Genres

Effective writing follows the conventions of genre (or literary form). Just as there are different forms of ball games (squash, rugby, ping pong, golf, football, soccer, baseball, for example), there are different forms of written texts that follow distinct conventions, or accepted ways of doing things. Just as players know the rules of various ball games and just as viewers' enjoyment is based on their understanding of those rules, so writers and readers share knowledge of genres.

A newspaper, for example, contains articles cast in many different genres. A news story informs readers about facts (no opinions), organizes those facts in descending importance and uses simple vocabulary and sentence structures. A feature story borrows from the conventions of fiction, creates an entertaining portrait in lively language, uses a loose organizational structure and offers a unique angle on its subject. An editorial is a logical argument designed to influence the reader's opinion about an issue of importance to the community. A review (of a movie, play, concert, CD, restaurant, art show, book, television program, dance program) argues the merit of an artistic creation. An obituary announces the death of an individual known to members of the community. An advice column presents the writer's recommendations about relationships, home improvement, gardening or some similar subject.

Some novice writers mistake rhetorical methods like description and narration for genres. Instead, these are ways of composing and organizing content that might be found in many different genres. Description, for example, is a rhetorical method that could be found in such genres as catalogs, novels, news articles, manuals, plays, personal letters, journal entries and instructions.

To write well, write in specific genres. Develop and exercise your writer's muscles by composing in many different genres. Collect sample texts in different genres. Study and follow their conventions. Note their similarities and differences. Choose genres for their suitability to content, purpose and audience.

Here are some genres to explore.