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| Stavelin, Eirik. "Lo-tech analyse." 03/29/2009 via Flickr. Attribution 2.0 Generic License. |
Social Context
- Where is the genre (science blogs) typically set?
- The genre is typically set in online technology and innovative science news websites, such as TechCrunch or Mashable. The target audience is about 18 to 40 year old individuals who are either scholars or informed citizens.
- What is the subject of the genre?
- The subject of the genre is science and technological advancements. Depending on the blog, opinions on current events in science and technology could be posted.
- Who uses the genre?
- The target audience for my genre is 18 to 40 year olds.
- When and why is the genre used? What purposes does the genre serve for the people who use it?
- This genre is usually used by the target audience to stay informed or to learn new things about what is going in the ever-advancing science and technology world.
Rhetorical Patterns of the Genre
- What type of context is usually included and excluded?
- Typically, background information regarding the topic at hand is included in the posts. Authors tend to assume that readers are not familiar with the topic and provide contextual information for better understanding. Opinions on the topic are generally excluded, as the posts are mainly focused on presenting both sides of an issue.
- What type of rhetorical appeals are used most often? Do you notice any patterns in the appeals to logos, pathos and ethos?
- More than anything else, the texts appeal to logos and ethos. Since the topic is scientific and technological advancements, it is much more focused on logic and reason than emotion. Ethos is used to provide credibility for the authors of the posts.
- How are the texts organized? Do they generally open in similar ways? Conclude in similar ways? What common parts do the samples share?
- Generally, the texts open with background information on the topic being discussed. The topic is furthermore explained throughout the post and current advancements are brought to light. The posts all focus on presenting both sides of an issue if there is one, and conclude with a summary of the pros and cons of certain technologies.
- Do sentences in the genre share a certain style? Are they mostly active, passive, simple, or complex? Is there an abundance or lack of questions, exclamation points, or semicolons?
- The sentences in this genre tend to be more complex since they are dealing with a topic that has more technical language. The writing is mostly active because it covers topics that are relevant in today's society. There seems to be a lack of questions and exclamation points, and majority of the sentences are declarative.
- 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?
- The word choice in this genre is slightly informal. Academic language is used when discussing the technical aspects of the posts, for example, when a certain technology is being explained.
What the Patterns Reveal about the Social Context of the Genre
- Who does the genre include and who does it exclude?
- This genre includes people of a large age range who are interested in scientific and technological advancements. People who are not specifically interested in learning about such topics are generally excluded.
- What roles for writers and readers does the genre encourage?
- This genre encourages readers to learn about different types of technology in science and become knowledgeable about the two sides of various issues in such topics. Writers are encouraged to present both the positives and negatives of each topic, as well as thoroughly inform readers about the technologies.
- What values and beliefs are assumed about or encouraged from the users of this genre?
- The users of this genre are assumed to value scientific technology and its advancements. Writers of this genre encourage belief in such advancements and future possibilities.
- What context does the genre treat as most valuable? Least valuable?
- The most valuable aspect of this genre is the background information on each topic. The genre focuses on presenting readers with ample accurate information and less on providing personal or emotional connections.
After reading Laurence and Mira's blog posts, I feel confident in the genre I chose. Laurence and I share a similar want for informal writing, with his genre being a bit more formal than mine, so that was nice to see. Mira's genre is very interesting and I;m excited to read her argument. I like my genre particularly because I don't like formal writing, and I love using images to tell a story. I can't wait to write!
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