Lecture 5: Writing Process and Rhetorical Modes in Composition

1.3 Stages of the Writing Process

To write effectively in academic, business, or professional contexts, one must move beyond
merely putting words on paper. Effective writing requires clarity, correctness, planning, and
structure. This is especially vital in formal documents such as reports, research papers,
proposals, dissertations, and theses.

Mastering the writing process helps writers avoid confusion and ensures that their work is well-
organized, logically developed, and stylistically polished.

The writing process is best understood in three key stages:

Stage 1: Planning (Pre-writing)

This stage is foundational. It involves the preparatory steps that help a writer clarify the task,
generate ideas, and organize content.

Key Activities:

 Understanding the Assignment: Carefully read the writing prompt or project guidelines.
 Choosing a Topic: Select a subject that is appropriate, manageable, and interesting.
 Defining Purpose and Audience: Consider why you're writing (to inform, persuade,
describe) and who will read the work.
 Conducting Research: Gather relevant data, examples, and credible sources.
 Outlining: Organize ideas into logical sequences—introduction, body, conclusion.

A well-prepared plan is like a blueprint for a building—it ensures structure and direction.

Stage 2: Drafting

Drafting is the actual act of writing down your ideas, turning your outline and research into full
paragraphs and sections. The goal is to create a rough version of the final work.

Key Activities:

 Write Freely: Don’t worry about perfection—get your ideas on the page.
 Follow Your Outline: Stick to the planned structure while allowing room for creativity.
 Start Anywhere: Begin with sections that feel easiest—introduction or body.
 Focus on Content: Concentrate on expressing ideas clearly; style and grammar come
later.
 Consider the Reader: Write with your audience’s expectations and understanding in
mind.
Think of this stage as building the framework and walls of a house—you’ll refine and decorate
later.

Stage 3: Revision, Editing, and Proofreading

Once the initial draft is complete, the final stage involves refining the work. This means
reviewing the structure, improving sentence clarity, correcting grammar, and ensuring coherence.

Key Activities:

 Revising: Reorganize paragraphs, rephrase sentences, and ensure logical flow.

 Editing: Fix grammatical, spelling, punctuation, and typographical errors.
 Polishing Style: Make your writing concise, readable, and consistent in tone.
 Reader’s Perspective: Evaluate the paper as your intended audience would.

This stage transforms your writing from a draft into a polished and professional document.

2.0 The Rhetorical Modes

2.1 Meaning of the Term

Rhetorical modes refer to the genres or types of essay writing used to achieve specific
purposes. The term “essay” comes from the Latin exigere, meaning “to examine or test.” Essays
challenge writers to explore, analyze, and articulate their thoughts with clarity and structure.

An essay is not just a stream of thoughts—it must be focused, organized, and deliberate. The
goal is to communicate ideas effectively, often within constraints of word count, time, or
format.

2.2 Types of Rhetorical Modes (Essay Genres)

There are four main types of essays, each with its own purpose, structure, and style.

1. Narrative Essay

Purpose: To tell a story or recount an experience. Narrative essays often contain personal
anecdotes, emotional resonance, and vivid detail.

Guidelines:

 Include all story elements: introduction, characters, plot, climax, setting, and conclusion.
 Choose a clear point of view, often first person ("I").
 Use descriptive language to create vivid imagery.
 Maintain a clear purpose—what should the reader learn or feel?
 Organize your events logically.
Example Topic: “The Day I Overcame My Greatest Fear”

2. Descriptive Essay

Purpose: To describe a person, place, object, or emotion so that the reader forms a vivid mental
picture.

Guidelines:

 Use sensory details (sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing).

 Choose vivid and precise words—avoid vague or abstract terms.
 Describe emotions to connect deeply with the reader.
 Be organized—use either spatial or chronological order.
 Leave a lasting impression.

Example Topic: “A Walk Through the Old City Market”

3. Argumentative (Persuasive) Essay

Purpose: To present a well-supported argument and convince the reader of a particular position.

Characteristics:

 Requires extensive research, often including data, examples, or expert opinion.

 Involves discussing opposing viewpoints to strengthen the argument.
 Uses logical structure and evidential support.

Common Formats:

 Five-Paragraph Essay:

Introduction with thesis

Three body paragraphs (evidence and counter-arguments)

Conclusion

 Extended Argumentative Essay:

Includes background context, source credibility, detailed analysis, and multiple

perspectives.

Structural Essentials:
  A clear thesis statement in the first paragraph.
 Logical transitions between sections.
 Use of factual, logical, or anecdotal evidence.
 A conclusion that addresses the thesis based on the evidence.

Example Topic: “Should Social Media Platforms Be Regulated for Misinformation?”

4. Expository Essay

Purpose: To explain, define, or analyze a concept or idea in a balanced and structured way.

Unlike argumentative essays, expository essays avoid persuasion and focus solely on clarity and
explanation.

Techniques Used:

 Definition
 Comparison and Contrast
 Cause and Effect
 Classification
 Examples and Illustrations

Structure:

 Introduction with a thesis

 Body paragraphs explaining the idea
 Conclusion summarizing the findings

Example Topic: “The Causes and Consequences of Urban Migration”

Note: Expository essays are often found in classroom exams and academic evaluations.