Pb2b

Five moves from the appendix:

1. Adding Metacommentary/Common used Transitions:

·       Navigating Genres - “In other words, Miller is saying that all genres matter because they shape our everyday lives.” (22). Dirk uses this to break down hard concepts and ideas. He simplifies what the original definition making it easier for the reader to understand.  

2. Signaling who’s saying what:

·       Navigating Genres – “Devitt points out, ‘Different grocery stores make for different grocery lists…Location is surely among the situational elements that lead to expected genres and adaptations of the particular situations.’ (Transferability 218)”. (23). Instead of following the old “Blah, blah, blah” – Author format, Dirk uses a different way to introduce the quote. Breaking from the norm keeps the reader interested and on their toes.

3. Capturing Authorial Action:

·       Navigating Genres –  “Carolyn Miller, a leading professor in the field of technical communication, argues…” (25). Dirk follows the authorial action structure, so he is able to cite an expert. Bringing in an expert gives his article more credibility by having a known name appear. Then we are more inclined to trust the reader and his arguments.

4. Introducing Standard Views:

·       Backpacks vs Briefcases: Steps toward Rhetorical Analysis – Laura Carrol starts her paragraph with, “Imagine the first day of class…at your university. The moment your professor walked in the room, you likely began analyzing her.” (56) This drops the reader into a relatable situation. It creates familiarity and allows the reader to feel comfortable making it an easy read.

5. Commonly Used Transitions:

·       Backpacks vs Briefcases: Steps toward Rhetorical Analysis – “Take, for example, a commercial for men’s deodorant that tells you that you’ll be irresistible to women if you use their product.” (57). Using examples and placing them into paragraphs helps, not only the reader, but the author as well. The author can elaborate and go more into depth by using examples. The reader also gets another understanding to build on.

Five moves I noticed:

1. The other Comma (Parenthesis):

·       Murder! (Rhetorically Speaking) – “In writing up the case (whoops, I have given you a clue), you may add…” (84). Janet Boyd uses parenthesis all throughout her article and even in the title. She mainly uses parenthesis when she goes off topic or wants to mention something unrelated. The extra information is beneficial to the reader since it would give us a better understanding on what she is trying to write.

2. The Ice Breaker:

·       Navigating Genres: “Q: What do you get when you rewind a country song? A: You get your wife back, your job back, your dog back…” Kerry Dirk starts off with humor. This creates a sense of casualness in the reading (breaks the ice). There can also be more humor here and there throughout the paper giving the reader something to look out for. 

3. The You

·       How to Read Like a Writer – “You are reading to learn about writing.” (108) “You could make yourself a list.” (109) Mike Bunn puts the situation on you where he gives you tips and instruction. It is direct and almost like a conversation that helps the reader improve.

4. The Cool Guy Font

·       How to Read Like a Writer – “And here is where we get to the most important part: Would you want to try this technique in your own writing?” (109). I don’t think Mike Bunn uses comic sans but he does use a different font from the rest of his writings. He does this to highlight the important things he tries to emphasize. By doing this, the reader will remember and retain the information.

5. The S-Bomb

·       Shitty First Drafts – “Now, practically even better news than that of short assignments is the idea of shitty first drafts.” (75). Annie Lamott uses the word ‘shitty’ to describe a really rough draft. She does this to give the reader some relaxed feeling. By using the word shitty, Lamott makes us think but not an academic way. This encourages our first order thinking while reading and understanding.