1. Genre Analysis

2. Useful when you are encountering a genre for the first time. Uses rhetorical terms to determine what the features of a genre are. This knowledge then acts as a heuristic for generating a new document.

3. Genre Is a category of documents that share features and rhetorical purpose. Genres are often used by a discourse community to suit their communication purposes. Genres cross communities and are flexible and evolve over time.

4. Conducting a Genre Analysis Locate at least 3 models (for triangulation) Models from within your writing context (business or organization) will work the best. Review them carefully and ask questions regarding aspects you are unclear about.

5. Rubric for Analysis Identify the communication purpose(s) Identify the audiences (internal, external, peers, up or down the hierarchy.) Identify the organizational pattern –What opening information is there – headers, titles, communication chains, dates, etc.

6. Rubric for Analysis Continued Organization –What purpose do the sections of the document serve for the audience? –What is the purpose of the conclusion (to summarize, provide information, provide highlights, to give contact information)?

7. Rubric for Analysis Continued Format - is there –A cover sheet or other introductory materials? –block paragraphing or indented paragraphs? –Single or double spaced? Columns? White space between sections? –Headings for each section? –Letter head or other stationary? –Images and pictures?

8. Rubric for Analysis Continued Final questions –What are the style expectations (formal, consultative, informal)? –What is the medium for delivery? –Where does there seem to be flexibility in the genre expectations?