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.