In academic writing, students constantly make rhetorical choices based on effectiveness and the overall rhetorical situation in which they are writing. This guide focuses on several rhetorical choices within genre and format that students should consider. The purpose of this guide is to explain the causes and effects of these choices to rhetorical situation, in order to assist students in making their decisions.
Keep in mind that as a student, your rhetorical situation is defined by context, audience, purpose, and persona. Under each tab you will find specific examples of choices regarding genre and format as well as a definition of these choices. There you will also find the general cause and effect of the rhetorical situation on the rhetorical choice as well as questions you should ask yourself to help you make your decision.
What is Genre and Format?
Genre is defined as a category of artistic application, such as in music and literature- each distinct in style, form, and content. When defined in terms of rhetorical choice, the word genre takes on a similar definition but applies to existing conventions of writing, some of which are specific to certain academic or professional fields (e.g. lab reports, scholarly journals, business display boards), others implementable for every day use (e.g. e-mails, grocery lists, text messages). Format is simply the specific way that content within genre is arranged or structured. For instance, the use of half-inch margins on documents is a formatting choice commonly used essays that range from different genres.
For future application, students should keep in mind that since the rhetorical situation ultimately decides the appropriate genre, genre in turn influences formatting choices for the piece of writing. Although often times most rhetorical choices, including genre and format, are likely to be assigned to students by their professors, students should be aware of the effective rhetorical choices they can put to use.
ENGLISH 20 - 11, Fall 2012.
Tae Kim. Giselle Nobleza. Franceska Gamez.
Keep in mind that as a student, your rhetorical situation is defined by context, audience, purpose, and persona. Under each tab you will find specific examples of choices regarding genre and format as well as a definition of these choices. There you will also find the general cause and effect of the rhetorical situation on the rhetorical choice as well as questions you should ask yourself to help you make your decision.
What is Genre and Format?
Genre is defined as a category of artistic application, such as in music and literature- each distinct in style, form, and content. When defined in terms of rhetorical choice, the word genre takes on a similar definition but applies to existing conventions of writing, some of which are specific to certain academic or professional fields (e.g. lab reports, scholarly journals, business display boards), others implementable for every day use (e.g. e-mails, grocery lists, text messages). Format is simply the specific way that content within genre is arranged or structured. For instance, the use of half-inch margins on documents is a formatting choice commonly used essays that range from different genres.
For future application, students should keep in mind that since the rhetorical situation ultimately decides the appropriate genre, genre in turn influences formatting choices for the piece of writing. Although often times most rhetorical choices, including genre and format, are likely to be assigned to students by their professors, students should be aware of the effective rhetorical choices they can put to use.
ENGLISH 20 - 11, Fall 2012.
Tae Kim. Giselle Nobleza. Franceska Gamez.