English Grammar & Writing Genres & Modes of Writing Syllabus

Genres & Modes of Writing syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Genres & Modes of Writing in English Grammar & Writing, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Narrative Writing

   4 topics

   • Plot and Sequence
   • Setting and Characterization
   • Point of View
   • Descriptive Detail
2. 2

   Expository and Informational Writing

   4 topics

   • Explaining a Process
   • Compare and Contrast
   • Cause and Effect
   • Definition and Classification
3. 3

   Persuasive and Argumentative Writing

   4 topics

   • Claims and Thesis
   • Evidence and Reasoning
   • Counterarguments and Rebuttals
   • Rhetorical Appeals
4. 4

   Descriptive Writing

   3 topics

   • Sensory Language
   • Imagery
   • Spatial Organization
5. 5

   Practical and Professional Writing

   4 topics

   • Formal and Informal Letters
   • Emails and Memos
   • Resumes and Cover Letters
   • Reports and Proposals
6. 6

   Research-Based Writing

   4 topics

   • Summarizing and Paraphrasing
   • Quoting Sources
   • Avoiding Plagiarism
   • Citation Styles

Genres & Modes of Writing flashcards for English Grammar & Writing

25 of 50 cards from the Genres & Modes of Writing deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. In narrative writing, what is 'plot'?

   The sequence of related events that make up a story, typically structured around a conflict and its resolution. Its classic arc is exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution (denouement).

2. List the five stages of Freytag's Pyramid (dramatic structure) in order.

   1) Exposition, 2) Rising action, 3) Climax, 4) Falling action, 5) Resolution (denouement).

3. What is the difference between chronological order and flashback in sequencing a narrative?

   Chronological order presents events in the time order they occurred; a flashback interrupts the present sequence to depict an earlier event, providing backstory or context.

4. Name three common signal (transition) words used to show sequence in a narrative.

   Examples: first, next, then, after, before, meanwhile, finally, later, subsequently.

5. In a story, what is the 'inciting incident'?

   The event that sets the main conflict in motion and launches the rising action, moving the story out of its initial exposition.

6. What is 'setting' in a piece of writing?

   The time and place in which a story's events occur, including the historical period, geographic location, physical environment, and social/cultural context (the mood or atmosphere it creates).

7. Define 'characterization' and name its two main types.

   Characterization is the process by which a writer reveals a character's personality. The two types are direct characterization (the narrator states traits explicitly) and indirect characterization (traits are shown through actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, and others' reactions).

8. What does the acronym STEAL stand for in indirect characterization?

   Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, and Looks — the five methods a reader uses to infer a character's personality.

9. What is the difference between a 'flat' and a 'round' character?

   A flat character is one-dimensional, defined by a single trait and showing little development; a round character is complex, multi-dimensional, and often changes over the course of the story.

10. What distinguishes a 'dynamic' character from a 'static' character?

    A dynamic character undergoes significant internal change or growth during the story; a static character remains essentially the same from beginning to end.

11. What is 'point of view' (POV) in writing?

    The perspective or vantage point from which a story is told, determined by the narrator's relationship to the events and characters.

12. What is first-person point of view, and which pronouns signal it?

    A POV in which a character narrates the story from within it, using the pronouns 'I' and 'we.' The reader only knows what the narrator perceives and thinks.

13. Distinguish third-person limited from third-person omniscient point of view.

    Third-person limited uses 'he/she/they' and restricts the narration to the thoughts and perceptions of a single character. Third-person omniscient uses the same pronouns but the all-knowing narrator can access the thoughts and feelings of any character.

14. What is second-person point of view and where is it commonly used?

    A POV that addresses the reader directly as 'you,' making the reader a participant. It is common in instructions, how-to guides, choose-your-own-adventure stories, and some advertising.

15. What is an 'unreliable narrator'?

    A narrator whose credibility is compromised — through bias, limited knowledge, mental state, or intent to deceive — so the reader cannot fully trust their account of events.

16. What is the purpose of 'descriptive detail' in writing?

    To create a vivid, specific picture in the reader's mind by appealing to the senses and using concrete, precise language, making scenes, people, and objects feel real and immediate.

17. What is the writing principle 'show, don't tell'?

    A technique of conveying information through sensory detail, action, and dialogue rather than flat statement — e.g., writing 'her hands trembled and her voice cracked' instead of 'she was nervous.'

18. What is a process (procedural) essay, and how is it typically organized?

    A piece of writing that explains how to do something or how something works. It is organized in chronological/sequential order, presenting each step in the order it must be performed.

19. Name three transition words especially useful when explaining a process.

    First, next, then, after that, once, while, before, finally — words that mark the order and timing of steps.

20. What is the primary purpose of a compare-and-contrast text?

    To examine two or more subjects by identifying their similarities (compare) and their differences (contrast), often to inform, evaluate, or persuade.

21. Describe the two main organizational patterns for a compare-and-contrast essay.

    Block (subject-by-subject): discuss all points about subject A, then all points about subject B. Point-by-point (alternating): discuss each point of comparison for both subjects before moving to the next point.

22. Give three transition words that signal contrast and three that signal comparison.

    Contrast: however, whereas, on the other hand, unlike, conversely, in contrast. Comparison: similarly, likewise, both, in the same way, just as.

23. What does a cause-and-effect text explain?

    The relationship between events — why something happens (the cause) and the results or consequences that follow (the effect).

24. Name three signal words that indicate a cause-and-effect relationship.

    Because, since, therefore, consequently, as a result, thus, due to, so, leads to.

25. What is the difference between a definition and a classification (division) mode of writing?

    Definition explains the meaning of a term or concept (what something is). Classification sorts items into categories based on shared characteristics; division breaks a single subject into its component parts.

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