After the reading, I understand genre as more than just the sort of writing or category that a writing composition fits into. Genre is based on what a writer wants to convey, how the writer wants to convey that message, and to what audience is that composition directed towards. It is a series of choices that the writer has to think about before the actual writing process begins. Rhetoric is key in understanding genre because it also has to do with a series of choices about the composition. A writer can think of rhetoric in terms of the purpose of their writing; to inform, to tell a story, or to persuade are the three main ones. A writer must also consider how they’re going to address the audience, for example in a casual/humorous way or in a more formal way. Another point to consider in rhetoric and addressing a certain audience is pathos, ethos, and logos. Based on the genre, a writer can use each of these to appeal to logic, emotions, and credibility to enhance their rhetoric and writing in general.
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