Reflection on Open Letter Draft

In the post below, I will be providing links to the letters I peer reviewed as well as answering questions to reflect on my open letter draft.

ClckrFreeVectorImages. "Reindeer, Rudolph, Christmas." May 7, 2012 via Pixaby. Public Domain Dedication.

The review I received from Nick helped me in a few ways. His advice reminded me to keep my letter formal and to avoid using extremes within my letter. He also explained areas where I did well as well as where needs improvement. I decided to add more concrete examples and more description of my writing experience after reviewing the edits made to my draft.

I peer reviewed Isabel's and Nick's open letter drafts.

1. Did you demonstrate an ability to think about your writing and yourself as a writer?

Yes, I was able to self-reflect on myself as a writer over the course of the semester. I feel as though my letter accurately summarizes and analyzes my past writing and also how I have grown as a writer.

2. Did you provide analysis of your experiences, assignments, or concepts you have learned?

Yes, I analyzed my journey as a writer. I did this from my past as well as through my experience in this semester. I feel as though I looked at everything and was able to see how I have grown and changed throughout the semester as a writer. 

3. Did you provide concrete examples from your own writing?

I did provide examples of how I've grown through the semester. I reflected on previous blogs and previous ideas I had at the beginning of the semester and analyzed how my thoughts have changed since then.

4. Did you explain why you made certain choices and whether those choices were effective?

Yes I explained how my thoughts and processes changed and how they are more effective now that I know what I am doing. I also explained how they were effective in helping my writing process.

5. Did you use specific terms and concepts related to writing and the writing process?

I did not really use specific terms related to the writing process. I did mention what type of writer I am, which relates t the writing process. Otherwise, I did not really mention specific concepts. 

Draft of Open Letter

In the post below, I will be providing a short paragraph as well as a link to the drafter of my open letter.

Darkuncle. "Popcorn." March 9, 2010 via Flickr. Public Domain Dedication.

My draft is still very rough. I kind of wrote it freely and have not really revisited it so it probably makes no sense. I also still have to add my sources. With that in mind, my draft can be found here!

Reflecting More on My Writing Experiences

In the post below, I will be answering questions to reflect overall on my writing experience this semester in 109H.

Jonathon G Meath. "Santa Claus." November 13, 2010 via Wikipedia. Public Domain Dedication.

1. What were the biggest challenges you faced this semester, overall?

The hardest thing for me this semester was calculus. It destroyed me and my character every day. Even in the beginning of the semester, I expressed my worry for calculus in "Calendar Reflection"; I was right, it was a hard course. Learning how to study and manage all of these blogs was challenging too. The blogs weren't necessarily hard but the amount of work and the points awarded for the time put in made it very discouraging.

2. What did you learn this semester about your own time managment, writing and editorial skills?

I learned that I am bomb at time managing. I usually do a little bit of homework during the day everyday, so I never had to stay up past 11 pm doing homework. In my blog "Calendar Reflection" I say that I will do my homework right after classes. I realize now how naive of me it was to say this; the last thing I was to do after a day of class is more school. However, I learned when is good times for me to study. For my hard classes too, I went to extra study groups often, which made studying easier. In terms of editing, I learned I have no patience to reread my drafts. I was always really annoying to me to go back through my work and change it. Same applies to peer editing. Even though my writing is really dry, I was still always able to finish and get a decent grade.

3. What do you know about the concept of 'genre'? Explain how understanding this concept is central to being a more effective writer.

I never considered genre in the context of what we learned this semester; like I never thought a writing type was considered a genre. I did learn that every type of writing has particular convents that fit its genre and they can be found by analyzing an example. When rereading my blog "Evaluation of Scholar Sources", I will be able to review the conventions of scholarly articles in my discipline and be able to reproduce a similar piece of writing, which will help in in my future career as an engineer. Before this class, however, I would have never been able to look at a scholarly engineer article and be able to write one. Understanding the concept of genre allows me to be a versatile writer.

4. What skills from this course might you use and/or develop further in the next few years of college coursework?

I will use analyzing genres in the further when I have to write papers in my discipline. This skill will allow me to produce what I am supposed to for engineering and other scientific genres. I also learned how to write an annotated bibliography in my major when I made the blog post "Annotated Bibliography in ASME Style." This will benefit me in future engineering writing assignments. Also, I will use my time management skills developed; I learned how to dedicate time and focus for just a few hours a day. This will allow me to manage my workload and maintain my stress levels.

5. What was your most effective moment from this semester in 109H?

I think my rhetorical analysis was my most effective moment. It was the easiest assignment for me because I am used tow writing rhetorical analyses. The purpose of that assignment was also easy to accomplish. I also feel as though project three was effective. I liked how we were able to pick our genre; this allowed me to take it in any direction and create a piece of work that was effective in conveying my point.

6. What was your least effective moment from this semester in 109H? 

Project One was the least effective for me. It was at the beginning of the semester so I was still learning what was expected. I was also very confused of what was going on and still trying to navigate the course and blogger. My project felt like t had no direction and I remember being very confused of what I was even writing.

Revisiting My Writing Process

In the post below, I will be reflecting on how my both my writing process and time management skills have changed in this course.

Haneburger. "Tea in Different Grade of Fermentation." December 29, 2009 via Wikipedia. Public Domain Dedication.

After rereading my previous blogs "My Writing Process" and "Calendar Reflection", I've realized how much I've grown over the semester as a writer. My writing process is relatively the same. Before, I was a heavy planner and a light revisor. Now I'm less of a planner and more of a revisor; except, I spend a more equal amount of time on both. Mainly, the time I spend on revising and reflecting has increased a lot over this semester. In terms of time management, I've mastered my schedule this semester. It was really hard for me at the beginning of the semester trying to figure out how to pace myself for English. I remember spending every Saturday doing english homework for hours. I also had to drop my gen Ed because it was too hard for me to balance everything. However, now I am very comfortable with my classes and I have learned when it's time to focus and even have time for things I enjoy doing.

Currently, my writing process and time management skills are better than they were. By revising my writing more than I did, I have been able to create "A" worthy work. I feel as though in the further my writing process will become even better and I will be able to write and revise quickly but effectively. In terms of time management, I feel like I will be even better at dedicating time to study; my focus will be better as I continue my college career and I will learn when to work and when to play.

Reflection on Project Three

In the post below, I will be answering nine questions in order to reflect on Project Three.

Worm That Turned. "Peacock." May 7, 2011 via Wikipedia. Public Domain Dedication.

1. What specifically was revised from one draft to another?

I revised the direction of my draft. I included more of my own commentary than before and made it an actual argument.

2. Point to global changes: How did you reconsider your thesis or organization?

I reconsidered my points I was making. I changed the content of my subheadings but kept my general structure.

3. What lead to these changes? A reconsideration of audience or purpose?

The changes were due to a reconsideration of purpose; at first, I didn't really think about my purpose or direction of my draft but after revising I did.

4. How do these changes affect your credibility as an author?

They help my credibility because I have a clear purpose and direction in my draft now; my argument is more logical and understandable.

5. How will these changes better address the audience or venue?

The audience will be able to better understand my purpose and position with my revisions. Also, By revising, I keep my audience more in mind and direct my argument to fit that.

6. Point to local changes: How did you reconsider sentence structure and style?

Because my genre is so informal, I tried to keep my sentences relatively simple and understandable. I tried to avoid academic word choice and tried to keep my information concise.

7. How will these changes assist your audience in understanding your purpose?

By changing my structure and sentences, my draft will appeal to all audiences. Because of this, anyone can understand my position and purpose.

8. Did you have to reconsider conventions of the particular genre you're writing in?

I did not really have to reconsider the conventions because I've been writing blog posts for thirteen weeks now and my genre is a blog post.

9. Finally, how does the process of reflection help you reconsider your identity as a writer?

The reflection process always makes me realize how much my draft grows through revision. Also, it helps me understand how I have grown as a writer. I also feel by admitting a first draft is never perfect, I am able to edit and reconstruct to have an eve stronger final draft.

Publishing Public Argument

In the post below, I will be providing a link to the final draft of Project Three. In addition, I will be answering a chart to give the reader an idea of the direction of my project and providing three examples of the genre I was writing in. 

Jen Keys. "Beyonce." May 7 2007 via Wikipedia. Public Domain Dedication. 

A copy of my Project Three draft can be found here.

1. Mark with an "x" where you feel your target audience currently stands on the issue (before reading/watcing/hearing your argument) below:

←----------------------------------------------------|----X----------------------------------------------------->

Strongly                                            Totally neutral                                                    Strongly 

agree                                                                                                                          disagree

2. Now mark with an "x" where you feel your target audience should be (after they've read/watched/heard your argument) below:

←----------------------------X------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------->

Strongly                                            Totally neutral                                                    Strongly

agree                                                                                                                          disagree

3. Check one (and only one) of the argument types below for your public argument:

       
  __X__ My public argument etablishes an original pro position on an issue of debate.

       

4. Briefly explain how your public argument doesn’t simply restate information from other sources, but provides original context and insight into the situation:

I use ideas from articles but expand and include my own viewpoints and positions. I provide commentary on why GMOs are not bad based on my outside information.

5. Identify the specific rhetorical appeals you believe you've employed in your public argument below:

Ethical or credibility-establishing appeals

                    __X__ Adopting a tone that is inviting and trustworthy rather than distancing

                    __X__ Arranging visual elements properly 

                    __X__ Appealing openly to the values and beliefs shared by the audience 

Emotional appeals

                
                    __X__ Employing an appropriate level of formality for the subject matter 

                    __X__ Use of “shocking” statistics in order to underline a specific point

                    __X__ Use of imagery to create an appropriate emotional impact for the debate

                    __X__ Employing an engaging and appropriate tone of voice for the debate

           

Logical or rational appeals

       

                    __X__ Using statistics from credible sources in order to establish trends, or patterns

                    __X__ Using expert opinions that help affirm your stance or position

                    __X__ Effective organization of elements, images, text, etc. 

                    __X__ Clear transitions between different sections of the argument

                    __X__ Crafted sequencing of images/text/content in order to make linear arguments

Examples:

Example One

Example Two

Example Three

Reflection on Project Three Draft

In the post below, I will be providing links to my peer review sheets and also reflecting on my Project Three Drafts by answering questions.

Twehrstein. "Longhorn." November  2014 via Pixaby. Public Domain Dedication.

I peer reviewed Nick's Project Three draft and Jayni's Project Three draft. 

1. Who reviewed your Project 3 rough draft?

Nick and Brandonpeer reviewed my Project Three draft. 

2. What did you think and/or feel about the feedback you received?

Nick's feedback made me feel good about my draft. He gave me pretty high scores and also good advice on how to make my argument stronger. I was a little confused when he said my genre wasn't clear but I will make sure to fix it. Brandon didn't provide a link to the peer review sheet but made comments directly on my draft. His comments helped me to understand what aspects need help and what parts I can clarify. 

3. What aspects of Project 3 need to most work going forward [Audience, Purpose, Argumentation, or Genre]? How do you plan on addressing these areas? 

I will work mainly on genre conventions and argument. I will make sure I use more blog conventions in my draft so the reader understands it's a blog post; for example, shorter paragraphs and more white space. Also, I will try and find more outside support so my argument is more credible. 

4. How are you feeling overall about the direction of your project after peer review and/or instructor conferences this week?

I feel a lot better about my argument. At first I was nervous about the informality and whether or not my own opinions were okay to use because in previous assignments I would have to back up my argument with outside information. In the genre I picked through, my own opinions are perfect acceptable. 

Draft of Public Argument

In the post below, I will be providing a link to the draft of my public argument.

Lindsey Bieda. "Skittle Heart." November 11, 2006 via Flickr. Public Domain Dedication.

When you are editing, can you please make sure my argument is fully supported and makes sense please! Also, if you could tell me whether or not it fits the conventions of a blog post, I'd appreciate it. A copy of my draft can be found here.

Considering Visual Elements

In the post below, I will be answering questions to consider visual elements for Project Three.

Evan-Amos. "Pumpkin-Pie." December 11, 2011 via Wikipedia. Public Domain Dedication.

1. Do the headings used in my project stand out and break up text clearly? Should other fonts or colors be used?

The headings in my project do stand out because they are bolded. Other colors are unnecessary because the rest of my text will be underneath each heading and not bolded. 

2. What color choices reflect the visual-rhetorical tone of my project?

Normal black text, white font will reflect the tone of my project. I am using logical arguments in an informal way, so a normal text would be appropriate. 

3. How might I vary the fonts used in my project for emphasis, such as in the title and body of my project?

I will vary between bold headings and subheadings to unbold text. Each body paragraph will have it's own subheading in order to outline my blog post for the reader. 

4. If your project contains large blocks of text, could they be broken up more efficiently using text boxes, lines, headings, or images? 

I will include a few images to break up the large bodies of text. Also, every paragraph will be broken up by subheadings to organize my argument. 

5. Do your eyes move easily from section to section in the order that you intended?

The reader will be able to easily move from section to section because of the subheadings included in the project. 

6. From your outline, is the visual-rhetorical tone of your project consistent? 

My visual-rhetorical tone is consistent because I am using a logical argument. Therefore, normal text and font types and colors will be acceptable to present my argument and the use of subheadings will allow the reader to logically follow my argument.

Project Three Outline

In the post below I will be creating an outline for project three.

Jan-Mallander. "Kittens." October, 2014 via Pixaby. Public Domain Dedication.

Introduction

Think About Your Situation 

• Talk about how GMOs affect everyone

• Talk about major breakthroughs with major seed companies like Monsanto

• Generally introduce topic

Body 


1. List Down Supporting Arguments

• The FDA wouldn't allow the production of GMOs if they were not safe

• Despite the production process, the actual product isn't technically unsafe

• New non-browning apples do not conceal GMO identity ==> not unknown to public

• No evidence to show harmful effects of consuming GMOs

• High-calorie, low-nutrient foods provide more harm; foods can cause food borne illnesses ==> could be potentially worse than GMOs ==> not one case of illness from GMOs in the last decades

• Traditional breeding techniques are more used than genetic modification so it's hard to say they will pose a threat

• Uses genes from native organism==> still natural 

• Technology produces "less surprises" because scientists can isolate one gene with genetic engineering rather than crossing multiple genes in traditional breeding==> able to understand gene and monitor how it will change 

2. List Down Major Criticisms

• Altering a single gene could cause toxins and allergens

• No evidence to prove they are safe

• Long term affects are subtle but cannot be linked to GMOs===> Alzheimers and cancers

• Hard to prove altered gene doesn't enter into human genome 

3. Select Your Key Support and Rebuttal Points
Support

• GMOs are not unknown ==> FDA would't allow unsafe products; identity is not unknown and practice has been around for years

• Sustainable farming

• No evidence to prove harmfulness ==> no studies shown; scale compared to selective breeding is too small to show harmful effects

• Still natural process; uses genes from native organisms; able to isolate, monitor and understand behavior of genes; more likely to be affected by unhealthy food or food-borne illnesses 

Rebuttal

• Although some cancers and diseases have been rumored to be caused by eating GMOs, there are still no tests or evidence to prove they are harmful

• Long term effects of illness cannot be directly related to GMOs

• Too many other factors involved

4. Write Out a Topic Sentence for Each Support and Rebuttal 
Support

• Regardless of labels, genetically modified organisms have been around for decades and their presence, composition and identity is not unknown to the public.

• Genetically modified organisms can also benefit our environment by creating sustainable farming and new means or agriculture. 

• There is still not enough evidence to prove harmful affects of consuming genetically modified organisms. 

• Regardless of the "unnatural" production, genetically modified products are still made of natural materials and can even be better for personal health compared to other food products.

Rebuttal

• Although some cancers and diseases have been rumored to be caused by eating GMOs, there are still no tests or evidence to prove they are harmful.

• Some may be skeptical about the effects of GMOs, however, long term illnesses cannot be directly related to the consumption of genetically modified organisms. 

• There are too many other factors involved in genetic composition and testing GMOs to officially prove they are harmful. 

5. Gather Evidence

• "The use of GM crops “has lowered the price of food,” Zilberman says. “It has increased farmer safety by allowing them to use less pesticide. It has raised the output of corn, cotton and soy by 20 to 30 percent, allowing some people to survive who would not have without it. If it were more widely adopted around the world, the price [of food] would go lower, and fewer people would die of hunger.” 

• "The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that the world will have to grow 70 percent more food by 2050 just to keep up with population growth. Climate change will make much of the world's arable land more difficult to farm. GM crops, Zilberman says, could produce higher yields, grow in dry and salty land, withstand high and low temperatures, and tolerate insects, disease and herbicides."

• The human race has been selectively breeding crops, thus altering plants' genomes, for millennia. Ordinary wheat has long been strictly a human-engineered plant; it could not exist outside of farms, because its seeds do not scatter.

• this precision makes the technology much less likely to produce surprises.

• Most plant molecular biologists also say that in the highly unlikely case that an unexpected health threat emerged from a new GM plant, scientists would quickly identify and eliminate it. 

• The bacterium B. thuringiensis, for example, which produces proteins fatal to insects, is sometimes enlisted as a natural pesticide in organic farming. 

• people have consumed as many as trillions of meals containing genetically modified ingredients over the past few decades. Not a single verified case of illness has ever been attributed to the genetic alterations.

• every single news-making food disaster on record has been attributed to non-GM crops

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with its counterparts in several other countries, has repeatedly reviewed large bodies of research and concluded that GM crops pose no unique health threats

• it is not true that the GM process is less likely to cause problems simply because fewer, more clearly identified genes are switched ===> a genome often continues to change in the successive generations after the insertion, leaving it with a different arrangement than the one intended and initially tested.

•  the research has not shown any evidence of harmful health effects resulting from the consumption of GMO foods, even after two decades of their presence in the food supply.

• The clean track record of GMO foods stands in contrast to the list of more urgent food-associated threats that we face: food-borne illnesses, which sicken more than 40 million people and cause several thousand deaths in the United States annually, and the enormous public health toll of poor diets dominated by highly processed, low-nutrient, high-calorie foods.

• These snippets trigger a natural cellular process called RNA interference

• Unlike the vast majority of GMOs on the market, Arctic Apples don't conceal their GMO identity from consumers.

• will offer foods that really are an improvement over non-GMO varieties, with healthier fats, more nutrients, or, like the potatoes already approved by the FDA, reduced levels of carcinogens.

6. Create a Map of Your Argument

A cluster map of my argument can be found here.

Conclusion

For my conclusion, I would do a call to action. I will explain to my readers why they shouldn't be scared of genetically modified organisms and that consuming them would not be bad. I will encourage them to accept the benefits along with genetic modification and how their acceptance will ease the debate for everyone. 

Reflection: 

Morgan's outline is different in mine in her evidence section. She is using personal stories as her support, whereas I am using outside information to support my argument. In addition, she is appealing more to emotion and I am appealing more to logic for my argument. She also is using the "future of debate" approach for her conclusion which should be the most effective for her topic. Isabel has a little different outline than my project as well. We are both using the "thinking about the situation" approach to introduce our topic. I feel as though this is the easier way to relate the reader with our topics. Isabel, just like Morgan, is using the future of debate approach to conclude her project. This is the best way to cause the reader to consider where this controversy could potentially lead.

Analyzing My Genre

In the post below, I will be providing examples to the genre I am writing in as well as answering questions to analyze my genre.

Scott Kveton. "Canada's Newest Corndog Spokesperson." July 23, 2008 via Flickr. Public Domain Dedication.

Example One
Example Two
Example Three
Example Four
Example Five

Social Context

1. Where is the genre typically set?

My genre is typically set in online magazines. Various blogs and articles about GMOs can generally be found on online magazines, like health magazines, parenting magazines and even news magazines. 

2. What is the subject of the genre?

The subject of my genre is an argument supporting genetically modified organisms and how they are not necessarily bad. In general, a blog is used to express feelings and opinions in an informal way, therefore the subject will change based on the author.

3. Who uses the genre?

People who like to informally blog use this genre as well as writers and journals.

4. What is the purpose of the genre? 

The purpose of this genre is to informally present an individual's point of view and practice his first amendment right. 

Rhetorical Patterns of the Genre 

1. What type of content is usually included and excluded?

In blogs, the views of the author are included in the content. Usually, the author will only provide evidence to support their viewpoints. In addition, visuals are usually included in blogs as well as hyperlinks to other sources relating to the content. 

2. What rhetorical appeals are used most often?

In blogs, the authors generally use pathos because they are expressing their feelings about a certain topic. Because it is an informal genre, the author does not need to appeal to credibility. Sometimes, the author will use a logical argument to present his or her view points.

3. How are the texts organized? Do they generally open in similar ways? Conclude in similar ways? What common parts do these samples share?

Blogs are usually organized by paragraphs or even subheadings. They all start with a short introduction about what the post will be about and always includes a relevant image. The examples above are organized into paragraphs and all include visuals within the article and blog. 

4. Do sentences share a similar style? Are they mostly passive, active, simple, or complex? Is there an abundance or lack of questions, exclamation points, or semicolons? 

The sentences are varied between simple and complex. Blogs are generally informal and must appeal to all readers; therefore, the sentence construction is not very complicated or lengthy. There usually are not very many questions or semicolons because that would be too formal for this genre. However, commas and various punctuation are used because it is an informal genre. 

5. What type of word choice is used? Do many of the words fit in a particular category of jargon or slang? Is the overall effect of the word choice formal, informal, humorous, or academic? 

Informal word choice is used; blogs are informal so there is no need for academic word choice. Blogs do not necessarily use slang, however, they are still informal and not very academic. 

Analyze What Those Patterns Reveal About the Social Context

1. Who does the genre include and who does it exclude?

My genre includes readers who care about health and wellness. My blog is targeted toward parents who have to provide food for their family. My genre would exclude anyone who does not read online blogs or people who do not care about genetically modified products. 

2. What roles for writers and readers does the genre encourage? 

My genre encourages writers to informally and freely express their views and opinions without having to have a lot of evidence and support. Blogs generally include more opinion than fact; because of this, it encourages readers to find out more evidence for themselves about certain topics as well as consider how they really feel about an issue. 

3. What values and beliefs are assumed about or encouraged from users of the genre? 

My genre encourages writers to completely explain their view. Blogs give writers the freedom to write what they feel and believe, regardless of the amount of evidence to support their views. Users of this genre are generally opinionated and curious about issues in our society. 

4. What content does the genre treat as most valuable? Least valuable? 

My genre treats personal opinion most valuable and places less value on facts and credibility. Blogs are mainly about a person's view and opinion and provide a domain to freely express his thoughts and views. 

Reflection:

Both Morgan and I are targeting parents for our projects. We are analyzing what parents should and shouldn't do for their kids. Also, we are both focusing on opinions and personal views gathering than using a lot of evidence and credible sources to support our arguments. Isabel's genre is very different than mine. She is using more logical rhetorical strategies and I am using more opinions and emotional appeals. Also, Isabel is using a more formal tone than I am. I like how she is using a specific audience and an educated approach to her project. 

Considering Types

In the post below, I will be considering types of public arguments and analyzing which ones will be most effective for my project.

Vulkano12. "Rhodesian Ridgeback." October 31, 2010 via Wikipedia. Public Domain Dedication. 

Position Argument

This type of argument could be potentially effective in my project. By including both sides of the debate, I will be able to prove there is more evidence supporting genetically modified organisms, rather than opposing them. The pros and cons will allow me to fully explain the controversy while still allowing me to support my views.

Evaluative Argument

This type of argument would be effective because it evaluates the successfulness of a certain idea, in this case, genetically modified organisms. By analyzing the successfulness of GMOs, I will be able to prove my point that they are not necessarily bad.

Refutation Argument

This will be the most effective type of argument for my project. I will have enough evidence to refute every claim made by those in opposition to GMOs. This will allow me to effectively support my argument because I will be able to refute with evidence. I will be able to prove the potential benefits of GMOs.

Reflection: 

Morgan's consideration is a little different than mine. She considered every type of argument for her project and I only considered a few. Also, I feel as though an evaluative argument would be the most effective for her project because she would be evaluating the effectiveness of spanking for punishment. However, I feel as though refutation would be the most effective for my project because I will be refuting claims made in opposition to genetically modified organisms. Isabel's consideration of different types of arguments was very similar to mine. We both feel as though science and logic will be the most effective means of arguing our points. In addition, I feel as though evaluative or refutation arguments would be the best for either of our projects.

My Rhetorical Action Plan

In the post below, I will be answering questions to create a rhetorical action plan.

Kenny Louie. "Coffee Break." April 18, 2009 via Wikipedia. Public Domain Dedication.

Audience 

1. What does your audience know about the topic?

My audience has a general idea about the topic. The audience I'm targeting are people who are on the fence about being opposed or in favor of GMOs. Because of this, my audience should have some limited knowledge about the topic.

2. What values might your audience hold?

My audience believes in the rights of the individual in regards to labeling laws and knowing what their products are made of. In addition, my audience believes in personal health because they are concerned with whether or not GMOs are detrimental or beneficial. However, because they are on the fence, my audience is not strongly in favor one way or another.

3. What type of research or evidence do you think will be most effective for your audience? 

Scientific research, or the lack there of, will be the most effective because my audience is on the fence. By providing concrete evidence, I will be able to convince them that GMOs are not necessarily bad, especially because there is such limited evidence to actually prove GMOs "bad."

4. What visual evidence might your audience respond to and why?

My audience will respond best to charts and graphs because it will visually consecrate the idea that there is not enough evidence to prove GMOs are bad for you. In addition, graphs will visually show how GMOs have actually helped create sustainable farming.

5. What is the purpose of your public debate?

The purpose of my debate is to inform and persuade readers that GMOs are not necessarily bad. I want to help readers understand exactly what genetically modified organisms are and how they can help us. Though my public debate, I intended to cause readers to agree with my viewpoint and not be opposed to genetic modification.

Genre


1. What genre will you be writing in and what is the function of it?

I will be writing an argumentative article or an informative essay explaining why GMOs are not bad for us. The function is to persuade my audience of my viewpoint. Through my argument, I will be able to achieve the goal of my public debate. For both of these genres, the rhetoric context will be similar.

Informative Essay 

Example One
Example Two

Argumentative Essay

Example One 
Example Two 

2. What is the setting of your genre?

My article will be similar to those found of the Huffington Post or other publications. I could see it being used as an article in a tabloid magazine.

3. How will you use rhetorical strategies in this genre?

I will be using logos to support most of my evidence. In addition, I will be using ethos because I will be citing scientific and other credible evidence. I feel as though a logical argument proves the most effective when working with controversies in science because it is so gray.

4. What type of visual aids will you be using in this genre?

If I decide to use any visual aids, it will be graphs and charts with scientific evidence supporting my claim that GMOs are not bad.

5. What type of style will you be using in this genre?

I will be using an informal but informative style. I want to keep my argument informal so I don't scare away the audience; however, I still want to inform the audience of my view and support my argument with evidence.

Response/Actions

1. Positive Support

• My audience will agree with my argument
• They will stop boycotting GMO products which will benefit businesses and agriculture companies
• They will try to learn more about GMOs and become more interested in the positive effects of them

2. Negative Support

• My audience will disagree with my argument
• They will be opposed to GMOs 
• My argument will be ineffective

3. What is the most important negative consequence to address?

The most important negative consequence to address is my audience disagreeing with my argument. I need to ensure my argument is well supported and effectively presented.

4. What are potential chains of action?

If my argument is effective, my audience should stop being opposed to GMOs and try to learn more about them. Potentially, my audience could create and advocate for GMOs and sustainable agriculture for our future.

Reflection:

Alyssa's rhetoric plan was mapped out very well. We are both using logos and scientific evidence to support our claims. I feel as though this is the most effective means of supporting in argument in science and technology because not many people know much and scientific evidence will teach our audiences and support our claims. I also like how Alyssa had two different genres and provided examples to each. Isabel and I have similar action plans. We are both considering writing an informative essay which would be published in a magazine or something. However, her audience and topic are different than mine. We also feel as though visuals such as charts and graphs would be the most effective for our projects because it allows the reader to physically see data. 

Analyzing Purpose

In the post below, I will be answering questions in order to analyze the purpose of my public argument.

tsbdave. "Skydivers." October 2013 via Pixaby. Public Domain Dedication. 

1. What is the goal of your public argument? What do you want your readers to believe at the end of it?

I want to explain in my public argument that GMOs are not necessarily bad for you. My public argument should inform readers about GMOs and educate the audience. I want the reader to consider and believe that GMOs are not bad; also, that there is not enough evidence to prove them detrimental. I also want to explain what GMOs are and their benefits and potential effects of GMOs.

2. Plausible Reactions

• The reader will consider that GMOs are not necessarily bad
• The reader will want to research more and educate themselves further on the controversy
• The reader will no longer be opposed to the production and selling of genetically modified products
• The reader will be less wary of GMOs
• The reader will ignore my argument and still believe GMOs are bad

3. Not Plausible Reactions

• The reader will fully accept or reject my argument
• The reader will start their own organization to support/oppose GMOS

4. Chain of Likely Consequences

By informing the reader about GMOs, he will be able to understand the controversy. After this, I will support my argument that genetic modification is not necessarily "bad" and can actually be beneficial. This should cause the reader to consider the potential benefits and should stop the reader from completely being opposed to GMOs. This should ease the disparity between groups and allow the people in opposition to be less wary of GMOs. Because of this, markets will benefit since people will be less opposed to purchasing genetically modified products.

5. Possible Audience to Achieve Goal

People in opposition and people on the fence of opposition could be potential audience members for my controversy. However, in order to a chief my goal, directing my argument to people on the fence of opposition will be easier to sway and achieve my goal of the project. Those completely opposed will be harder to convince that GMOs are not necessarily bad, but those on the fence will be easier to convince and advance my cause and achieve my goal.

Analyzing Context

In the post below, I will be answering questions in order to analyze the context of my public speech act.

Adam Knight. "Rainforest Pyramid." July 31, 2006 via Flickr. Public Domain Dedication.

1. What are the key perspectives on the debate you are studying?

Essentially, there are only two views in the GMO debate. There are those who oppose the production and selling of genetically modified organisms and there are those that are in favor of GMOs. Those opposed generally believe GMOs are bad for not only personal health but also our environment. Those in favor generally believe GMOs are beneficial and help create sustainable farming.

2. What are the major points of contention among these perspectives?

Personal health is the biggest point of contention. Some people are wary of the effects of genetically modified organisms; however, we do not have enough research to prove whether or not they are detrimental. Another point of contention would be labeling laws; some feels as though they have no idea whether or not they are consuming genetically modified organisms and many major companies have not implemented labeling requirements. Regulation and selling of GMOs can also be considered a major point of contention.

3. What are the possible points of agreement among the differing viewpoints?

They possible point of agreement could be qualities to classify products as genetically modified. In addition, these two sides could agree on prices of products containing genetically modified organisms. Also, they could agree that genetic breeding has been going on for centuries, regardless if it is done synthetically.

4. What are the ideologies between differing perspectives?

Those opposed believe in personal health and the right to knowledge about the contents of their products. Those in favor do not feel as strongly about personal health and knowledge. Those in favor of GMOs could also be big businesses, which have a business mindset and disregard the individuals of our society; whereas, those opposed to GMOs care about the individual rather than a more broad, business-like perspective.

5. What specific actions do their perspectives ask their audience to take?

Generally, neither side asks their audience to do anything. Groups in opposition to GMOs have created organizations and might encourage people to join and make lifestyle changes, however, they do not specifically demand anything of their audience.

6. What perspectives are useful in supporting your argument? Why?

I will be using the viewpoints of the group in favor of GMOs because their evidence is more logical. In addition, there is not enough evidence to defend the ban of GMOs, so it would be hard to create an argument without any support.

7. What perspectives do you think will be the greatest threat to your argument? Why?

The biggest threat to my argument will be the lack of evidence for either side. Nobody really knows the specific outcome of GMOs or whether or not their are detrimental/beneficial. Because of this, it might be a little challenging to fully defend genetically modified organisms.

Reflection:

Morgan had a different context than mine. Her differing viewpoints had a more clear common ground and it was a little harder for her to separate the groups. However, in my project, the groups are more distinguished but the common ground is harder to find. Also, her view on spanking is different than mine so I am excited to see what she writes about and how she defends her argument. Alyssa has a similar context in her project. However, her controversy focuses on religion and my project focuses more on the rights of individuals. Also, we will both be using scientific evidence to support our arguments, which I feel will be most effective for our projects.

Audience and Genre

In the post below, I will be deciding what audiences I want to target with my public speech and where I would like to publish my work and research.

ClkrFreeVectorImages. "Fleur-De-Lis." October 2014 via Pixaby. Public Domain Dedication. 

Audience One

For audience one, I want to target those in opposition to GMOs. My public speech act will be discussing how GMOs are not necessarily bad and could even be beneficial to our society. I want to target people opposing GMOs because I will be providing counter arguments to refute their opposing views.

Genre One

I would write my public speech act as a tabloid article and publish it in an online magazine.

Examples

Here is an examples of a tabloid article posted in Whole Foods magazine.

Here is another example of a tabloid article posted on IflScience.

Genre Two 

Another genre I could use for audience one is an argumentative essay and publish it on some sort of forum.

Examples

Here is an example of an argumentative essay published on Chegg.

Here is another example of an argumentative essay posted on a personal blog.

Audience Two

For audience two, I would focus on people who do not really know anything about the GMO debate. If I target this audience, I could make my public speech act more general and include both sides of the controversy.

Genre One

I could create an informative powerpoint and publish it on a public forum or as a pdf on Google. This way, people can learn about the GMO controversy visually.

Examples

Here is an example of a powerpoint of GMOs published on ShareNet.

Here is another example of a powerpoint published on ShareNet.

Genre Two

For genre two, I could write an informative essay and explain the GMO controversy. I could publish it in a magazine or as an article on a forum.

Example

Here is an example of an informative essay published on Custom Writing.

Here is another example of informative essay published on WordPress.

Extended Annotated Bibliography

In the post below, I will be creating an extended annotated bibliography of the GMO controversy.

Roger. "Beatles 4." December 16, 2009 via Flickr. Public Domain Dedication.

[1] European Food Council Organization, "Genetically Modified Foods", EUFIC, "http://www.eufic.org/article/en/food-technology/gmos/artid/gmos-debate/", [accessed, 10/23/2015].

This article discusses the safety involved in genetically modified organisms. It explains how the debate has been on going and is far from over; however, with research and evidence, it is safe to assume that genetically modified products are not harmful for human consumption. In addition, GMOs are becoming more popular; therefore, companies have ensured the products are safe to consume. This article also explains the consensus many organizations have come to in regards to genetically modified products. The audience is America and people who are concerned with purchasing genetically modified products. This article will benefit me in the future because it gives examples of what organizations are doing about the debate and also the new insights of the debate.

[2] White, M., "The Debate Over GMOs is About to Change", Pacific Standard, "http://www.psmag.com/nature-and-technology/debate-over-gmos-is-about-to-change", [accessed 10/23/2015].

This article discusses different type of genetic engineering in plants, instead of herb-resistant seeds. In addition, it explains how genetically modified organisms have not been deemed unsafe for consumption because scientists have not found any evidence to prove their harmfulness. Also, the author questions the public's acceptance of GMOs and whether or not they will be more accepted. The audience of this article is Americans because the author explains the GMO debate in the context of American markets. This article will benefit me in the future because it provides more examples of genetically modified products and explains why they have not been considered harmful.

[3] Freedman, D. "The Truth About Genetically Modified Food", Scientific America, "http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-truth-about-genetically-modified-food/?page=2", [accessed 10/23/2015].

This article discusses in detail the "truth" about the genetically modified organism's debate. The author explains what the government is doing, what exactly is involved in the debate and why it is such an issue, what is being done, what the benefits are of genetically modified organisms are and even the potential risks involved in genetic engineering. In addition, the author explains because this debate is such a hot and popular topic that scientists are ensuring their products are safe for consumption. The audience of this article is anyone who is concerned with genetically modified organisms and wants to educate themselves on the particular debate. This article will help me defend genetically modified organisms because it explains how they are not necessary unsafe for consumption and it has enough evidence and explanations that I can use in my public argument.

[4] Haspel, T. "The GMO Debate: 5 things to Stop Arguing", Washington Post, "https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/the-gmo-debate-5-things-to-stop-arguing/2014/10/27/e82bbc10-5a3e-11e4-b812-38518ae74c67_story.html" [accessed 10/23/2015]. 

This article refutes the myths involved with genetically modified organisms. The author provides counter arguments for the main points debated in this controversy and explains why they should not be debated. This article is targeted toward people who are against GMOs because it provides information to counter the arguments. Because of this, this article will be useful to me in supporting genetically modified organisms. I will have evidence and explanation why they are not necessarily a bad thing for consumers.

Narrowing My Focus

In the post below, I will be explaining three questions to narrow my focus in order to craft my own public argument.

Kikatani. "The Carrot." October 2014 via Pixaby. Public Domain Dedication. 

1. What qualifications are needed for an organism to be considered genetically modified?

I feel as though it is important to understand what exactly qualifies a product as genetically modified in order to understand why people oppose them. Also, it is important because it distinguishes products from one another.

2. Who are the major proponents of GMO sellers and GMO buyers?

I feel like it is important to understand exactly who is involved in the GMO controversy, like which companies sell these products and who exactly buys these products. This will explain who is involved in GMO interactions and where they mainly occur in the United States.

3. Where does GMO opposition occur the most?

By understanding the demographics of GMOs, I will be able to understand what kind of people oppose GMO, what social class they are and general demographics involved in GMO opposition. Also, I will be able to understand what areas GMOs impact the greatest.