"Order is the shape upon which beauty depends."
-Pearl S. Buck
Any form should be easy to follow and should reflect the purpose and the audience the writer wants to address. This can be done singularly or, more likely, in a mix of patterns, arranged and rearranged until the perfect structure is found. Form not only shapes the message in orderly, sensible, and sometimes surprising ways, but also enhances the message.
-Pearl S. Buck
Any form should be easy to follow and should reflect the purpose and the audience the writer wants to address. This can be done singularly or, more likely, in a mix of patterns, arranged and rearranged until the perfect structure is found. Form not only shapes the message in orderly, sensible, and sometimes surprising ways, but also enhances the message.
Activity One: The Many Forms of Form
The question of genre is most simply answered by asking yourself, "What type of writing are you trying to write?"
- In groups, compete to generate as many genres of writing you can. Your teacher will give you 4 minutes.
- Discuss your lists.
Who won?! - Your teacher will assign you two genres. Using a Venn diagram, compare and contrast your assigned genres. What do they have in common in terms of style of writing? How do they contrast? Keep in mind: diction, POV, sequencing, etc.
- Discuss:
Why is it important to know the genre before you begin writing?
Why is it important to know your audience?