REMIX: Remixing Your Causal Argument

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Remixing Your Causal Argument

Causal arguments appear frequently in genres and media besides the printed college essay. The proposal genre, for example, may include a causal analysis as a first step in framing a plan to solve a problem. Interactive graphics may depict a causal analysis to show users what the effects might be if one or more causal factors were changed. After writing his essay, Clayton Pangelinan decided to use his causal analysis of what motivates users to engage with social media as a jumping-off point for a proposal for developing training to help high school students avoid inappropriate sharing that could harm them later. (The first page is included here.)

In the next section of this chapter, we ask you to craft your own causal argument. After composing it as an essay, consider remixing it by presenting it (or a portion of it) in another genre or medium, with another purpose, or for another audience.

CONSIDER YOUR RHETORICAL SITUATION

Purpose: The purpose of your causal argument is to persuade your audience to accept your preferred cause or effect as the most likely. If you remix your argument, which genre or medium would best help you persuade your audience to accept your causal analysis?

Audience: The audience for your causal argument was your instructor and other students in your class. Who would be the audience if you were to remix your causal argument as another genre or in another medium?

Genre and medium: The genre of your causal analysis was the essay; the medium was textual, delivered either in print or online. If you remix your ideas, what genre and medium would best help you achieve your purpose and reach your intended audience?