Chapter 2 Projects: Modes of Writing

Project Assignment

Project Goal

In Chapter 2, you studied four major writing modes: descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive. The goal of this project is to demonstrate your understanding of these writing modes by first creating, with your group, a table of potential topics for each writing mode. Second, you and your group will explore popular culture and media to identify clear examples of each mode. Finally, you will write a personal reflection about your experiences in completing this project.

Directions

This project has three parts. Parts 1 and 2 should be completed in groups of three or four students, depending on the class size. Part 3 should be completed independently by using the table produced during Part 1.

Part 1

In a group, complete the following table with three examples of each writing mode. For example, next to descriptive writing, you might write, "essay describing campus study spots." For persuasive writing, you might write, "email asking a professor to extend a paper deadline." It is important to remember that all purposes and situations are acceptable for this activity. (Do not use the provided examples; each response should be original.)

Part 2

For Part 2, remain in your groups and work collaboratively. Using any form of popular media (including but not limited to internet, TV, film, streaming services, commercials, and/or print advertisements), find an example that best demonstrates each mode. Complete the following chart with your group's examples and the source of each (e.g., web address, print medium, billboard).

Once your chart is complete, discuss within your group how those modes are not limited to writing but can take shape in all forms of communication. Each group member should take notes on this discussion.

Part 3

Individually, write a paragraph reflecting on what you have learned in this project. Your paragraph should include a topic sentence, supporting evidence, and a concluding sentence. It should follow all rules of standard academic English. Respond to the following questions in your reflection paragraph.

• What mode example(s) were easy to find? Why?

• What mode example(s) were difficult to find? Why?

• What does this experience reveal about the modes we encounter every day?

Project Materials

No additional materials are required.

Student Checklist

Part 1

Group

Part 2

Group

Part 3

Individual

Writing Assignment

Writing Assignment Goal

In Chapter 2, you studied four major writing modes: descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive, and you studied the three writing situations: academic, professional, and everyday. The goal of this writing assignment is to explore writing situations and purposes by creating and modifying an original piece of writing.

Directions

Part 1

In Parts 1 and 2, you will develop four separate paragraphs, one for each mode, on the general subject of "homework." Part 1 is a pre-writing activity in which you will brainstorm narrowed, or more specific, topics for each mode. Fill in the following chart with two potential narrowed topics that are appropriate to and influenced by each mode. For example, a narrowed topic about homework for an expository paragraph might be "recent homework mandates in public high schools." After completing the table, identify which of the two topics you will write about for each mode in Part 2.

Part 2

Using the narrowed topics you came up with in Part 1, write one descriptive paragraph, one narrative paragraph, one expository paragraph, and one persuasive paragraph. Each paragraph should include a topic sentence, support sentences, and a concluding sentence and follow all rules of standard academic English.

Part 3

Write a paragraph reflecting on the writing modes you just practiced. Respond to the following questions in your reflection.

• Did brainstorming and pre-writing help you complete Part 2? Why or why not?

• Which mode did you find easiest to use? Why?

• Which mode did you find most challenging to use? Why?

• What did you learn that you could apply to future writing experiences or projects?

Writing Assingment Materials

No additional materials are required.

Student Checklist

Part 1

Individual

Part 2

Individual

Part 3

Individual