Which genres (choose from these five: essay, letter, article, short story, poem) would be appropriate for each of the following topics? Explain why you feel the genres you choose are most appropriate, and why the others would most often be inappropriate. (Be critical--while it is possible to force an idea into any genre, try to choose the ones that seem the best fit
1. Telling the story of a boy who loves his dog enough to get hit by a car to save him.
2. Telling the story of a boy who loves his dog enough to walk across five states (and has several adventures) to find him.
3. Describing what one has been doing for the past week.
4. Describing the feeling a woman gets when smelling the flowers her father used to buy for her mother when she was little.
5. Explaining how one would go about fixing a piece of furniture.
6. Telling about the experience of sailing across the ocean.
7. Telling about the experience of climbing the largest mountain in the world.
8. Explaining how to bake one's mother's apple pie.
9. Describing how a death changed one's life forever.
10. Explaining how a traffic accident killed two people.
If you post your answers, someone here will check them for you.
1. For telling the story of a boy who loves his dog enough to get hit by a car to save him, a short story would be the most appropriate genre. A short story allows for the development of characters, plot, and emotions, enabling the reader to engage with the boy's love for his dog and the heroic act of sacrifice. Other genres like an essay or a letter might not provide enough space or framework for the necessary storytelling elements.
2. For telling the story of a boy who loves his dog enough to walk across five states to find him, a short story or a poem could be appropriate genres. A short story can fully explore the various adventures along the way and how the boy's love persists throughout the journey. Alternatively, a poem can capture the emotional intensity of the boy's love and evoke a sense of longing and determination. Genres like an article, essay, or letter may not convey the experiential details or emotional depth required for this topic.
3. Describing what one has been doing for the past week would be most appropriate as an article or a letter. An article can present a factual account, while a letter can provide a more personal narrative. Both genres allow for a clear explanation of events and experiences, offering the reader a comprehensive understanding of the past week's activities. Genres like a short story, poem, or essay may not be suitable as they typically focus on fictional or reflective narratives.
4. Describing the feeling a woman gets when smelling the flowers her father used to buy for her mother when she was little is best conveyed through a poem or an essay. A poem can evoke and capture the emotions associated with the scent of the flowers in a more lyrical and metaphorical manner. An essay can delve into the memories, emotions, and significance of the flowers, providing a deeper exploration. Genres like a short story, letter, or article may not be as effective in expressing the introspective and sensory experience.
5. Explaining how to fix a piece of furniture is most suitable as an article or an instructional guide. An article would present a step-by-step process with explanations and tips, while an instructional guide would provide detailed instructions accompanied by visuals if necessary. These genres focus on providing clear and practical guidance, making them the best fit. Genres like a short story, letter, or poem are not designed for conveying technical instructions.
6. Telling about the experience of sailing across the ocean would be best conveyed through an essay or a short story. An essay could explore the personal reflections, challenges, and insights gained from the voyage, allowing for a more reflective and introspective narrative. A short story can create a fictional or semi-autobiographical narrative, emphasizing character development and plot. While genres like a letter, article, or poem could also be used, an essay or a short story would provide a more comprehensive and engaging account.
7. Telling about the experience of climbing the largest mountain in the world could be appropriately captured through an essay or a short story. An essay would enable the writer to reflect on the physical and emotional challenges, personal growth, and achievements during the mountain climbing experience. A short story could incorporate elements of adventure, suspense, and character development to captivate the reader. While other genres like a letter, article, or poem may touch on aspects of the experience, an essay or a short story would provide a more immersive and detailed account.
8. Explaining how to bake one's mother's apple pie is most appropriate as a recipe article or an instructional guide. These genres offer a clear and concise set of instructions, outlining each step, ingredients, and techniques required for baking the pie. The focus is on providing a practical guide for the reader to follow. Genres like a short story, poem, or essay would not offer the necessary structure or technical details required for a recipe.
9. Describing how a death changed one's life forever would be most suitable as a reflective essay or a memoir. A reflective essay would allow the writer to explore the emotional and psychological impact of the death, analyzing personal growth, changes in perspective, and lessons learned. A memoir would provide a more extensive narrative, encompassing not only the immediate aftermath but also the long-term effects on the individual's life. Genres like a short story, letter, or poem might not offer the same depth of exploration or introspection.
10. Explaining how a traffic accident killed two people is best suited for a news article or a factual report. These genres focus on presenting objective information, including details of the accident, causes, and outcomes. They aim to inform readers about the incident while maintaining a neutral tone. Genres like a short story, letter, or essay might not be appropriate as they tend to focus on subjective perspectives or fictionalized accounts rather than factual reporting.