumentative mode.Source: THIS TUTORIAL WAS AUTHORED BY SOPHIA LEARNING. PLEASE SEE OUR TERMS OF USE.
