Friday, 30 October 2015

Analyzing My Genre

I have chosen to write Project 3 in an op-ed. This post will analyze the aspects of this genre.

EXAMPLE 1
EXAMPLE 2
EXAMPLE 3
EXAMPLE 4
EXAMPLE 5 

SOCIAL CONTEXT

  • Setting- The genre is located in newspapers and there is a specific section in newspapers dedicated to op-eds. 
  • Subject- The subject is any current news issue that people have opinions on. 
  • Who uses the genre- Authors that want to publish writing pieces that give their opinions on current events.
  • When and why- People that are interested in reading about writer's views and opinions on current events will engage in op-eds.
RHETORICAL PATTERNS
  • Content to include- Make a single point, tell readers why they should care, include personal voice, include personal connections, acknowledge the other side, offer a solution to a problem. 
  • Content to avoid- Do not just give facts, discuss why they matter. Do not include long rebuttals and don't try to cover too much.
  • Rhetorical appeals- Logos and pathos are the most important. Facts are included in a way that flows well with the opinions to help support what the writer is saying. Connecting to the audience through word choice, images, and format is very useful in op-eds. 
  • Organization- The length varies but on average op-eds should aim to be 750 words, the shorter the better. The introduction is short and to the point and the main point should be at the beginning and only take up a couple sentences. Also, the paragraphs are short, images are used, and a headline is included. 
  • Sentence structure- Only active voice should be used when writing an op-ed. Questions, exclamatory sentences, and any unique sentences structures are used to make the op-ed creative, give it style, and include a personal touch. 
  • Word choice- Op-eds avoid jargon and overall use simple language. Simple language does not mean boring, it just means that it is easy for the reader to comprehend. Technical terms can be left out and only include simple terms. Humor is used in some op-eds and is definitely a useful technique. 
ANALYZE WHAT PATTERNS REVEAL ABOUT SOICAL CONEXT
  • Genre includes... People that read magazines or go online to read the op-ed section. People that engage in newspapers like the New York Times. 
  • Genre excludes... People that rely on social media and news shows to obtain information. 
  • Role of writers... To engage in the text and be influenced by the opinions expressed. Authors are not trying to persuade, but definitely want people to understand and side with their opinion. 
  • Role of readers... Process the information in an op-ed and determine if the argument is good and then build beliefs and opinions based off of it. 
  • Values and beliefs of users... Readers believe in free speech and expression. Depending on the newspaper the op-ed is featured in, the readers will have different values and beliefs. Also, depending on which op-eds readers read my reveal different values and beliefs. 
  • Most valuable content... Using a personal voice and making personal connections to the audience are. Also, important things to an op-ed are having a short and concise pieces and using short paragraphs within.  
  • Least valuable content... If you pose a problem it is best to also provide a solution, and hard facts and evidence are not effective.

Price, Dave. "The Daily News." 2006 via Wikipedia. Creative Commons.
Reflection:
I read Jenny and Addie's posts on Analyzing My Genre. Jenny is writing an editorial, and an editorial has almost the exact same conventions of an op-ed. However, the major difference is that an op-ed can be written by anyone that isn't an established author or working for the specific news company. I will definitely collaborate with Jenny if I run into questions about my genre. Addie is writing a blog post which is a genre I am familiar in due to this class. I was able to give her feedback on her conventions, but mostly I am excited to see how she is able to be creative with this project given her genre. I hope that even with my op-ed I can incorporate creativity. 

3 comments:

  1. We are going to be using the same genre, so our posts were very similar. With editorials, the conventions have a big effect on the reader's opinion of the overall topic, and in your blog post, you seemed to understand this. I like how you split the reader's and writer's purposes into two separate bullet points. You seem to grasp their exact role in this genre, which will help you when you start writing! I am confident that you chose the right genre, based on your knowledge of it.

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  2. I also read Jenny's post on "Analyzing My Genre". Like Jenny already stated, you are both writing in the same genre (editorials). Similarly to what I commented on Jenny's post, I really enjoy how clearly you understand the rhetorical strategies used in this specific genre. I think that the last two projects have prepared you for writing an editorial. Particularly because of project 2, you have a great understanding of rhetorical strategies and how to effectively use them in your own work. I think that you have a strong start for Project 3 and clearly understand the conventions of an editorial.

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  3. Rachel, although I don't know much about editorials or op-eds, from this post I can tell you have a clear understanding of the genre, so I definitely wouldn't stress about the conventions too much. This genre seems to be pretty flexible, so you can really be creative with this and make it your own for this project. I wish you luck!

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