Considering Types

Forest Wander. "Seneca Nature Trail" 2008
Public Domain

Position Argument

• This type of argument is most like the style I will use for my project. If I mention my side on the issue and counter the opposing side's position with data and reason, I will make this style more effective.
• If I merely state my position for no apparent reason, I may lose credibility as an author or the argument may seem brash, unsupported, or whimsical.

Casual Argument

• A casual argumentation style may no be appropriate for the topic of my project especially when the argument deals with healthcare and illness treatment. Also, the origins of this issue will be too difficult to determine, so the idea that the argument will be this steady ride between point would be ridiculous since I will need to call upon multiple sources from different areas and statements from different doctors. 

Evaluative Argument

• There exist plenty of solutions for this issue, but most involve a political agenda; therefore, the objectivity of the argument may be rather flawed. Also, the solutions that do exist are rather vague, so a evaluation of these solutions will be too broad to form an argument.

Proposal Argument 

• I do want to present a possible solution to the issue based on the position I take of the existing facts.I could draw upon the principles and ideas from both parties in order to create a cohesive proposal that can be agreed upon by both parties. However, the proposal created will most likely be more favorable towards the Pro-sequencing ideologies.

Refutation Argument

• I could directly address the Opposition's ideologies and arguments so that I can point out the loop holes in their theories/opinions in contrast to hard facts. I could directly refute the opposition entirely, then present my argument proving that the opposition is wrong on this issue, and then propose a solution in the form of a Pro-sequencing proposal. 

Reflection: 

After reading the posts made by Mehruba and Nick, I feel more confident in using the refutation argument style and the proposal style. This is due to the context of my debate, that being the fact that the issue revolves around a scientific dispute. In order to best discredit the opposition would be to point out the flaws in their position and then propose a better solution to the issue that is more favorable to the position I want to impose onto the reader. 

My Rhetorical Action Plan

This post deals with the plan of action for Project III and answers certain questions that can be found on pages 412-413 of the Writing Public Lives text.

Action France SAS. "Action"  2015
Public Domain

Audience

What does the audience know about the topic, text or idea? Where do they get their knowledge from? Do they have certain predispositions or opinions about the topic that you will need to address?

• Since this topic is rather complex and very scientific, a good potion of the piece will be dedicated to giving the audience a sufficient amount of background and context information. 
• Most people will have a basic understanding of DNA, genes, chromosomes, and the process to read DNA structures, however the debate itself revolves around a more specific issue regarding the "reading" of gene maps so I should explain what the science behind this issue states. 
• I don't believe that their is a large population of Americans who have this debate ready in their mind so that they can have a position if the issue is brought up, so I may be introducing the dispute to the reader. 

What do you know about the values, ideas, principles, or norms that members of the audience might hold?

• Patients want the best quality healthcare their doctors can provide; especially, if it means that they can return to being healthy in a timely, cost efficient manner. 
• What type of research or evidence do you think will be persuasive for your audience? How might you have to translate this research for them?
• Since this debate deals with a scientific issue, the need for statistical data and research findings is vital to support the argument I plan to make in the project, also a good portion of my audience will need logistical evidence to determine whether to support my claim. 

What visual images or elements might your audience respond to? Why?

• Since my topic deals with healthcare and research that usually involves animal experimentation, I find that using an image in this situation would bring about a less favorable reaction. I might however show pictures of x-ray slides, chromosome maps, or even the final product of the treatment... the gene sequencing map. 
• Why is your audience reading or listening to your argument? Are you trying to expand their understanding of an idea, encourage them to take action on an issue, challenge a long-held tradition or viewpoint? How likely is your argument to motivate your audience? 
• My intended audience would read my article if they happen to browse through a medical magazine, journal, or the healthcare portion of a news site. 
• I intend to motivate my audience to support programs that wish to research further into the applications of gene maps, groups that want to implement the gene mapping process into more hospital programs, and to press their governments into supporting financially further studies into the treatment process/application. 

Genre

Genre Idea I- Article, Blog Post, or QRG
Magazine Article: GEN Magazine (DNA Sequencing: Clinical Potential ); Circulation ( Gene Sequencing)
The Scientist: Genome Digest ; The Scientist (Animal Applications of Genome Digest)

Genre Idea: Personal Narrative
National Human Genome Research Initiative (An Overview of the HGP); GNN (Genome Sequencing).

What is the function of this genre? What is it designed to do to your readers? Why did you choose it?

• This style of writing is usually used to persuade an audience, but it does not need to be an emotionally based personal story. However the personal narrative gives accounts from the experts from the field or the author's account of the technology due to experience. Therefore the narrative may be more personal. 

What is the setting of your genre? Where could you see it being used?

• The article genre is a little more versatile because it can be read or published in a greater number of areas. An article or QRG can appear on many news source or magazine, and can be obtainable to a larger audience. Personal narrative can have the same qualities, but it is limited in terms of context. The genre may only be found in the social or recent news categories of a news source. 

How might you use the rhetorical appeals we have studied in this genre?

• Logical appeals will be best suited for the article style while emotional and ethical appeals would be more applicable to the personal narrative. 
• What type of visual elements, if any, will you use in this genre? 
• The use of visual aids in any of these genres will be most likely ineffective. maybe an introduction photo could grab the reader's attention but not persuade people as effectively as the argument. 

What type of style will you use in this genre?

• The article/QRG genre would be more formal, informative, and logic based because the presentation of hard facts drives the argument as a whole, and makes up for the normally absent emotional appeals. The narrative however is a story and therefore need emotion to draw in the audience and its support for your claim. 

Responses/Actions
Positive Reactions

• Someone completely agrees with my position, and advocates for more funding for the medical treatment's research. 
• The reader has such a strong response that they take it upon themselves to write to their local congressman, or government official to act upon the article's position. More people become aware of the technology's benefits. 
• The reader become curious and research further into the information/subject. Whatever they do after reading the article is entirely up to the reader, but my goal is to present an account of the debate, take a position, and argue for that position so that the reader eventually researches the topic and makes their own opinion based off what they have learned so far. 

Negative Reactions

• The reader has no feelings whatsoever towards the issue and eventually forgets the topic completely. They may also take the opposite of my position and tell others not to support gene sequencing. 
• People may have experience the process first hand and found it to be lacking, so they refuse to consider my opinion and stop reading. 
• The reader becomes bored and stops reading; therefore, the message is not as effective or long lasting as I hope it would be.

Reflection:

After reading the posts made by Alyssa and Isabel, I found that the most effective means to present my issue is in the genre of a QRG. This is partly due to the content of my debate. The constant use of statistics and research results may overwhelm my reader. So in order to breakup this massive portion of my project, I will format the project in a QRG style so that the points remain brief but the data readable enough to get the point across.

Analyzing Purpose

Brandon Lewis. "Coggle Brainstorm" 2015
Public Domain

Above I created a Coggle Flow Map using the prompts from Pg. 326 in the Writing Public Lives
readings.

Also here is a Link if you can't see so well.

Analyzing Context

Awa. "A Woman Thinking" 2007
Public Domain 

Below, I will provide concise but detailed answers to the listed questions from the "Reading in Context..." box in Writing Public Lives (Pg. 340). 

• What are the key perspectives or schools of thought on the debate that you are studying?

Currently there exists a number of positions on the gene sequencing issue. However, there are two major ideological groups in this debate: The Pro-Sequencing and Anti-Sequencing Healthcare parties. The Pro-Sequencing advocate for the increase in funding for gene sequencing science as well as a greater effort to implement the treatment technology into modern diagnostic healthcare. The Opposition, in contrast, finds the current existing research and data collected by gene sequencing programs are inadequate, or lack a definitive proof that the gene mapping healthcare treatment will aid in the diagnostic process.

• What are the major points of contention or major points of disagreement between these perspectives?  

The major source of the contention between these two perspectives is the science behind gene mapping and its using in diagnosing genetic illnesses. Some doctors and healthcare providers find that the technology could eventually be used as a convenient means to find mutations or errors in a patient's DNA or chromosome structures; which, would winnow down the number of possible genetic illnesses ailing the patient. However, the opposition to this science feel that the data is too inconclusive to be used in a healthcare setting, and far too expensive for the average patient to afford.

• What are some possible points of agreement, or the possible point of common ground between these perspectives?

 Both groups agree that the gene sequencing technology has some sort of impact in finding a possible gene error in a patient. However, it is the concepts of timing, cost, and quality of data collected that incite most of the argument in this debate. It is highly probable that if one of those issues is resolved the debate as a whole would cease to be, where more would unanimously agree with the Pro-sequence groups. 

• What are the ideological differences between the perspectives?  

The main differences between these two groups lies within the concepts of reliable data or conjecture. The Pro-sequencing groups believe that the data that currently exists is evidence enough for major steps towards integrating the technology into diagnostic medicine. In contrast, the Opposition believes that the evidence collected is inconclusive or flawed in some cases. Also, a potion of the Opposition is composed of anti-abortion factions, who find that certain aspects of the treatment can indirectly lead to the "engineering" of future children.

• What specific actions do their  perspectives or texts ask their audiences to take?  

The Pro-sequencing groups advocate for the integration of gene mapping technologies into hospitals, and subsequently into the diagnostic process. Therefore, the ask that their supporters press government and their doctors to use fund future research into this process. The Opposition however asks that their audience to also press their government to create regulations or cut spending funding gene sequencing technology research.

• What perspectives are useful in supporting your own arguments on this issue? Why did you choose these?

In order to support my argument, I will need to use the Pro-sequencing group's argument that references the limitless diagnostic applications of gene maps. Also the perspective that this form of medical treatment will be the future of personalized modern medicine. I chose these perspectives partly due to the amount of content and evidence to support these claims. The Opposition seems only to have opinionated and ethical based argumentation texts. 

• What perspectives do you think will be the greatest threat to your argument? Why so?

The greatest threat to my argument will be the ethical perspectives and its rhetorical appeals. The opposition tends to brand the Pro-sequencing group as unethical or morally corrupted, referencing the corporate aspect of the treatment process as well as the expense of the process as a whole.

Reflection:
After reading the posts made by Jayni and Nick  I found that their topics and plans for the argument revolve more around scientific data and ethical appeals. With this in mind, I should uses this strategy in my project because my topic is also a scientific essay and needs a lot of logical data and statistics tosupport the position. However, I still need to keep in mind that this project deals with controversies that have no conclusive evidence to draw upon an existing conclusion.
   

Project II Publication

Unknown: "Nixon Victory" 1970
Public Domain

Here is my Final Rhetorical Strategy Essay for Project II.

Enjoy... it was a lot of work and I am really mentally exhausted.

Audiences & Genre

Shankbone, David. "Theater Crowd" 2007
Public Domain

It is very important for a writer to understand his or her audience and the genre of the piece. Below, I have analyzed and evaluated what my audience will be in regards to my Project III topic.

Audience I:

Target I: Medical Professionals/ Healthcare Providers

Since my topic relates to gene sequencing and its affects on modern health care, I believe that my primary audience will be individuals who have a basic understanding of genomes and the DNA code. But since I will be talking about the technology's influence in diagnostic treatment, I believe that a greater portion of my audience will medical professional or those who have a substantial knowledge of hospital treatment and health care administration.

Publication Locations: Audience I

1. YouTube or Online Interview where I find experts in the field of genetics and gene mapping. This can be done at the University of Arizona as there is a significant science community involving DNA and genetic research. 

• Example I: I could do a teaching based video where I describe the gene sequencing process and the data behind the science like this You Tube video.  
• Example II: I could simply do an interview of professionals of the field, and ask about their beliefs of the future of the technology and treatment or a TED talk explanation of the process, like this video.  

2. Personal Narrative of the Treatment

• Example I: I could do a more serious essay of the treatment, using a more article or blog post style to express my opinions on the influence of gene mapping on diagnostic treatment. Like this descriptive information piece. 
• Example II: I could also do a more casual video of my opinions on the issue, noting the benefits of whole-genome sequencing and the future of the treatment. Instead of having it as an informative piece, I will try to influence my audience to support the treatment like this video.

Audience II: Student Learners

Target II: Medical Students/ College Learners
Since my topic relates to gene sequencing and its affects on modern health care, I believe that my primary audience will be individuals who have a basic understanding of genomes and the DNA code. But for this audience I want to target individuals who want to have a basic knowledge of the treatment process for personal reasons or just for the sake of learning.

 Publication Locations; Audience II

1. QRG or Small Essay

• Example I: I could redo the Project I QRG to apply to a broader audience, so that the information is more accessible and easier to read like this QRG. 
• Example II: I could also do a Power point style or Wikipedia formatted research report that give the general idea of the topic and provides numerous links for further investigation, like this example.

2.  Personal Narrative of the Treatment

• Example I: Example I: I could do a more serious essay of the treatment, using a more article or blog post style to express my opinions on the influence of gene mapping on diagnostic treatment, but also keep the information understandable and easy to follow. Like this descriptive information video. 
• Example II: I could simply do an interview of professionals of the field, and ask about their beliefs of the future of the technology and treatment or a TED talk explanation of the process. I could also use an article style format as a means to express these opinions, like this article. 

Extended Annotated Bibliography

Dr. Marcus Gossler. "Library Shelves" 2003
Public Domain  

Since I am doing Project III on Project I subject, I was able to use a few older sources as the ground work for my new sources.

Here is the Link to my Annotated Bibliography.

Narrowing My Focus

Moerman, Daniil. "Zoom Effect" 2007
Public Domain

Who supports the implementation of the technology into diagnostic healthcare? 

Many of my previous article from Project I gave me sufficient references to individuals who opposed gene mapping in a hospital setting. If I did have a pro-mapping proponent, the individual was either dead or lacked credibility in a medical atmosphere. If I did find an individual who had more recent experience with the filed and had experience with the process in a medical atmosphere, my argument on the debate could be better supported.  

What are the positive affects of gene mapping in diagnostic medicine. 

I thought this would be the most interesting concept to research, especially since I have been researching the debate in theory. I have been most discussing the issue as it pertains to the United States, and most medical institutions in the country have yet to implement such mapping tech into diagnostics. So I would like to see on a global scale if there have been finding that support the implentation of the treatment have been effective in treatment. 

Questions About Controversy

Jon-Co. "Fibrodysplasia" 2013
Public Domain

In Project III, I plan on continuing with the gene sequencing debate on whether it is beneficial to modern health care practice and its possible influence on gene mutation research.

Who

1. Who researches with the gene mapping technology?
2. Who are the leading researchers in the field?
3. Who supports the implementation of the technology into diagnostic healthcare? 

What

1. What are the positive affects of gene mapping in diagnostic medicine. 
2. What are some factors that prevent the technology from being an accepted treatment?
3. What studies have been done to verify the gene map's credibility/reliability in health care?

When 

1. When did gene sequencing become a common research subject in medicine?
2. When did the debate on gene mapping's implementation in hospitals become an issue?
3. When have there been any breakthroughs in the research?

Where

1. Where has gene mapping become a common treatment practice?
2. What countries have fully accepted gene sequencing as a medical diagnostic tool?
3. Where has the most research been performed on the gene map's affect on effective healthcare.

How

1. How did the debate become a nation wide issue? 
2. How does gene mapping help doctors diagnose genetic illnesses?
3. How can this issue be resolved? 

Reflection of Project II

Inaglory, Brocken. "Tenaya Lake Reflection" 2007
Public Domain

1. What was specifically revised from one draft to another?

What I really focused on was the conclusion and quotations within my body paragraphs. I also worked on adding more academic vocabulary within the piece so that the over tone of the essay was more formal and educated.

2. Point to global changes: how did you reconsider your thesis or organization?

I constructed my thesis so that the points I wanted to make were clear and arguable. Therefore, my thesis was very specific, only pointing out the three major strategies used in the article that were a form of rhetorical device. 

3. What led you to these changes? A reconsideration of audience? A shift in purpose? 

Based on the rubric given at the beginning of this project, I had to consider an audience that was relevant to my field. I also had to keep in mind that I was not to analyze the article specifically, but instead use it as a means to explain the rhetorical strategies used in my field. 

4. How do these changes affect your credibility as an author? 

By keeping with the subject of the essay and by constantly addressing the audience, I was able to construct an essay that fulfilled my purpose while also bringing my audience up to date on the filed's use of rhetoric. This make me more credible because I connected to my audience and tailor my essay specifically for them. 

5. How will these changes better address the audience or venue?  

Since my essay is more targeted to specific audience, my paper will be more tailored to that group. This allows me to address the audience in regards to their field and give the proper amount of context to the issue without isolating/confusing the audience as a whole.

6. Point to local changes: How did you reconsider sentence structure and style?

I added to certain sentences and included more quotes so that the paper flowed easily. I also focused more on my introduction and its thesis so that the audience had a basic understanding of the overall issue addressed and the rhetoric employed in the article.

7. How did these changes assist your audience in understanding your purpose? 

I made the introduction entertaining, easy to read, and with an opening sentence that grabbed to audience's attention. I also provided enough background information on the issue so that the audience could recall their own preconceptions and learn/adjust from the information given.

8. Did you have to reconsider the conventions of the particular genre in which you where writing?  

I understood from the beginning of this project the conventions, strategies, and tools needed for this project. However, there where points where transitions in the overall goal of the piece were necessary for a quality essay. I had to constantly remind myself of the properties of the genre and the format needed to adhere to the project guidelines. 

9. How does the process of reflection help you reconsider your identity as a writer? 

Well I never truly knew my identity as a writer before this project, I can't say with confidence that I know now, but I believe I have learned from this experience that project guidelines are incredibly important for the writing process. I now have a clear writing style thanks to this project.

Reflection:
 I read Nick's and Savannah's reflections. We all seemed to have had trouble when it came to revising the body paragraph, and adhering to the overall purpose of the project. The fact that we had to focus more on the analysis of the rhetorical strategies seemed to throw off a lot of our writing style. It seems that we are more used to analyzing the author's point and writing style rather than the rhetoric employed.        

Punctuation Part II

Anybody. "Defer" March 2007
Public Domain

Below, I present two examples of "punctuation" found in my draft essay in comparison to the Rules for Writers readings.

The Comma/End Punctuation 

I have a pretty decent knowledge of the restrictive and nonrestrictive properties of a sentence when it come to the use of commas. But the readings showed me specific names for these elements as well as scenarios. Direct questions obviously end with a question mark, however polite requests end with a period. 

Ex. 
By inferring that her opponents are sociopaths, Machiavellian, or even favor far right political values Harmon undermines her credibility among more educated audiences.

Quotation Marks

I have a general understanding of the use of quotations in essays. One should use enclosed direct quotations when referring to a specific portion of an article relevant to your point in a paragraph.When using dialogue, a new paragraph must be started when there is a change in speaker. Quotation marks are not needed for paraphrasing, however. In terms of use of quotes within quotes, the use of a single quotation mark. Periods and commas remain inside quotation marks. 

The Apostrophe

Apostrophes are needed when a noun is possessive, or an indication of ownership is present. The addition of apostrophe "s" for such ownership. If the noun is already plural and ends with an "s" then add a singular apostrophe at the end. When there is no joint possession, use the apostrophe on only the last noun, and to show individual possession , make all nouns possessive.

Ex. 
Harmon’s understanding of her reader’s financial disposition  contributes greatly to the style of her writing, as she convinces her audience that the research is necessary for their future health and within their price range. Even if such an argument is rather ridiculous considering today’s healthcare quality.

Paragraph Analysis II

Billington, Michael. "Blue Rubbish Bins" August 2006
Public Domain
 

After reviewing my original draft of the Rhetorical Analysis essay, I used the tips and guidelines found in Chapter IV of the Rules For Writers Handbook. After making a few adjustments and focusing on the rhetorical strategies employed in each body paragraph, I felt really confident in my new work.

There might be some cohesiveness issues or the occasional grammar error that I didn't see, but overall I am really happy with my work.

Here is the Link to "Copy for Paragraph Analysis II"

Revised Conclusion

Unknown. "Conclusions" 2013
Public Domain

Below, I revise my conclusion paragraph of my draft essay of the rhetorical strategies used in my disciple selected article. I was rather reluctant to revise my original conclusion because I put a lot of work into that "last question" aspect of it, but I guess I needed to make it more effective in readdressing the thesis as well as acknowledging the topic of this assignment. Plus I made it an effort to address my audience in the final few sentences.

Original Conclusion: 

Harmon aimed to portray gene mapping as a medical technology necessary for human advancement as it could document an individual's DNA for a more personalized medical plan. However, she addressed the growing industry for the mapping process among the wealthy as an unethical exploitation of medical resources. By citing statistics that note the decrease in costs for such technology, comparing the wealthy's use of such treatments to those of luxury cars, and repeating the concept that the government should subsidize the research, the author aims to employ rhetorical camouflage to incite a larger population of lower class citizens to urge their governments for equal healthcare access.

New Conclusion:

Gene mapping may well be the future of modern healthcare, but it is unreasonable to assume that the general public will be able to access such cutting edge technology. Financial limitations and growing political division within the healthcare industry has stunted the availability of gene tech to the masses. Amy Harmon, however, argues otherwise and presented numerous statistics that quantified the growing demand in the gene mapping industry. These logistics all note the primary consumer in this market- the wealthy- hoping to instill the idea of a growing "medical inequality". While it is unlikely that her article will bring about civil unrest, forcing governments to provide access to these gene technologies, Harmon effectively use a string of rhetorical strategies to keep this concept of medical "inequality" a lasting thought in her audience. By citing statistics that note the decrease in costs for such technology, questioning the ethics of the wealthy's whimsical use of such treatments, and repeating loaded terminology to evoke an desired emotional response, the author effectively engaged and persuaded her audience so that she may propose her desired solution to this issue. As a medical student, it is imperative that all rhetorical strategies are employed within writing and argumentation. These strategies undoubtedly contribute to the transformation of one's opinionated ideas into more cohesive and supported positions on an issue. 

Revised Introduction

Koftel. "Conference Phone Meeting" Unknown
Public Domain

Below I revise and rewrite the introduction to my draft essay on rhetorical strategies. My new introduction addresses the prompt better and the author's article use of certain strategies. I believe that the the new introduction is more concise, easier to read, and actually brings up the rhetorical strategies in the thesis. Plus, I crafted the new thesis to address the actual prompt of the assignment.

Original Introduction:


The breakthrough in the human DNA code has been declared a human triumph; yet, many perceive this science as the precursor to medical inequality, and in many cases,a race for genetic superiority. This issue is addressed in the New York Times article, “Gene Map Becoming a Luxury Item”, written by biotech journalist Amy Harmon, reveals new statistics of the growth of the private gene mapping industry. According to Harmon, the medical technology necessary for the mapping and documentation of an individual's DNA has become a highly sought after medical process among the wealthy due to its influence in personalized healthcare. By citing statistics that note the decrease in costs for such technology, comparing the wealthy's use of such treatments to those of luxury cars, and repeating the concept that the government should subsidize the research, the author aims to employ rhetorical camouflage to incite a larger population of lower class citizens to urge their governments for equal healthcare access.

New Introduction: 

Rhetoric is the most important tool for any student wishing to take a controversial  issue and make their specific position appealing to a greater audience.Writers tend to use rhetoric to achieve a desire reaction form their audience. In Any Harmon's analytical article, "Gene Maps Become a Luxury Item," the medical technology necessary for the mapping and documentation of an individual's DNA has become a desired medical process among the wealthy due to its influence in personalized healthcare. In order to convey her message to a larger, more liberal audience, the author relies on a series of  logical and statistical arguments to advocate to government subsidization, but mostly relies on "pathos" or emotional appeals to incite civil dissociation. By citing statistics that note the decrease in costs for such technology, questioning the ethics of the wealthy's use of such treatments to those of luxury cars, and repeating loaded terminology to evoke an desired emotional response, the author aims to incite a larger population of lower class citizens to urge their governments for equal healthcare access.

Reflection on Project II Draft

Below, I answer a series of questions found on page 197 of the Student's Guide in regards to my Project II Draft. I reviewed drafts made by Kyle and Carter.

Unknown. "Good Day's Work" 1943
Public Domain

1. Do you have an identifiable thesis? Does it point to the specific rhetorical strategies you analyze in your essay?

• When it come to my thesis, I believe that I present points and claims that are clear and identifiable. Of course, work needs to be done of each point/claim so that they don't cover too broad of rhetorical strategies used by the article's author. I now know that I should have avoided the terms "ethos", "pathos", and "logos" as they are those broad rhetorical strategies. 

2. How have you decided to organize your essay? Does each paragraph have a central point that is supported with evidence and and analysis?

• I organized my essay based on the template I learned in high school. This template stated that there should exist an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion that made an overview of the information presented in the body paragraphs. In terms of rhetorical analysis, I focused more on the logical and ethical appeals made by the author, since my audience I am writing for are primarily medical students. One of my peer editors found that this system limits my ability to analyze the entire article, so I may add a emotional appeals analysis to the body as well. 

3. Did you clearly identify and analyze several important elements of the text's rhetorical situation and/or structure?

• In my essay, I primarily discussed the audience, the author's credibility, the statistics used, quotes/ opinions presented, and context of the article. After stating a claim regarding one of these elements, I used textual evidence from the article to state the rhetorical strategy and provide specific quotations that proved my claim. 

4. Did you explain how and why certain rhetorical strategies were employed? Did you discuss what effects these strategies have on the intended audience and the overall effectiveness of the text?

• I analyzed the effectiveness of each of the elements I used in my essay, which where stated above. Any time when I brought up each element, I structured the sentence to where I had to explain why my author used it in her article. Plus, I related each strategy to the audience and its overall affect on their opinions/attitude towards the issue. This strategy was usually used at the end of each of my paragraphs as it culminated the author's impact on the audience at that particular point in the article. 

5. Are you thoughtfully using evidence in each paragraph? Do you mention specific examples from the text and explain why they are relevant?

• In terms of evidence, I primarily used direct quotes from the article. This strategy was used in each of my paragraphs. Whenever I used a quote, I would then provide commentary on the quote's purpose and then infer its affect on the audience's perception on the issue. I tended to explain each quote as well since the terminology Hanson used was deep into gene medicine- occasionally offering other forms of reading to make the issue more comprehensible. 

6. Do you leave your reader wanting more? Do you answer the "so what" question in your conclusion?

• Well I think that my paper covered the more important strategies of the article, and gave detailed explanations of the context/impact of the rhetorical strategies in regards to Hanson's audience. I repeated my thesis in the conclusion in order to make a overview of the issues/points made in the body, but I didn't want to ends the piece with an obvious question since I found it cliche. So I made a dramatic monologue and posed the question on whether Hanson's potions will bring about negative impact on the medical world or fuel a rapid growth in tech.

Punctuation Part I

Orr, John William "Teaching Punctuation" 1869
Public Domain

Below I discuss the rules of punctuation from the Rules for Writers reading, which I will then use this information to reflect on my own writing process and style.

Colons/Semicolons

When it come to using colons in writing, I tend to avoid this form of punctuation because I find them odd and I really don't know when to use them in sentences anyway. I tend to use semicolons when creating a complex sentence, but otherwise I stick to commas or periods.

However, after reading the text, I found that one could use colons for quotations.The text also reminded me that semicolons could be used to replace a comma and its coordinating conjunction between closely related independent clauses, as well as for the use of transitional phrases. I believe that I will use the semicolon to incorporate more transitional phrases and add voice to the paper.

End Punctuation

I have never had an issue with ending my sentences with a period, question mark, or exclamation mark. I realize that those forms of punctuation contribute to the over meaning of each sentence, but I also view the more emotionally packed end punctuation exist to express the author's feelings on an issue.

I will definitely use the end punctuation forms to add a more rhetorical feel to this essay. I will most likely do this in the form of rhetorical questions. I don't think that the use of exclamation points will necessary or proper for this essay form.

Unnecessary Commas

I feel that I have a general knowledge of when and when not to use a comma in a sentence. However there are instances where I have to use a reference sheet of an internet grammar tool to help me place commas in more complex sentence structures. Compound and Complex sentences tend to give me the most trouble. But, by following a basic rules for comma placement I think the essay won't have issues.

I'll most likely follow the concept where if a sentence cannot stand on its own as an independent sentence, there should not exist a comma. Also the text stated that keeping independent clause rules in mind will add cohesiveness to the essay, but will help you avoid confusing sentence structures with incomplete thoughts or verb errors.

Reflection: 

After reading the draft essays made by Carter and Kyle, If found that each writer has a very different style to writing, and therefore has completely opposite attitudes to adding punctuation.

Carter seemed to avoid those complicated sentence structures where a comma or a semicolon may be needed. This limited his ability to express his opinion when analyzing rhetorical strategies of his author. This issue was the most obvious in this sentence:

 "Because of his experience in the medical field Jauhar is able to express his opinions knowing that the audience will assume his statements to be valid."

Note the missing comma after "field" leaving the sentence rather dragged on and at moments rather difficult to read. 

As for Kyle, he had many complex sentence structures and at times quotes directly from the article. However, he does not uses commas properly when quoting. For example: 

"His examples are, 'In 2003, for example, Elan Pharmaceuticals had to stop trials of an Alzheimer's vaccine that had cured the disease in ‘Alzheimer's mice,' after the substance caused brain inflammation in human test subjects." (1) and...".

Kyle goes on to add an analysis to this quote, but due to the lack of commas or transitional phrases, the sentence seems dragged out.

Draft of Rhetorical Analysis

Vonbun, Alexander. "Coco Loco Beach" 2010
Public Domain

I really enjoyed writing this project because I felt more accustomed to the style. However, I struggled with the same issues from the last project; keeping the points brief and compelling enough so that the reader has a deeper sense of the essay's claim and motivation.

I have always had an issue when it came to ending the piece on a memorable point so I opted to leave my conclusion out until input can be made on the body. The main idea of the essay as a whole can be inferred from the thesis as well as the title, but does it reciprocate in the body as well? Also, is my thesis too long for the reader to understand/comprehend, and should I tone down the vocabulary? Please leave input.

Rough Draft Here

Practicing Summary & Paraphrase

Unknown "William Shakespeare" 1610
Public Domain

Based on Jessica Lee's statement in A Student's Guide to First-Year Writing, it is extremely important that the evidence presented in an essay or piece supports the thesis and its claim. And in doing so, the evidence creates a successful analysis of the rhetorical techniques. Below, I practiced the skill of paraphrasing using my quotes from my selected article.

Original Source: 

"Biologists have mixed feelings about the emergence of the genome as a luxury item. Some worry that what they have dubbed “genomic elitism” could sour the public on genetic research that has long promised better, individualized health care for all. But others see the boutique genome as something like a $20 million tourist voyage to space — a necessary rite of passage for technology that may soon be within the grasp of the rest of us. "
Paraphrase: 

According to Harmon, there exist a large community of biologists and genetic researchers who find that the increased demand in gene mapping technologies and genome sequencing treatments have contributed to the growth of genetic elitism among the wealthy class. Although she does present a counter to this concept, the focus on certain loaded terminology stirs an emotional uneasiness in regards to the issue. Furthermore, by referring to the technology as another luxury enjoyed by the wealthy- like the current private space programs- the author still portrays the wealthy as individuals that abuse technology necessary for human progress.  

Summary of Original Source: 

The author directly addresses the issue that there exists a tend among the wealthier class of individuals to spend a significant sum in order to map their entire genome sequence. The author also points out that this medical test is usually available only to those well off, since governments tend not to subsidize the treatment for the general masses. Furthermore, she addresses the two sides of the issue portraying one as a significant point, while the other seems juvenile.

Project II Outline

Kulikov, C.N. "The Writer" 1904
Public Domain

The following is a review of the "Sections of the Paper" excerpt from Writing Public Lives, Pages 122-125 as I prepare to craft an outline for my selected article.

After reading the text, I found that the subcategory introductions was the most inciteful as it more or less clarified what the writer should focus on in a given text and its introduction. It is imperative in any good writing that the author provides sufficient back ground information in order to bring the focus/context to a piece. However, the back ground information brought up must be relevant to the issue you wish to address. Therefore, I believe that in order to have a strong introduction with an even stronger body,I need to craft points within the opening sentences of the essay that address the issue and reasoning for/against a claim, but also keep each idea brief and concise. This concept can be seen in the outline below. Introduction points are intentionally broad so that I work them down to a "fine" point so that the body can address specific flaws in my author's claims.

Introduction

• Context: Gene Mapping Being Used By Wealthy... Is their both a growing social and medical gap in America?

1. The development of the argument in terms of the development of the technology.
2. Author's points/claims. Previous positions and involvement in medical process.
3. Author's motivation, "What does she want to happen as a result of this information?"

Thesis

According to Harmon's analytical article, "Gene Maps Become a Luxury Item," the medical technology necessary for the mapping and documentation of an individual's DNA has become a desired medical process among the wealthy due to its influence in personalized healthcare. By citing statistics that note the decrease in costs for such technology, comparing the wealthy's use of such treatments to those of luxury cars, and repeating the concept that the government should subsidize the research, the author aims to incite a larger population of lower class citizens to urge their governments for equal healthcare access.

1. Second thesis option may be used if peer review finds thesis to be too broad or too long. 

Body 

• Claim I- Statistics & the Affects on Reasoning

- Multiple Sources 

-Outdated Statistics

- Harmon contributes to the weakening of her argument due to the origins and relevance of her data. The data may have a political lean or is outdated to today's standards.

-Context of her piece (2008).

"He is also among a relatively small group of individuals who could afford the $350,000 price tag."
"The nonprofit X Prize Foundation is offering $10 million to the first group to sequence 100 human genomes in 10 days, for $10,000 or less per genome. The federal government is supporting technology development with an eye to a $1,000 genome in the next decade."
"A few days after he wired his $175,000 deposit to the company, a Knome associate flew in from Cambridge to meet him at a local clinic."

• Claim II- Accusations & Elitism

- Author feels compelled to accuse the upper class of marginalizing the medical process, turning it into a "luxury'.

- Believe that a possible genetic "elite" may form in these higher classes.

-  Little to no evidence of this "mass trend" among wealthy.
“I’d rather spend my money on my genome than a Bentley or an airplane,”
“I was in someone’s Bentley once — nice car,” said James D. Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, whose genome was sequenced last year by a company that donated the $1.5 million in costs to demonstrate its technology. “Would I rather have my genome sequenced or have a Bentley? Uh, toss up.”

• Claim III- Political Motive

- Harmon use the repetition of phrases and ideas that stir anger among readers- Height of 2008 Recession, Luxury/Corporations vs. Middle Class.

-Source of the article alludes to political agenda- New York Times (Liberal Leaning).

“And how many children in Africa might have been fed?”

Conclusion

• Relevance of the article to the context of the debate. 
• Reiterate the goal of the piece, and its points it used to create a claim.
• Restate thesis- shorter and more focused on the three points.
• Answer the goal of this project: How is an argument constructed in the discipline. 

Final statement- Leaves the reader thinking more about your claim.

Reflection:

After reading the posts made by Alyssa and Kelly, I found that my outline needed a major overhaul. So I actually added more to the outline above, it was lacking quotes and statistics that I would bring up to counter the article's claims. Otherwise I believe that my thesis is solid. It covers the points I aim to point out in the body, as well as alludes to other points that will support the previous claims. I believe it is brief and concise enough to keep my audience engaged, but has enough meat on its bones to make my argument substantial. 

Draft Thesis Statements

Jannson, Johannes. "Books With Spines Exposed"  March 8, 2011
Public Domain

Below I refer to the "Create a Rhetorical Analysis Thesis Statement" box from page 192 of the Student's Guide, and present two thesis statements that I will use for my Project II essay.


Rhetorical Situation & Strategies


Article: "Gene Mapping Becoming A Luxury"


Author: Any Harmon writes for The New York Times covering the impact of science and technology on American life. She has won two Pulitzer Prizes, one in 2008 for her series, “The DNA Age,” the other as part of a team for the series “How Race is Lived in America,” in 2001. She takes an obvious, biased position by opposing the "elitism" medical care that the wealthy can afford, and supports government funding/subsidies.


Audience: The article is specifically aimed towards intellectuals and more liberal middle class audiences.


Purpose: The author is trying to persuade a larger population of Americans to press their government into supporting gene mapping technologies and research in order to make the medical treatments more available to the general public.


Ethos Appeals

Word Choice/Diction
Tone and Syntax
Acknowledgement of Opposing Claims


Logos Appeals

• Citations 
• Credible Sources/ Quotes/ Expert Opinions 
• Transitions 

Pathos Appeals

• Statistics with "Shock" Appeal. 
• Repetition of certain "loaded" phrases. 

Thesis Statements

"According to Harmon's analytical article, "Gene Maps Become a Luxury Item," the medical technology necessary for the mapping and documentation of an individual's DNA has become a desired medical process among the wealthy due to its influence in personalized healthcare. By citing statistics that note the decrease in costs for such technology, comparing the wealthy's use of such treatments to those of luxury cars, and repeating the concept that the government should subsidize the research, the author aims to incite a larger population of lower class citizens to urge their governments for equal healthcare access."

• Probably the best of my thesis statement examples, this one addresses all the issues brought up by the article's writer and will be an excellent foundation for my counter arguments motioning against these points. 

"Appealing to her audience's current dissatisfaction with the lack of government involvement regarding affordable healthcare, Harmon's article "Gene Maps Become a Luxury Item" addresses a new social gap where wealth may better one's longevity. By employing emotional appeals that address a inequality among citizens in terms of quality healthcare, crafting an elaborate metaphor to compare the desired technology to the eccentricities of the wealthy class, and alluding to a possible elitist society where genes infer status, the author call for a more involved government and a more subsidized healthcare system."

• My second choice if the first thesis meets a dead end, this thesis is more concise and manageable in terms of writing length. However, due to its vagueness, I might find my essay stray from the topic at hand; therefore, it will be difficult to manage the abundance of information countering the claim. 

Reflection:
After read the post made by Isabel and Nick, I realized that I need to beef up my strongest thesis with quotations but at the same time make it more readable. Browsing though their posts I saw thesis statements that where concise but had sufficient textual reference to use as a basis for a counter argument. My thesis seems to be mostly "point" but very little build up. I think I might revise my thesis of choice in the drafting process in order to make a clear goal when writing the body paragraphs.

Analyzing My Audience

University of Houston. "Audience Frontier Fiesta" 1950
Public Domain

Below, I answer a series of questions regarding the targeted audience of my article.

Who am I writing for? What are the audience's beliefs or assumptions? 

• The target audience of this article and therefore my essay will be pre-health/medicine students , but more specifically pre-neuroscience students. This is partly due to the subject matter of the article which centers around medical technology and its possible incorporation into Neurology.
• Neurologists are interested in the well being of the patient as well as the stability of the mind. Any issue that has an impact on the condition of the mind and its psychosis is of the utmost importance to us.

What position might they take on this issue? How do I need to respond to this issue?

•  The position a neurologist might take on this issue, or any medical professional in fact, may vary in accordance to their political beliefs. The same can be said about the audience, as it is unreasonable to assume that all pre-medical students support a government funded healthcare system. 
• Even if they agree with the article's position, I believe I can persuade the readers to oppose government subsidies in the research of gene mapping by citing the many subsidized healthcare projects, and there lack of progress in finding a "medical breakthrough" in terms of cost or treatment.

What will they want to know?

• The audience would be more concerned with the logic or statistical data supporting my claim, and whether or not it disproves the original article's claim. Plus, the audience I am addressing has a strong concern with the ethics of medical practice and treatment. Therefore, I must argue that the most ethical solution to medical "inequality" is to allow the capitalist market make it more affordable to the lower classes.

How might they react to my argument?

• I believe that most student will agree with my position if I give substantial  evidence to back my argument and subsequent claims with irrefutable evidence. Plus I will try to avoid the use of emotional appeals since it is through this rhetorical technique that the article supports its ethical claims.
• Most pre-health students will agree that the excessive use of pathos in the article costs the author's argument credibility.

How am I trying to relate to or connect with my audience?

• My primary goal in my essay is to explain and dissect the rhetorical situations presented by my article, so that I can create a sound argument against the author's claim by presented data that will refute the article's statistics. Plus I can discredit the article by noting the excessive reliance with pathos to drive the article's overall claim.

Are there specific words, ideas, or models of presentation that will help me relate to the audience?

• The appeals to logic and ethics may be substantial enough to reach out to my audience and gain their support. Also, I can state as a "lower class" American I feel that there is no urgency for a government back gene research program, noting other more pressing technologies as a better alternative for such subsidies. 

Reflection:

After reading posts made by Dylan and Jessica, I found that I have a lot of work ahead of me. My audience is much more specific than I previously thought. The fact is that student who might read my thesis may have preconceptions on the issue. Preconceptions that will be difficult to debunk- if necessary- and with that in mind I must use more logical appeals in my writing to statistically prove might point. 

Cluster of "Gene Map Becomes A Luxury Item"

Below is a cluster representation map of the rhetorical situation of my selected article, "Gene Maps Become A Luxury Item." I designed my cluster to incorporate four main concepts: Logos, Pathos, Cultural Ideology, and the Rhetorical situations. Each concept has specific references to the article's text regarding the topic branch. The rhetorical situation branch addresses the three main concepts of a rhetorical analysis, which includes audience, context, and purpose. The map as a whole gives a general idea of the issue addressed by the author as well as analyzes the rhetorical strategies and situations employed to make her article effective.    

Lewis, Brandon. "Cluster Map" 10/9/2015
Public Domain

Analyzing Rhetorical Strategies in "Gene Map Becomes A Luxury Item"

Below I will be providing detailed answers to questions posted using the descriptions of rhetorical strategies found on pages 181-184 in the Student's Guide regarding my text. 

Kennerly, David H. "Carter and Ford In A Debate"
September 23, 1976. Public Domain

Appeals to Credibility and Character (Ethos)

• Which Items Found on page 182 can you Recognize in your Text?

 The author consistently uses tone management, word choice, counter examples in order to provide substance to her argument. 

• How and why would the author use these strategies?

The author uses word choice or diction in order to create an educated atmosphere around her issue. The words she consistently uses are more academic and cultured- adding a more serious/ intellectual tone to her overall work. Since the issue deals wit a more intellectual issue, the author uses medical terminology and statistical analysis vocabulary.

Tone is also employed in order to stress the importance of the issue but also keep the article balanced and controlled. Instead to attacking the wealthier social groups for their apparent "luxury" the author instead sheds light on the reasons why gene mapping is currently available to well off persons. 

The author also uses counter argumentation and counter examples in order to justify and substantiate her position. While she does present her position initially on the issue and provides reasoning behind her pro-mapping views, she also presents what the opposition may say to counter her claim. But in doing so, allows her to pick apart possible opponents arguments to better her argument.

• How do these strategies affect the author's credibility?  

The diction and tone strengthen the overall quality argument, therefore giving the article credibility. The title gives the reader a general idea of what the piece will address as well as the introduction- which acts a hook for the audience- and the remaining word choice centers more around keeping the credibility of the piece especially as it refer to medical technology.

• How do these strategies impact the effectiveness of the message? 

The strategies are specifically designed to prop her main argument. The author uses more argumentative tones when directly addressing the issue that there exists a tend among the wealthier class of individuals to spend a significant sum in order to map their entire genome sequence. The author also denotes using more medical based diction  that this medical test is usually available only to those well off, since governments tend not to subsidize the treatment for the general masses. 

• Does the author have any bias that might affect her credibility?

Aside from her association with the New York Times- a widely known left leaning news paper association- there does seem to be any animosity or dislike for the individuals under question. While she does note that a large body of wealthy individuals are purchasing genome sequencing technology studies for personal use, she does not chastise them for it. 

Appeals to Emotion (Pathos)  

• Which items on page 182-183 appear in my text? 

The author uses words or phrases that are more statistical or research oriented rather than emotionally loaded. The only word that she does repeat that has a secondary/ more emotional meaning would be "elitism" as it has political connotation. 

• What emotional responses is the author attempting to create? 

As stated above, the author uses words or phrases that are more statistical or research oriented rather than emotionally loaded. The only word that she does repeat that has a secondary/ more emotional meaning would be "elitism" as it has political connotation- either far right or far left. Otherwise, she may be using the term luxury to instill a form of jealousy in her readers, and may use the term to portray the wealth you uses such medical programs as over extravagant. 

• What is the actual result?   

As a reader, I was not as deeply impacted by the shocking statistics that where presented, mostly because of the author's presentation of the facts. She didn't want to incite a rebellion or any major political shift, she was merely presenting the growth in availability of genome technology and theorizing that eventually such medical tech will become common place in hospitals.

• Are these emotions effective for this particular situation?

The author uses words or phrases that are more statistical or research oriented rather than emotionally loaded.The emotions that are present are merely opinion blurbs, having no real impact in the overall story. By keeping unbiased the author adds credibility to the piece and makes the statistics more memorable/effective in supporting her claims. 

• How do these emotional appeals affect her credibility?

Lack of definitive emotions actually adds to her credibility. Instead of berating the wealthy for spending their wealth on such medical programs, she instead uses the trend to theorize the future of the medical practice and societies future in terms of healthcare. In fact her choice of words merely adds credibility to her rather outspoken claims/predictions.

Appeals to Logic (Logos) 

• Which items on Page 183 appear in the text?

The article has an abundance of statistics, numerical data, and supported medical theories- all made credible with substantial references to sources. 

• What responses is the author attempting to make?

By using logical argumentation coupled with quantitative evidence and current research statistics, the author author is attempting to gain a wider acceptance of her claims- therefore adding credibility to herself as a writer. She presents a situation, builds upon it by presenting additional associated stats, and then presents her main claim. This claim she hopes will resonate in her readers, keeping them more informed with the future of medicine. 

• What is the actual result?  

Since the intended audience of this article is more closely aimed towards those in the healthcare field or with previous knowledge of DNA research, the result or impact of this article is fairly limited. This is especially apparent when you find the article under the Medicine tab of the New York Times, then under another tab in "technology." But statistic wise, the article is very effective as I still can recall certain data presented on the issue, and will most likely reference this article for future use, when writing about the issue.

• Are these strategies effective for this particular situation?  

The author uses her statistics in order to create a prediction regarding healthcare technology. She uses this information to debunk misconceptions; such as the idea that the wealthy are only using this technology for "genetic elitism" or for insurance purposes. But, she does use her data to theorize that the influx in this style of business will eventually fund future projects to make the technology available to the masses- comparing it to the private space travel companies. She also uses the data to concede flaws in the business noting that the practice of genetic engineering has a shady definition and past. Her statistics are the only bodies of information that add credibility to her article, otherwise it is more or less blind theorizing or imagination. 

Reflection: 

After reading the posts made by Dylan  and Jessica, I found that their exists a variation in how an author uses rhetorical strategies to add credibility to his/her article. While emotional appeals are a useful tool to rally a group of people to demand action on a certain issue, if it is read closely by a more educated or informed individual the effect is rather limited. Logos seems to be the most substantiated rhetoric device due to its undeniable facts presented. If an author truly wants the claim to resonate on all levels of  society, logical appeals and stats rally anyone capable of understanding those points. Both Jessica and Dylan pointed that trend out in their posts, as well as myself. It is clear that a presentation of data adds more of a credible tone to a piece than ethos or pathos.