PB2B

Kerry Dirk and Laura Bolin Carroll both have different “moves” that distinguish themselves from other writers. Moves are the elements in a writing that the author uses to get from point A to point B. Moves can be gestures or phrases that can characterize a person. They are distinctive traits about that person. Carroll and Dirk both display rhetoric moves, some of them are even the same.

In Navigating Genres, Dirk maintains a casual tone throughout her writing. She addresses her audience personally, referring to the reader as “you.” Dirk often uses bullet points when giving examples of a point she has made. One example of this is when she is describing the attributes that make a country song. This helps to separate specific points and makes it easier for the reader to comprehend the point she’s trying to get across.  She adds a lot of person experience that can be relatable to the audience. For instance, she reveals that it was challenging for her to write her essay at first. This is common for anyone who has ever had to write a paper, usually we have a hard time finding where to start. She also adds in a lot of outside sources as supporting evidence. Most of the quotes are long, therefore need to be formatted in block text. There are several cases of this throughout her essay. Because Dirk knows she is writing to a younger generation, she tries to reference common media sources that we are familiar with. I think this move is successful because it makes her writing less stressful. Her tone eases the intimidation that could result from having to write an essay.

Backpacks vs. Briefcases: Steps toward Rhetorical Analysis is written by Carroll. She starts off with a hypothetical situation involving the first day of school. A casual tone is also used to create a formal relationship between the writer and reader. Carroll separates her ideas by titling each new section before going into elaborate detail. She also uses bullet points and numbering when listing several examples of a particular point. I think these moves are effective because it helps us identify rhetoric in everyday life.  Especially when understanding that the purpose of advertisements is to persuade us. Her examples help the audience to see this in the common ads we are familiar with.

Both Dirk and Carroll use some of the same moves in their writing. As I’ve already mentioned, they both use bullet points when stating examples. This allows the reader to see the main points and easier to read rather than being listed one by one in a sentence separated by commas. Both of their works are aimed toward the younger crowd, students of course, so they both have a conversational tone. I liked this because their writings didn’t bore me. Additionally, the authors incorporated outside references that are familiar to us. They create conversational essays that address us personally as if they know us already. I think pieces like these are more enjoyable to read because I don’t feel like I’m reading a dull rhetoric paper, but rather a paper from a peer or friend.

Individually, Dirk and Carroll’s moves make their writing styles different from each other. Although they may use some of the same moves, they still sound different and unique from one another. Each of their moves it was makes them unique writers.