Types of Discourse Quiz

Connected Discourse - Reading and Writing 11

• Learning Objectives:
  • Identify the nature and purpose of a discourse.
  • Differentiate between types of discourses.
  • Differentiate between types of literary discourses.

What is a Discourse?

• Defined by Scollon and Scollon (2001) as a language or system of representation that develops socially to create and circulate coherent meanings about a topic area.
• A discourse is used to describe various forms of communication (written, verbal, visual). It analyzes language and communication as social phenomena.
• In written form, it's a formal, lengthy discussion of a topic, where concepts are logically organized.

Purposes of a Discourse:

• To Inform: Sharing information through conversations, debates, or other communication. Involves multiple perspectives to gain new ideas and insights. Improves understanding of topics.
• To Persuade: Presenting an argument in favor of a particular viewpoint. Uses persuasive language, logical reasoning, rhetorical devices, evidence, personal anecdotes, and stories to make the point more relatable.
• To Entertain: Provides interesting topics of conversation/debate, humor, storytelling, and anecdotes. Engages audiences with thought-provoking questions and fresh perspectives.

Types of Discourses:

• Expository: Explains, informs, or describes a topic or issue. Based on facts and data, usually objective, often seen in essays, research papers.
• Descriptive: Creates a vivid mental image of the topic. Uses language to paint a picture of a person, place, thing, or idea. Typically includes sensory details.
• Narrative: The way stories are told. Ideas, events, and experiences are sequenced logically; conveying information or creating a sense of purpose.
• Argumentative: Involves making a claim and providing evidence to support it. Presents logical and convincing arguments to persuade the audience to accept a point of view.

Literary Discourse

• Focused on creative works (poetry, short stories, novels, plays).
• Also includes business communication texts like letters and resumes.

Academic Discourse

• Language and concepts used when academics communicate.
• Characterized by formal writing, research-based evidence, in-depth topic analysis.

Written Task #1 (Expository Discourse):

• Choose one topic for an expository essay (e.g., music's impact, technology's effect on literature, AI importance, technology's harms).
• Write the essay on a single sheet of yellow paper in English.