4. Examples of Modality
a) Certainty (Modalisation):
1. High Certainty:
Example: "Iwan will definitely come to the conference."
Orientation: Subjective
Value: High
Polarity: Positive
2. Low Certainty:
Example: "Indonesia may have an opportunity to win."
Orientation: Subjective
Value: Low
Polarity: Positive
b) Probability (Modalization):
Example: "You can possibly say that you do not want it."
Orientation: Subjective
Value: Median
Polarity: Positive
c) Obligation (Modulation):
1. High Obligation:
Example: "We must stop bullying at school."
Orientation: Subjective
Value: High
Polarity: Positive
2. Negative Obligation:
Example: "It is improper to procrastinate writing a thesis."
Orientation: Objective
Value: High
d) Inclination (Modulation):
Example: "I would like to share opinions."
Orientation: Subjective
Value: Low
Polarity: Positive
5. Interplay Between Mood and Modality
a) Declarative Mood + Certainty Modality:
Example: "Iwan will definitely come to the conference."
Analysis: The declarative clause asserts the speaker's high certainty about the proposition.
b) Interrogative Mood + Probability Modality:
Example: "Can we possibly finish the thesis in time?"
Analysis: The interrogative structure expresses a question about probability, with "possibly" indicating medium modality.
c) Imperative Mood + Obligation Modality:
Example: "You must submit the report today."
Analysis: The imperative structure demands compliance with "must" expressing high obligation.
6. Pedagogical Implications
a) Teaching Mood:
Enable students to recognize mood structures to identify clause types (e.g., statement, question, command).
Use declarative and interrogative mood to practice exchanging information.
b) Teaching Modality:
Teach modality to express nuanced attitudes, judgments, and degrees of certainty.
Use modal verbs ("may", "must", and "should") to show varying degrees of probability or obligation.
c) Combined Practice:
Create exercises requiring students to modify mood and modality for different interpersonal effects (e.g., assertiveness, politeness, inquiry).
III. Exploring the Role of Mood in Persuasive Writing
a) Declarative Mood: Informing to Build Credibility and Authority
The declarative mood is essential in providing information or evidence, helping to build the writer's credibility and support logical reasoning. It ensures middle school readers trust the writer's authority by presenting clear and relatable facts. Declaratives provide a factual foundation for arguments, enhancing the writer's authority and reliability.
Examples:
1. Informational Declarative:
"Our school library has added 100 new books this year to help students learn better."
Analysis: The declarative statement presents clear and encouraging information, building credibility with relatable data.
2. Persuasive Declarative:
"This is the easiest way to make your class projects stand out."
Analysis: The declarative emphasizes simplicity and effectiveness, encouraging students to follow the suggestion.
b) Interrogative Mood: Engaging the Reader through Reflection and Dialogue
Interrogative Mood invites the readers to think and reflect, engaging them in the argument. By asking questions, writers can spark curiosity and guide students toward their intended message. Interrogatives provoke thought and curiosity, drawing students into the conversation.
Rhetorical questions are particularly effective for inspiring agreement and self-reflection.
Examples:
1. Yes/No Interrogative:
"Don't you think joining the science club would be fun?"
Analysis: This question assumes a positive response, aligning the reader's thoughts with the writer's perspective.
2. WH-Interrogative:
"What can you do to make your classroom a happier place?"
Analysis: The WH-question encourages students to reflect on their actions and take responsibility.
3. Rhetorical Question:
"Why would you miss the chance to join the coolest team in school?"
Analysis: The rhetorical structure appeals to the reader's self-interest, nudging them toward agreement.
c) Imperative Mood: Motivating Immediate Action with Authority
The imperative mood is crucial for encouraging middle school students to take action. It provides clear and direct instructions, ensuring they understand what needs to be done and why it's important.
Applications in Persuasive Writing:
Imperatives create a sense of urgency and importance, directing students toward specific actions.
Examples:
1. Direct Call to Action:
"Join our art competition today and show your creativity!"
Analysis: The imperative "Join" clearly directs students toward participation, paired with motivational language.
2. Urgent Command:
"Finish your book report by Friday to be part of the reading club celebration."
Analysis: The command emphasizes the importance of meeting the deadline.
3. Softened Imperative:
"Think about how fun it would be to learn a new sport this year."
Analysis: The softened command encourages students to consider the suggestion without feeling pressured.
d) Exclamative Mood: Amplifying Emotional Appeal to Connect with Readers
Exclamative mood heightens emotional engagement in persuasive writing, evoking excitement, wonder, or urgency. It helps create a vivid and memorable impression, strengthening the reader's connection to the message.
Applications in Persuasive Writing:
Exclamatives emphasize exciting opportunities or important ideas, making them stand out.
When combined with emotive language, they create a sense of enthusiasm and connection.
Examples:
1. Expressing Enthusiasm:
"What an amazing adventure we'll have on the school field trip!"
Analysis: The exclamative structure builds excitement and anticipation, appealing to students' enthusiasm.
2. Emphasizing Urgency:
"How exciting it is that the talent show is just a week away!"
Analysis: The exclamative emphasizes the urgency of preparing, encouraging students to act quickly.
3. Emotional Appreciation:
"What a great feeling it is to help others in need!"
Analysis: The exclamative highlights the emotional satisfaction of helping, and fostering empathy among students.
IV. Enhancing Persuasive Writing Through Modality
Persuasive writing is a dynamic tool that influences readers through logical reasoning, emotional appeals, and authority. While the structure of mood establishes interaction, modality deepens interpersonal meaning by expressing attitudes, judgments, and levels of obligation or certainty.
a) Certainty in Persuasive Writing: Building Confidence
Certainty modality reflects the writer's confidence in their argument, reassuring the audience of the validity of the proposition. High certainty is especially effective when paired with logical appeals (logos) to establish credibility.
Examples:
1. High Certainty:
"Our program will guarantee results for every participant."
Analysis: The high certainty conveyed by "will guarantee" assures the reader of the program's effectiveness, building trust.
2. Low Certainty:
"This approach may improve your grades if applied consistently."
Analysis: The lower certainty expressed by "may" encourages cautious optimism, making the claim relatable without overpromising.
By adjusting the degree of certainty, writers can manage the audience's expectations and enhance the persuasiveness of their arguments.
b) Probability in Persuasive Writing: Inviting Consideration
Probability modality highlights the likelihood of an outcome, prompting readers to evaluate potential benefits or risks. This aligns with Frederick's principle of fostering curiosity and reasoning, inviting readers to visualize outcomes without pressure.
Examples:
1. Medium Probability:
"You can likely achieve your fitness goals with this plan."
Analysis: The word "likely" balances confidence with realism, inviting readers to trust the proposal.
2. High Probability:
"Our solution is almost certain to save you time and money."
Analysis: The phrase "almost certain" creates a compelling sense of expectation while maintaining a realistic tone.
By using probability, writers appeal to the reader's logic while maintaining relatability.
c) Obligation in Persuasive Writing: Driving Action
Obligation modality is central to persuasive writing's calls to action, emphasizing urgency or necessity. It directs the audience toward specific actions by creating a sense of importance or responsibility.
Examples:
1. High Obligation:
"You must attend the workshop to unlock your full potential."
Analysis: "Must" conveys urgency and importance, compelling immediate action.
2. Softened Obligation:
"You should consider attending the workshop to enhance your skills."
Analysis: "Should" suggests action while respecting the audience's autonomy.
Obligation enhances the motivational aspect of persuasive writing, guiding readers toward the desired outcome without alienating them.
d) Inclination in Persuasive Writing: Demonstrating Enthusiasm
Inclination modality reflects willingness or desire, creating a sense of enthusiasm and connection. This aligns with Frederick's focus on using positive, engaging language to foster rapport and trust.
Examples:
1. Expressing Enthusiasm:
"We would love to help you achieve your dreams."
Analysis: "Would love" conveys eagerness, fostering a positive and collaborative tone.
2. Signaling Readiness:
"We are happy to discuss how this solution fits your needs."
Analysis: The expression of readiness strengthens trust and signals a willingness to collaborate.
Inclination humanizes the writer's message, making the argument more relatable and appealing.
