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.
Please post your answers, and one of our tutors may check your answers.
1. Genre: Short story
Explanation: A short story is the most appropriate genre for telling the story of a boy who loves his dog enough to get hit by a car to save him. This genre allows for the development of characters, plot, and emotional depth to convey the boy's love and sacrifice for his dog. Other genres like an essay or article might not provide the same narrative structure and emotional impact that a short story can deliver.
2. Genre: Short story
Explanation: Like the first topic, telling the story of a boy who loves his dog enough to walk across five states (and has several adventures) to find him is suitable for a short story. It allows room for a compelling narrative, character development, and the potential for exciting and unexpected events along the journey. An essay or article might not capture the same sense of adventure and emotional connection as a short story.
3. Genre: Diary entry or personal essay
Explanation: Describing what one has been doing for the past week is best expressed in a diary entry or personal essay format. These genres provide a platform to reflect on personal experiences and thoughts over a specific time period. While a short story or a letter might include some elements, they may not fully capture the mundane details and introspection associated with the topic.
4. Genre: Poem
Explanation: Describing the feeling a woman gets when smelling the flowers her father used to buy for her mother when she was little is well-suited for a poem. Poetry offers a condensed and evocative form of expression, allowing for exploration of emotions, symbolism, and sensory experiences. Other genres like an article or a letter may lack the poetic devices necessary to capture the depth of emotions in such a concise and powerful manner.
5. Genre: Step-by-step article or instructional guide
Explanation: Explaining how one would go about fixing a piece of furniture is most appropriate in the form of a step-by-step article or instructional guide. Such genres prioritize clear instructions, detailed explanations, and practical advice. A short story or a poem would be unsuitable for conveying the necessary technical information and guidance that this topic requires.
6. Genre: Memoir or travelogue
Explanation: Telling about the experience of sailing across the ocean is best conveyed through a memoir or a travelogue. These genres allow for personal reflection, insights, and recounting of experiences. They provide the space to describe the challenges, triumphs, and emotional journey associated with such a significant adventure. Genres like an essay or article may focus more on facts and analysis rather than the personal narrative.
7. Genre: Personal essay or narrative nonfiction
Explanation: Telling about the experience of climbing the largest mountain in the world is suitable for a personal essay or narrative nonfiction. These genres allow for the author's personal perspective, insights, and storytelling skills to come through. They can capture the physical and emotional challenges, as well as the awe-inspiring nature of such an experience. Genres like an article or a poem may not fully encapsulate the breadth and depth of such an endeavor.
8. Genre: Recipe or instructional guide
Explanation: Explaining how to bake one's mother's apple pie is most suitable in the form of a recipe or instructional guide. These genres provide clear steps, measurements, and directions, ensuring that the reader can replicate the process accurately. While a short story or an essay could include elements of personal anecdotes, they may not serve the primary purpose of conveying the baking instructions effectively.
9. Genre: Personal essay or memoir
Explanation: Describing how a death changed one's life forever is most aptly expressed in a personal essay or memoir. These genres allow for introspection, personal reflection, and emotional exploration following a significant life event. They offer the necessary depth and personal insights to convey the impact and transformation resulting from a death. Genres such as a letter or a short story may not fully capture the same level of introspection and individual experience.
10. Genre: News article or report
Explanation: Explaining how a traffic accident killed two people is best suited for a news article or report. These genres prioritize presenting facts, providing objective information, and detailing the incident accurately. They typically follow a journalistic style and adhere to ethical guidelines in reporting news. Genres like a poem or a short story would not convey the necessary objectivity and factual information that this topic demands.