Analyzing My Genre

Since my topic involves scientific research, statistics, and medical journals I feel that the only way to cover such a heavily documented issue would be in the form of a magazine article; specifically, in the format and style of TIME magazine.

Unknown. "TIME Magazine Cover" 1933
Public Domain

Examples:

• Genetic Testing Company 23andMe Returns to the Market
• Genetic Test Impacts Chemo Choices In Surprising Ways
• What We Learn When We Sequence the Genes of An Entire Nation
• TIME Explains: Gene Sequencing
• Next Generation DNA Sequencing

Social Context

• Where is my genre typically set?

TIME magazine is an international current events periodical that covers abroad range of current issues, scientific discoveries, economic projections, and various industrial innovations. TIME also has an online web site and an app that can send anyone with a portable device monthly updates/ current events.

• What is the subject of the genre? 

The magazine covers a very broad range of issue, current events, and scientific inquiries. Their article are designed to give a decent amount of information to their audiences/readers. However, the magazine does refer to many statistics and logistical data to corroborate their article's data.

• Who uses the genre? 

The magazine is intended to target a broad range of readers, however given the content of its articles the primary audience would be the educate upper middle classes of Western society. The article is more or less intended for American middle class citizens with some form of college education.

• When and Why is the genre used? What purposes does the genre serve for the people who use it?

The magazine serves as median to relay useful and relevant information on current debatable issues. The magazine aims to inform the bulk of Western society, the middle class, of issues surrounding their daily lives and create a more "educated population."

Rhetorical Patterns of the Genre

• What type of content is usually included or excluded?

Factual and statistical data is often included in this genre, as well as numerous quotes from individuals relevant to the article's topic. The author guides the reader's attention to the statistical or research findings so that he/she can explain its relevance to the issue.

• What rhetorical appeals are used most often? 

The genre usually uses logos and ethos rhetorical strategies. In TIME magazine, the authors always find some way to include data or appeals to the reader's ethical standards in their articles, so that the reader feels more inclined to remember and share the information to a greater audience. "Shock Affect".

• How are the texts organized?

The text usually opens with a small blurb about the issue at hand as well as its relevance to the reader's daily life. The blurb is then followed by a statistic or quote from an individual relevant to the article's topic so that the author can explain the importance of the issue as a whole and possible solutions.

• Do sentences in the genre share a certain style? What type of word choice is used?

The sentences are usually simple or compound-complex sentences with a decent quantity of academic vocabulary. This is partially due to the target audience, where the reader is well educated but not as sophisticated enough for scientific terminology. The sentences and vocabulary have a decent flow to them, so that the reader can easily understand the information without having to reread or think about meanings.

Context of the Genre

• Who does this genre include and who does it exclude?

The genre usually includes prominent researchers, political figures, relevant people of social status, or individuals who have first hand accounts of the issue. The genre is typically designed to include a wide spectrum of people who have had some impact on the topic or any debate regarding the topic.

• What roles for writers and readers does the genre encourage?

The author take on a informative tone in order to present statistics, quotes, information relevant to the issue. However, if the topic regards a practice that is obviously morally or ethically unjust, the author will shift the tone to one of disparaging and argumentative in order to express concern.

• What values and beliefs are assumed about or encouraged from the users of the genre? 

It is assumed that the reader wants to be an inform individual on the issue without having to use the more politically charged medians to receive such information, or even have to do substantial research on the topic. The reader want to know the information in a easy and readable format.

• What content does the genre treat as most valuable? Least valuable? 

The genre usually treats the statistical data and research commentary from individuals prominent in the field of study as the most valuable content in their articles. The least valuable would be the social commentary from people who may have experienced the issue at hand but have not made any serious contributions to data (Personal Accounts). 

Reflection:

After reading the genre posts made by Jessica and Nick, I found that a writer's understanding of his primary audience is vital when making an effective article or video. Of course, the article, blog post, or video is designed to appeal to a specific audience; but, the writer should keep in mind that he/she is trying to keep the target audience interested and appeal to a greater audience with a "new perspective" argument on the issue.