Every piece of writing has its own genre. The purpose, audience, topic, and other factors all contribute to which conventions the author will use in order to convey the genre or message. For example, if the author is trying to persuade his audience to believe in let’s say, his religion, he might use a personal experience that changed his life to explain why they should consider believing in his religion. In Jonathan Foer’s personal essay ‘Against Meat’, he uses personal anecdotes and a nostalgic and positive tone to reach his audience. While in Michael Pollan’s list/argument ‘Six Food Rules’, he uses facts, common sense, and tips to convey his message. In ‘Against Meat’, Foer is telling his experience and struggles with vegetarianism.
…show more content…
He uses conventions such as facts, common sense, and overall tips to influence the reader to follow a specific routine and diet of eating. His overall goal is to provide tips to a healthier lifestyle. He uses facts such as “more than two-thirds of food advertising is spent promoting processed foods” (Pollan 591). This fact jumps out at the audience, because two-thirds is a large portion. This will make the reader put two and two together; that processed foods may not be the best option if they are getting the most advertising. Providing facts to the audience will create a sense of trust in Pollan’s knowledge. Facts are much more convincing compared to an opinion or personal anecdote because it is hardcore evidence. Once facts are brought into the picture, there is no way to rebuttal, unlike opinions. This is beneficial for Pollan, because if they audience does not think he is knowledgeable in health and food, they will not take his advice. The more intelligent the author comes across, the more people he will attract. Most people will never take advice from someone who seems unexperienced in the subject, especially if it relates to something as important as their health. Pollan also uses brief tips to educate his audience. One tip he provides is “Don’t eat breakfast cereals that change the color of the milk” (Pollan 591). This seems like common sense. If a food has so much dye in it that it pours into the milk, it probably is not very nutritious. He uses quick tips to keep the audience engaged, since almost everyone has time to read a few short paragraphs, but never time for a twenty page article. These small, humorous tips help Pollan to touch base on an idea in a helpful way, without going overboard. This will make it bearable for the reader to stay focused and entertained, because in this day and age people seem to get distracted quite
He uses conventions such as facts, common sense, and overall tips to influence the reader to follow a specific routine and diet of eating. His overall goal is to provide tips to a healthier lifestyle. He uses facts such as “more than two-thirds of food advertising is spent promoting processed foods” (Pollan 591). This fact jumps out at the audience, because two-thirds is a large portion. This will make the reader put two and two together; that processed foods may not be the best option if they are getting the most advertising. Providing facts to the audience will create a sense of trust in Pollan’s knowledge. Facts are much more convincing compared to an opinion or personal anecdote because it is hardcore evidence. Once facts are brought into the picture, there is no way to rebuttal, unlike opinions. This is beneficial for Pollan, because if they audience does not think he is knowledgeable in health and food, they will not take his advice. The more intelligent the author comes across, the more people he will attract. Most people will never take advice from someone who seems unexperienced in the subject, especially if it relates to something as important as their health. Pollan also uses brief tips to educate his audience. One tip he provides is “Don’t eat breakfast cereals that change the color of the milk” (Pollan 591). This seems like common sense. If a food has so much dye in it that it pours into the milk, it probably is not very nutritious. He uses quick tips to keep the audience engaged, since almost everyone has time to read a few short paragraphs, but never time for a twenty page article. These small, humorous tips help Pollan to touch base on an idea in a helpful way, without going overboard. This will make it bearable for the reader to stay focused and entertained, because in this day and age people seem to get distracted quite