Discourse Matrix: A Practical Tool for ESL Writing Teachers

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how a technique involving contrastive rhetoric can help writing teachers and their students uncover and improve the overall rhetorical patterns in student writing. Contrastive rhetoric is a theory developed by Kaplan (1966), who argued that rhetorical patterns, like logic, vary from culture to culture. The discourse matrix outlined by Coe (1988), allows contrastive rhetoric a practical application in the ESL classroom. The matrix enables both teacher and student to pinpoint areas in writing where the rhetorical pattern may not follow a typical English pattern. As well, the matrix can be used for revision. The article demonstrates the use of the matrix through examples taken from both English and ESL writers.