The Writing Trinity Genre Purpose and Audience Genre

The Writing Trinity: Genre, Purpose, and Audience

Genre: pronounced: john-ruh Fancy word for TYPE CLASSIFICATION SUB-CATEGORY

“Have you two met? ” Most likely. . . Maybe in your car when you chose a radio station to listen to? Maybe at a video rental store when you decided which movie to rent?

Writing Genres “Genre” also applies to different kinds or categories of writing. You’ve written two this semester: ESSAY You’ve also written in other genres too: Research proposal, cover letter, artist statement, and more!

Yah, so? Why divide things up into categories? Each genre has a different set of expectations and conventions.

What do you think of when you hear these genres: Horror movie? Emo music? Poetry?

Purpose The purpose of a horror movie is different than the purpose of a chick flick. Similarly, writing in a different genre forces you to consider genre conventions and to think deeply about WHY your chosen genre supports your content. (Although I think a harmonica in a techno song could be interesting. . . )

Audience We’re all looking for a little recognition, right? Audience is who you are writing for (rather real or imaginary): consider your audience when choosing a genre and purpose. For example, would the governor be the ideal audience for your poem? (Try a business letter instead. )

All in all. . . • Consider what genre will be best for your message • Think about your purpose and how your genre choices support your ideas • Determine your audience and appeal to their expectations and needs (Are you ready to brainstorm some ideas? )