GENRES IN CONVERSATION

Reflective Writing Informative Writing Analytical Writing Evaluative Writing Problem-Solving Writing Argumentative Writing

The growing problem of identity theft has sparked a large number of conversations devoted to understanding it and finding solutions. Some of these conversations focus on penalties for people who steal identities. Others focus on technological solutions. Still others focus on the impact of identity theft on victims and communities. The documents shown here—a magazine article, an online news article, and a government Web site—share a common purpose of helping people avoid identity theft. Notice how each genre accomplishes that purpose through the careful use of visual design.

Click on images to read the full documents.

Magazine Article
This article in PC Magazine, formatted in a typical magazine layout using columns and graphics, is aimed at computer-literate readers and draws on interviews with industry leaders, published reports, and the writer’s personal experience and expertise.
Online News Article
Along with ten tips for avoiding identity theft, this online news article from CBSnews.com includes links to other Web resources on the topic.
Government Web Site
A government Web site offers resources for addressing identity theft and links to instructional videos, an online guide for victims, related blog posts, and published sources.

Thinking About Genre

  1. Question

    Each of these documents provides resources for avoiding identity theft. Why might writers choose different resources even though they share a common purpose? How do those resources depend on the genre of the document?

  2. Question

    As problem solvers, the writers of these documents identify a problem and highlight the advantages of some solutions over others. How do the language and design of these documents work to prioritize solutions?

  3. Question

    Of the visual elements used in these documents (images, color, charts), which are most successful in helping readers understand a problem and its potential solutions? Why?
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