Writing: Genres, Forms, and Modes (Oh My!)

As I’ve been working on my upcoming book for Stenhouse (the current working title is Writing, Redefined, but you know how these things go), I’ve noticed a lot of confusion around the differences between genres, forms, and modes of composition. In fact, a quick search online will demonstrate that these terms are often used interchangeably, even among trusted sources. I, too, have experienced confusion around these terms at one time or another! However, having spent several years untangling the nest of what these terms mean, I thought it would be useful to share my knowledge (in infographic form) so that we might have a common language with which to discuss these terms—both with one another as well as with our students.

Please feel free to share any feedback you have as we continue to articulate what these terms mean and how they are differentiated from one another. Thank you!

~Shawna