Journal Entry On Genres

As of now, I am more conversant with research papers and poems. I have gained proficiency in writing research papers in school since it is an objective for many courses. As for poems, I love writing poems on social subjects during my free time. Research papers have a common rhetorical feature in that the author aims at persuading the audience to come into an agreement with an argument or finding. As for poems, the author aims at evoking the emotions of the audience. For instance, a poem about divorce paints a bad picture of marriage conflicts, to show the need for love and respect in society.

Research papers have limited freedom for writing compared to poems. For instance, a short research paper – say five paragraphs, should have an introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. The introduction must end with an underlined thesis statement that is expounded by three body paragraphs. Each body paragraph must have a topic sentence, evidence and a closing sentence. A concluding paragraph must have the restatement of the thesis statement, a summary of the paper and recommendations.

In contrast, a writer has the freedom to organise information for any poem. Poems require authors to honour their structure but disregard the need for evidence or organisation of ideas. Both ranges of freedom in research papers and poems are essential. As or research papers, I can avoid jargon and validate every claim through the research framework. Also, freedom in poems allows creativity and incorporation of colloquial phrases within the poem, making them more interesting.

This course has been very educative and interesting. I have learnt that the value of every piece of writing should make sense to both the writer and the audience. Hence, understanding the various types of genres relevant to an audience is crucial. Also, a writer should understand a genre, to make sure the intended audience, its message, and timing are in harmony. I look forward to learning the dynamics and evolution of genre with the escalating rate of globalisation. Besides, I look forward to learning from David how genres from a different culture will merge as a conse