BBG Chapter 1 "Understanding Genres"

Rhetorical Situation

Personal Paraphrase: There are three main purposes that authors write. These purposes are to tell a story, to inform, and to persuade. While writing for their specific purpose, the authors must keep in mind who their audience is. The author must write in a way that will keep the audience interested.

Rhetorical Appeals

Personal Paraphrase: Even though it may not seem like it, persuasion is part of all writing. There are three different rhetorical appeals that authors use to persuade their audiences. These include ethos, pathos, and logos. Ethos is convincing the audience of the author’s trustworthiness. Pathos is convincing the audience by creating an emotional response. Logos is convincing the audience by providing reason.

Paraphrase: Authors use rhetorical appeals such as ethos, pathos and logos to persuade their audiences.

Genre Conventions

Personal Paraphrase: There are many different genres that authors create. Each genre has certain qualities and rules. Authors must pay attention to these qualities and rules when creating specific genres.