Melissa Rosenthal

Mrs. Larsen
English 120
10 December 2014
Final Revision
Outcome A
There are many different genres, and with them are many different contexts, audiences, authors,
mediums, and claims. These are all important elements to identify when analyzing, composing, and
reflecting on different genres.

Since this encompasses the various course assignments, I have made progress in this
outcome. Both the rhetorical and the literary processes fit the analysis element of this outcome.
Analysis focuses on the how and why behind something. They go further than just
explaining or describing. For example, in the rhetorical analysis for the ALS Ice Bucket
Challenge videos, my major focus was on ethos, pathos, and logos. These parts are the why
behind the memo. Each element is effective, but when combined they are much stronger. This
came to fruition during my analysis of the Good Morning America video. I studied the videos
use of ethos and pathos by way of the narrative and I noted effectiveness (or lack thereof). I used
the results of my observations to formulate my own video ideas. Overall, it was evident the use
of narrative in the Good Morning America video was an effective strategy. A narrative can be a
very powerful tool that can evoke emotion, add credibility, and humanize an issue.
By researching others arguments, I established a strategy for best composing my own
argument. In the case of the memo, I expounded on Good Morning Americas most effective
elements. For example, in my company, I recommended using the stories of actual employees.
While the memo relied more strongly on ethos and pathos, my proposal also incorporated a great

deal of logos. The key elements of my proposal were the facts. Facts added credibility to my
argument.
To compose an argument, we used various mean in this class, such as essays, outlines,
and even videos. In the case of the presentation, it originated from one idea. In order to solve a
problem, it has to be identified. Once it is identified, research and brainstorming are used to
solve that problem. For this section, a research essay was particularly helpful. Collecting
research and putting it all in one place was the best way to identify a solution. From here, a more
effective PowerPoint presentation could be made. The process was similar for the documentary.
Once we selected an urban legend, we employed research to make the documentary. Through an
informative essay, we formed visual images for the documentary. Then we developed a script to
help organize the video. Without the essay, an effective documentary would have been difficult.
Considering strategies pertaining to the rhetorical situation was another important aspect.
A good example is my original memo (MWA #1) and my revised memo (Major Revision). For
MWA #1, I was an employee writing to my supervisor. The tone was respectful and submissive.
While backing it up with evidence, I was merely offering my opinion and suggestions for
company consideration. For my Major Revision, the tone was completely different. I was writing
as a supervisor to my employees. While still respectful, the tone was much more personal and
persuasive. My conclusions were no longer suggestions. Rather, acceptance was highly
encouraged. The rhetorical situation dictates tone.
Likewise, different rhetorical situations require different mediums. In presenting my
proposal, I chose to make a PowerPoint. While an essay is a good tool, a PowerPoint helps the
audience see and follow the evidence. Reading alone could lose the audiences attention quickly.
A visual component helps capture their attention. The words give viewers something to read, and

the images give them something to see. Similarly, a video is image driven, but a PowerPoint is
more professional and has a live speaker to capture the audience. In contrast, for our urban
legend assignment, a documentary was a very useful medium. While a PowerPoint is also visual,
it would not have been as effective as the video. The purpose of presenting the urban legend was
not to persuade but to provoke thought and entertain; therefore, a business-like presentation was
not required.
Outcome B
With different genres are different audiences, authors, and discourse communities (or groups of people
working together with similar goals and outcomes). These are all important elements to identify when
analyzing, composing, and reflecting on different genres.

This is one of the outcomes where I feel I made the most progress. In the past, I never
considered the importance of the author and more importantly the audience. The tone, message,
and medium are all dependent on the audience. In every assignment I tried to keep the audience
in mind while I was writing. This was particularly true in the MWA #1 and Major Revision I
mentioned previously.
Another part of this outcome I made progress toward was working in groups and
discourse communities. I have always struggled with working in groups and appreciated the
opportunity to exercise this skill. For sequence 2, we split the work in half based on our
individual strengths. Then we gave each other feedback. Because of this, we were able to work
together to make the best video possible. Hearing and incorporating others ideas is a major part
of group projects and discourse communities. They can be small, like student to teacher,
moderate, like peer review or this class, or national. The urban legend assignment reached all of
these different communities. It started small by working in pairs. Through peer review, the

discourse community grew. It became national and international when the video was posted to
YouTube.
Outcome D
Improve grammar and fluency in writing.

I feel I made the least progress toward this outcome. The grammar and sentence
diagraming lessons offer basic skills. It has been some time since I have had that depth of
review, still much time was spent on refreshing. The lessons have value, but I would have
preferred spending less class time on reviewing the basics.
Outcome I
Advance research skills by identifying different types of sources and incorporate them into writing the
most effective way possible.

Identifying, analyzing, and evaluating sources is an important part of the writing process.
There are many different forms of sources. There are online sources, print sources, published
sources, and primary sources. Generally published sources are the most reliable. While online
sources are generally less reliable, in combination with other sources their accuracy is improved.
The best source is not dependent on its form, but whether it is supported by related sources. For
example, when doing research for our urban legend, websites were the only option. By
comparing different sources, I was able to confirm the story. To use different types of sources, I
did additional research about sleep. These new sources included published scientific studies and
textbooks.
Outcome F
Evaluate your writing through different assignments and mediums. Explain how this course helped
expand or define your writing for a future career.

Over the course of this semester, I do not think my writing changed substantially. There
were, however, certain things that impacted my writing. I learned the importance of audience and
rhetorical situation. These things must be carefully analyzed and incorporated in order to have
the most effective writing. What was drastically different in this course, was the different genres
and mediums. These encompassed memos, research papers, interview questions, presentations,
and documentaries. Each requires writing versatility and each genre considers audience and
rhetorical situation. Surprisingly, this type of writing requires a degree of creativity. Creative
writing is a struggle for me. While it was good to experiment to discover my writing strengths
and weaknesses, I believe my strength lies in technical writing. Fortunately, technical writing is
an essential skill required in my future career.