For EACH of your genres, begin by answering the questions below. You will use your answers from step 1 to write your essay as explained in step 2. You will NOT include a numbered list from step 1 in your essay but your answers will become incorporated into step 2.
Rhetorical Situation:
Who are the authors of the samples you chose? Do you have to have certain credentials or specialized training to work with this genre? If the author is unknown, why is that?
Who is the main audience for this genre? Are there any groups that are excluded?
What is the occasion for the genre? What is it trying to accomplish?
What kinds of issues does it address? Are there any limitations in terms of what kinds of issues can be raised?
Language and Form:
What formality and complexity of language are expected and appropriate in this genre?
What attitudes and tone are expected and appropriate in this genre? Do you see any deviations from these expectations, and if yes – what effect do they create?
What are some common terms or specialized expressions you notice?
What are the format expectations for this genre? What are the typical length, structure and organization, layout, visual elements?
Does this genre interact with other writing in any way? Why or why not?