25 Examples of Discursive Modes

The discursive modes are the different ways in which an author can organize the content of a speech or text, according to the type of message he wants to convey to the audience. The ways in which human beings communicate their ideas and their language are very varied, and depend on the communicational intention they have. For example: There are many European cities larger than Paris, for example London. (Exemplification)

As a human language, speech It is the set of words and ideas through which a thought, belief or feeling is manifested, either orally or in writing. The different discursive modes make use of certain coherence mechanisms, such as the links, that these connect the sentences and are key to identifying the purpose of each text.

• See also: discursive resources

Classification of discursive modes

There are several ways to classify discursive modes. They can be analyzed from the most general to the most specific, dividing them into four categories: according to the type of language, the type of text, the textual prototype and the content of each paragraph or each prayer.

It should be noted that more than one discursive mode can be detected in the same speech. It is the case of a cientific text–academic, in which it is necessary description of the object of study, the formulation of definitionsexplanation of causes and consequences, argumentation for the reader to adhere to the author's perspective and the narration of the research background.

yesaccording to the content

The following are the discursive modes most used by the authors:

To take into account: For many researchers, discursive modes refer exclusively to this much more particular level.

• Definition. Name and explain precisely and unequivocally the meaning of a statement, idea or object. It is easily identifiable since it answers the question “what is it?”. The definition is limited, because it focuses on the explanation of the generic aspects of the defined lexical unit. However, sometimes it can be more extensive if its particularities are covered. For example: According to the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy, cell is the fundamental unit of living organisms, capable of independent reproduction and formed by a cytoplasm surrounded by a membrane.
• Demonstration. It aims to check the validity of a affirmation through the enunciation of evidence and proofs. It uses arguments of different types, such as logical-rational or emotional-affective. The demonstration can become very extensive, as long as the author includes information and data that support what is sought to be demonstrated. For example: From the data collected, we can safely conclude that the invention of the umbrella dates back to the 11th century BC. c. in China, where the nobility and royalty used it as a symbol of power and status.
• Comparison. Presents two or more objects, events, ideas or people to visualize the similarity or difference between them. To do this, information is contrasted or similarities are highlighted. The comparison can be both short and long. For example: If we compare the area of ​​each of these Ecuadorian cities, we can say that the one with the largest size will be Quito, the capital of this country with 372.4 km², against the 344.5 km² with which it has Guayaquil.
• Specification. It aims to explain the specific features of the facts or the topics that the text will deal with to distinguish them from others. The specification can be short or long. Some of the markers that may precede it are: particularly, especially, specifically and specifically. For example: The movie that we went to see at the cinema with Matías had it all: action, drama, humor, even aliens.
• Enumeration. It presents a list of elements of any type, usually separated by a conjunction or a comma, and is useful for pointing out facts or presenting an idea. The enumeration can occupy a few paragraphs depending on the list of what is being enumerated. The use of bullets is optional. For example: To accommodate the closet, in the first place, it is necessary to empty it, in the second instance to clean it in depth, in third instance, incorporate the previously folded clothes and, finally, label the contents of the drawers and shelves.
• Refutation. Seeks to contradict with grounds what another person affirmed. This discursive mode denies, refutes, ignores or contests a certain statement through arguments or reasons. The rebuttal can be brief or spread over several paragraphs, depending on the nature of the topic. For example: I do not agree with what the Prime Minister said about the new export mode as a system facilitated by the model: not only is it not easier, but also the procedures have become more bureaucratic.
• Exemplification. Offer examples to explain, clarify, or illustrate what is being claimed. It is widely used, especially in theories that are confusing to the reader, so illustrating with specific examples can be clarified. The exemplification can be brief or extensive, depending on the number of examples used. For example: The following example illustrates the importance of an eight-hour rest at night.
• Reference. It alludes to other texts, documents or authors related to the fact that is expressed in the text, to expand the content and avoid the repetition of ideas to support certain postulates. This discursive mode can be used by means of a textual citation, a bibliographical note or simply mentioning the author or a certain work, paraphrasing its postulate. The reference is usually brief. For example: Leolinda Daltro's activism should be divided into two phases, as suggested in the works of Mariza Correa: the first part of her as an indigenist and the second as a feminist.
• Recapitulation. It recounts what has been exhibited so far, especially when it is a long and complex exhibition. It is a resource that serves to bring back to the speech what could have been left in very distant paragraphs and focus the reader again on the main idea. The recapitulation is always brief. For example: In chapter 7, we have already explained the consequences of global warming. Here we take it up again to address it not from an activist perspective, but from a political and social order.
• Extension or amplification. It details in greater depth certain aspects that are presented and that are considered to be enriched. It serves to make ideas clear to readers or when seeking to further substantiate what has been said. The expansion is extensive. For example: We have already said that living at night can have several disadvantages, but also some other advantages. Below we will present one and the other.
• Synthesis. Presents a abstract of everything that has been expressed so far, where all the statements are abbreviated as completely as possible. Condense the arguments presented in a minimum number of sentences to end up highlighting the message that you are trying to communicate. Its elaboration requires a work of reading and deep analysis. The synthesis is brief. For example: From what has been exposed so far, it can be affirmed that the last dictatorial period appears as an interruption within the democratic periods and the lack of historicization in its teaching prevents seeing it within the history of the country.

depending on the type of language

Two types of language can be used:

• verbal language. It can be written or oral.
• Nonverbal language. It can be kinesic, proxemic, iconic or phonetic.

• See also: Verbal and non-verbal language

Depending on the type of text

You can use any of the following five textual types:

• Cientific text. It is written in technical language and provides data to support certain research. It is intended to explain and teach. Its structure respects academic regulations. It is objective, expository and verifiable.
• Literary text. It is written more freely, since the author can print his own style. uses literary resources since its purpose is to delight the reader, creating and exciting.
• journalistic text. It is written from an informative language. It usually provides specific data on reality and describes events of general interest, to inform and analyze current affairs.
• instructional text. It is written with clarity and precision, since it offers instructions that readers must follow to the letter. It is objective and refers to concrete processes. It usually presents steps to follow and is accompanied by some iconic language.
• Advertising text. It is written in an argumentative way, since its function is to convince the audience. It has a clear objective of persuasion towards its target audience. It is usually accompanied by an audiovisual or graphic image.

According to the textual prototype

Within text types, language can take one of five forms:

• Narration. It puts credible events on stage in order to testify to an experience. The actions are articulated in the text following the structure of Introduction, knot and outcome. uses literary resources either rhetorical figures to embellish the text.
• Description. It explains in detail the characteristics of a place, a person, an animal, a thing, a situation, to seek the reader to identify and imagine what is described. uses state verbs and it does not usually stop at the particular behavior of things, but rather at their general qualities. It can be objective or subjective.
• Exposition. It includes many details that allow the reader to obtain more information. It is objective, because the author explains how something is and refrains from giving his opinion on the subject. It consists of three parts: an introduction, a development and a conclusion.
• Argumentation. It exposes the information with the purpose of demonstrating the validity of a certain point of view of the author, through the incorporation of reasoning for to persuade the interlocutors and try to modify their behavior or thinking on the matter. It usually uses discursive resources, and its structure is based on an initial thesis, premises, arguments, counterarguments Y conclusions.
• Dialogue. It can be both oral and written, and usually appears in different textual types, both in the drama Y novelslike in interviews. Use the dialog line or scripts to differentiate the alternation between the interlocutors of the speech.

Examples of discursive modes

1. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Ketanji Brown Jackson was born on September 14, 1970 in Washington DC. She has been a justice of the Supreme Court of the United States since 2022 and was the first black woman to serve on said court. (discursive mode of definition)
2. Psychology understands emotional intelligence as the ability to identify, understand and manage the emotions that a person has, so that they can have a balanced rhythm of life that allows fluid relationships and can focus their attention on achieving short and long-term goals, without negative emotions invade. (discursive mode of definition)
3. For Wikipedia, the cowbell is a small, crude and cylindrical bell, made of copper plate that is usually hung from the neck of the cows. It is also a percussion musical instrument that is struck with wooden drumsticks. (discursive mode of definition)
4. As shown below, in the last millennium there has been an improvement in the quality of life of people, and life expectancy has been extended for both men and women. (discursive mode of demonstration)
5. According to the following study, thanks to the Comprehensive Sexual Education Plan, which is being implemented by our government in all educational institutions in the national territory, boys and girls not only feel accompanied in their sexual development, but they are also learning to understand their growth process and understanding the importance of caring for their Health. (discursive mode of demonstration)
6. For a long time, the story of the Trojan War was handed down like legend, and the Greeks were not sure if a place by that name had ever existed. However, it was later shown that there had indeed been such a place and such a war. (discursive mode of demonstration)
7. Compared to my previous boyfriend, Patricio is much more attentive, gentler, and deeper in thought. (discursive mode of comparison)
8. Chefryer's oil-free fryers have a more affordable price than many others with similar characteristics, in addition to having the following advantages: they have an oven function (which is not available in competitor models), their handling is highly intuitive (equivalent to the CookerFry), It has a capacity of 1.5 L (exceeding the FryerMaster) and includes a complete cookbook that will guide you to make the most exquisite foods. (discursive mode of comparison)
9. If we compare the new youth in relation to that of the last decades of the 20th century, we can verify that it is a population that is much more capable of accepting the opinions, beliefs and feelings of others even if they do not agree with the points of view personal. (discursive mode of comparison)
10. When we speak of responsibility, we refer especially to the fulfillment of all the commitments that each human being acquires with himself or with others. (discursive mode of specification)
11. The largest mammal is the Antarctic blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus Intermediate): not only is it the largest animal on the planet, but it far exceeds others of the same species, weighing up to 180 tons and measuring about thirty meters in length. (discursive mode of specification)
12. Among the contributions of Galileo Galilei we can highlight: the improvement of the telescope, the construction of the first thermoscope of history, the demonstration of the existence of mountains on the Moon and the discovery of the satellites of the planet Jupiter. (discursive mode of enumeration)
13. The ingredients to prepare delicious healthy cookies are: a cup of instant rolled oats, a banana medium-sized mature, a tablespoon of sugar or honey, a tablespoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of essence of vanilla. (discursive mode of enumeration)
14. On February 24, the Nation's Minister of Labor met with the union leaders of the Estrella del Sur factory, with who agreed that it would reinforce a food plan for all workers in order to clean up the labor situation in the field of building. However, this fact can be refuted by looking at the statistics: this agreement did not collaborate at all with the state of the guild. (discursive mode of refutation)
15. In the present work, we will take care to refute the fellow-fellow theory as strongly as Copernicus refuted the geocentric theory. (discursive mode of refutation)
16. Many WhatsApp users prefer the stealth mode, for example so as not to feel chased or controlled by others. (discursive mode of exemplification)
17. Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to alterations in the organism, such as: liver and kidney diseases pancreas, cancer and other pathologies of the esophagus and upper and lower digestive tract, brain and myocardial damage, among others. (discursive mode of exemplification)
18. To better understand Sigmund Freud's phrase that says "One is the owner of what he is silent and slave of what he speaks", you should read the complete bibliography of the father of psychoanalysis. (discursive mode of reference)
19. The journalist Emmanuel Carrère explained in a note in the newspaper Page 12 how he spoiled an interview with the French actress from belle de jourCatherine Deneuve. (discursive mode of reference)
20. To explain the effects of mega-mining, we must remember, as mentioned above, that it not only has consequences at an ecological level, but also at an economic level for the population. (discursive mode of recapitulation)
21. To recap, it is important to stop to refresh what has been exposed so far on the characteristics of cars with diesel fuel versus the so-called gasoliers. (discursive mode of recapitulation)
22. For further information on the suspense style of Alfred Hitchcock's cinematographic work, at Next, some references will be given to the cities in which the filmmaker filmed in his last productions. (discursive mode of amplification)
23. To complete what has been stated so far, in reference to the population growth of the Californian city of Los Angeles, it should be noted that in the last ten years there has been a strong wave of immigration to that city of young people who want to be part of the industry in some way Hollywood. (discursive mode of amplification)
24. In conclusion, it has been found that patients with generalized anxiety disorder who practiced yoga for up to three times a week, their levels of worry and stress have improved, and they have been able to reduce their concentration. (discursive mode of synthesis)
25. Summarizing what has been exposed so far, the climate at the South Pole is lower than the temperatures recorded at the North Pole. In the summer, temperatures are -25ºC and, during winter, they drop to -65ºC. (discursive mode of synthesis)

Interactive exercise to practice

Follow with:

• discourse connectors
• Comunication elements
• Language Types
• Difference Between Oral and Written Communication
• Verbal and non-verbal language

References

• Zarzar Charur, CA. 2015. Reading. Oral and Written Expression 1. Patria Editorial Group, Mexico City. pp. 123-126.
• Vidal Lopez, GU. 2010. Reading and writing workshop II. Cengage Learning Publishers. Mexico.
• "Textual Modalities"in Wikipedia.
• Arango, K. "Discursive modes: definition, types and examples"in psychedelic.
• Wett, Milena. 2021. “discursive modes” in Lifeguard.