Practice 1: Identifying the mode of writing

Intermediate Reading Course. Section 1: The Basics

Transition Words and Relationships between Ideas

Practice 1

Instructions

Instructions. Based on this lesson about modes of writing, identify the mode of writing in each of the excerpts below.

Attention. Some of the excerpts are portions of longer texts, but they provide sufficient information for you to identify their mode of writing.

When you are finished, click “Answer” to check your answer.

Note. Your answers will not be submitted. When you leave this page, they will be deleted.

PDF Handout

Excerpt 1

There are several good reasons you should consider learning Mandarin Chinese in today’s world. China is the second-largest economy in the world and is growing rapidly. Knowing Mandarin Chinese can open up job opportunities in international business, finance, and trade.

If you have no business interest to learn this beautiful language, perhaps the Chinese culture might interest you. China has a rich history and culture that is deeply intertwined with the Mandarin language. Learning the language can give you a deeper understanding of Chinese literature, art, and philosophy.

Another reason you should consider learning Mandarin Chinese is to take on the challenge of learning a language that. . . . .

Incorrect!

Focus on the author’s purpose for writing this text.

Incorrect!

Focus on the author’s purpose for writing this text.

Incorrect!

Focus on the author’s purpose for writing this text.

Correct!

Good job! The writer is clearly trying to convince you to learn Mandarin Chinese.

Excerpt 2

The Island of Kotora is a unique tourist destination in the South China Sea. It is a Japanese owned tropical tourist destination known for its crystal clear waters and beautiful coral sand beaches. It has an almost surreal atmosphere, often described as serene, tranquil, and full of love. The native people of this island are especially friendly and hospitable, welcoming tourists warmly and always offering assistance with activities, sightseeing, and more.

Kotora is particularly known for its colorful coral reef. Due to its shallow, clear waters and hundreds of rare species of colorful fish and other marine life, it is perfect for snorkelers. . . .

Correct!

The writer relies on descriptions so that readers can visualize Kotora Island.

Incorrect!

Remember: The expository mode of writing is used to teach or educate the reader. Although you are learning about this place, the writer’s purpose is not to teach you information.

Pay closer attention and try again.

Incorrect!

In the narrative mode, writers tell stories. In this excerpt, the writer is not telling you a story about this place.

Pay closer attention and try again.

Incorrect!

Based on the portion of the text presented here, it does not appear that the writer is trying to convince you to go to this place.

Pay closer attention and try again.

Excerpt 3

Jack was a little boy who lived in a small village near a dense forest. He was known throughout the village as a very stubborn child. He would always do things his own way, no matter what anyone else said.

One day, Jack's mother asked him to go to the market and buy some vegetables for dinner. Jack, being stubborn, decided that he would take the long way to the market, through the forest, instead of the shortcut that his mother had shown him.

As he walked through the forest, he met a wise old owl who asked him where he was going. Jack, being stubborn, refused to listen to the owl's advice to take the shortcut and continued on his way.

As he walked deeper into the forest, the sky grew darker and the wind began to pick up. Suddenly, a storm broke out and Jack was caught in the middle of it. He was lost, cold, and scared.

Just when he thought things couldn't get any worse, he heard a voice calling out to him. It was the owl again, and this time, Jack decided to listen to its advice and take the shortcut.

The owl led Jack safely through the forest, and he finally made it to the market. From that day on, Jack learned to be less stubborn and listen to the advice of others. He also made it home in time for dinner.

Incorrect!

There is a lesson to be learned in the text. How does the writer communicate that lesson?

Incorrect!

Although there is a lesson to be learned from this story, the author does not communicate it by teaching you or by educating you about it.

Correct!

Awesome! When writers teach a lesson through storytelling, they use the narrative mode of writing.

Incorrect!

There is a lesson to be learned in the text. How does the writer communicate that lesson?

Excerpt 4

The Electoral College is the system used to elect the President of the United States. It is a group of electors who are chosen by the political parties in each state. The number of electors in each state is equal to the number of members of Congress that the state has.

When citizens cast their vote for President, they are actually voting for a group of electors who have pledged to vote for a particular candidate. The candidate who wins the most votes in a state gets all of that state's electors. This is known as the "winner-takes-all" system. The number of electors in each state ranges from 3 to 55, totalling 538 electors.

On the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December, the electors meet in their respective state capitals and cast their official vote for President. They then send their votes to the President of the Senate, . . . .

Incorrect!

The writer is not simply “describing” the Electoral College. This is a lesson on how it works.

Correct!

Excellent! The writer used the expository mode of writing to explain to the readers how the Electoral College works. Lessons are typically written using the expository mode of writing.

Incorrect!

Remember that you use the narrative mode when you tell a story. This is a lesson on the Electoral College, not a story. Read more closely and try again.

Incorrect!

The writer is not reflecting on the Electoral College but simply trying to teach you how it works. Pay closer attention to the purpose of the text.

Excerpt 5

Although I earned a C in the course, I am happy with my performance. The first half of the semester was difficult for me, which explains my low course grade, but it got easier in the second half.

Something I learned that will help me in future courses is to take good study notes when I study the content. Once my note taking skills improved, it was easier to understand the content and relate it to what I had learned the weeks before. Good study notes also made it much easier to study for quizzes and for the final exam.

I also could have done better in the course if I had organized myself better from the start. For example, at first I did not . . . .

Incorrect!

The writer is not really describing a course or anything. Read closely and try again.

Incorrect!

Remember: In the expository mode of writing, you teach or explain something. The writer is not teaching you how the course worked or anything like that.

Incorrect!

You may think that the writer is telling the story of how the course went, but that is not really the case. Although the writer is recounting how things happened during a course, there is a purpose for doing that other than telling a story. Read closely and try again.

Correct!

Good job! You can see that the writer is reflecting on personal experiences in a course.

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