As an extension to the discourse analysis studies in the realm of applied linguistics, the present study takes discourse mode as a rhetorical criterion in the development of writing with a focus on L1 as a leading cross-linguistic issue affecting the written mode of discourse. The present research aimed to examine the two most frequently encountered modes: narration and exposition. Based on a language proficiency test, and comparison of the students’ writings in the pilot study, out of 100 senior EFL learners from Ferdowsi university of Mashhad, 40 were chosen and defined as more proficient and advanced learners. They were asked to write two narrative and two expository texts both in English and in their L1 (Persian).Their written data were analytically rated using the scale adopted by Engelhard et al. (1992). This scale consists of five domains: content and organization, style, sentence formation, usage, and mechanics. The results, both quantitative and qualitative, indicated that subjects’ L1 has an influential effect in their ability to write in the given modes. They also showed more cognitive burden in writing the expository mode than the narrative mode in both languages. A detailed description of the domains and the components (features of the text) used to define these domains is also discussed.

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