PB1A

Part 2, “Deconstructing Genres.”. After you make your selections, describe this genre using the language of our course.  Think about our “genre question”—what makes this thing this thing?—and describe the conventions of this genre based on your 3 examples.  What patterns have you detected across the three examples, and which ones seem the most consequential?  

A straight forward title is immediately the most noticeable convention among the 3 examples. The titles lack any sort of adjectives and only focuses on the letter writer’s opinion about the matter so it may catch a reader’s attention and let them know prior what’s the whole point about. The writer’s occupation is also usually included at end of the letter, this may help verify the level of authenticity and seriousness readers should be taking the letter, as a position such as a teacher or a community relations director (from the examples) may hold more credibility than an unemployed person with a strong opinion.  Repetition of auxiliary verbs are also often present in the letter, especially towards the end.

Part 3, “Determining Rhetorical Situations.” Analyze the rhetorical situation (writer, goal/purpose, reader/audience, context) of each piece.  

The letter to the editor, first and foremost, a written for the editor to read. However, the examples I’ve examined usually hit a point that might concern children or students. This can be specifically targeted towards parents or college students who might be interested in improving or looking for a new outlook on their lives. The writer’s goal often is to inform people about misconceptions or things that you won’t notice in your everyday life.

Part 4. What are people writing about?  What are the different arguments that people make?  How are they trying to “win” people over? 

People are writing about issues that might concern their lifestyles or the people they sympathize towards. The arguments are usually something that relates to the writer’s personal experience, which is an argument in itself so reader’s can personally feel the issues.