What is genre analysis?

Genre analysis is a research method that examines the structures and conventions of different
types of texts within specific contexts. It aims to identify the patterns and features that
characterize a particular genre, such as academic writing, TV news reports, or social media
posts, in helping to convey meaning. By studying these elements, researchers gain insights into
how texts communicate meaning and achieve their purposes within a community or culture.

A key aspect of genre analysis is the relationship between texts and their contexts. Genres are
not just collections of similar texts; they are dynamic and evolve over time in response to
changes in society, technology, and communication needs. This means that genre analysis
often involves studying how genres develop and transform, as well as how they maintain
stability.

What are the aims of genre analysis?

The primary aim of genre analysis is to understand how different types of texts function within
specific social and cultural contexts. By examining the structures, language features, and
conventions of a particular genre, researchers seek to understand how meaning is constructed
and communicated. This involves identifying patterns and regularities that characterize the
genre, which helps in distinguishing it from others.

What are the features of genre analysis?

Genre analysis involves examining texts to understand the conventions and structures that
define different genres. This approach focuses on several key features that help researchers
identify how texts are constructed and how they function within specific contexts. The following
subsections outline the main features of genre analysis.

Analysis of structural and linguistic elements

One of the primary features of genre analysis is the examination of structural and linguistic
elements within texts. This includes analyzing the organization, format, and language used in a
genre. Researchers look at how texts are structured, such as the typical sections in a research
paper or the narrative arc in a novel. They also study language features like vocabulary,
grammar, and rhetorical devices that are characteristic of the genre. By identifying these
elements, genre analysis reveals how writers construct their texts to meet the expectations of
the genre.

Consideration of social and cultural context

Genre analysis also emphasizes the importance of social and cultural contexts in shaping
genres. Texts are not created in a vacuum; they are influenced by the norms, values, and
practices of the communities in which they are produced. Researchers examine how cultural
factors affect the development and interpretation of genres. This includes understanding the
historical background, societal roles, and cultural significance of certain genres. By considering
these contexts, genre analysis provides insights into why genres have particular features and
how they function within a society.

Focus on purpose and communicative function

Another key feature of genre analysis is the focus on the purposes that genres serve. Each
genre exists to fulfill specific communicative functions, such as informing, persuading,
instructing, or entertaining. Genre analysis explores how texts are designed to achieve these
purposes effectively. This involves studying how writers use language and structure to engage
their audience and accomplish their goals. By understanding the intended functions of a genre,
researchers can better interpret the choices made in the construction of texts and how these
choices impact the audience.

Discourse communities have differences in purpose and communicative function. Photo by

Product School.
How do you conduct a genre analysis?
Conducting a genre analysis involves a systematic examination of texts to understand the
distinctive features and functions of a particular genre. The process begins by selecting the
specific genre to study, which could range from academic essays to social media posts. After
choosing the genre, gather a representative sample of texts that capture the variety within it.
Collecting diverse examples helps ensure a holistic understanding of the genre's characteristics.

Next, analyze the structural elements of the texts. Observe how information is organized, noting
common sections, headings, and overall layout. Identifying patterns in structure reveals how the
genre typically presents content to achieve its purpose. For instance, research articles often
follow a standard format that includes an abstract, introduction, methodology, results, and
discussion. Recognizing these structural conventions aids in understanding how the genre
communicates effectively with its audience.

Examine the language used within the texts by focusing on vocabulary, sentence structure, and
tone. Determine whether the texts employ technical terms, formal language, or colloquial
expressions. Consider the level of complexity in the sentences and the use of rhetorical devices.
This linguistic analysis sheds light on how language is tailored to engage the audience and
convey messages appropriately within the genre.

Reflect on the social and cultural context in which the genre operates. Think about the intended
audience and their expectations, as well as the purpose of the texts—whether to inform,
persuade, instruct, or entertain. Understanding the context helps explain why certain structural
and linguistic features are present. For example, instructional manuals use clear, concise
language and step-by-step structures to effectively guide users.
Identify recurring themes and conventions across the sample texts. Look for consistent stylistic
choices, organizational patterns, or thematic elements that define the genre. Recognizing these
patterns is useful for understanding how the genre maintains its identity and fulfills the needs of
its audience. For example, opinion editorials often feature a clear stance on an issue, supported
by persuasive arguments and evidence.

Finally, synthesize the insights gained from the analysis. Summarize the key features that
characterize the genre and consider how these elements contribute to its function within the
specific context. This understanding allows for a deeper appreciation of how texts within the
genre are constructed and how they effectively communicate their intended messages.

By systematically examining structural elements, language use, context, and recurring

conventions, a genre analysis reveals the underlying mechanisms that make a genre effective.
This method provides valuable insights into the ways in which different genres shape
communication and influence the interpretation of texts within various social and cultural
settings.

Swales model of genre analysis?

The Creating a Research Space [C.A.R.S.] Model was developed by John Swales based upon
his analysis of journal articles representing a variety of discipline-based writing practices.* His
model attempts to explain and describe the organizational pattern of writing the introduction to
scholarly research studies. Following the C.A.R.S. Model can be a useful approach because it
can help you to: 1) begin the writing process [getting started is often the most difficult task]; 2)
understand the way in which an introduction sets the stage for the rest of your paper; and, 3)
assess how the introduction fits within the larger scope of your study.

The model assumes that writers follow a general organizational pattern in response to two types
of challenges [“competitions”] relating to establishing a presence within a particular domain of
research: 1) the competition to create a rhetorical space and, 2) the competition to attract
readers into that space. The model proposes three actions [Swales calls them “moves”],
accompanied by specific steps, that reflect the development of an effective introduction for a
research paper. These “moves” and steps can be used as a template for writing the introduction
to your own social sciences research papers.

Despite the unnecessary jargon introduced by Swales, this approach can be useful in breaking
down the essential elements of a paper's introduction, particularly if the research problem you
are investigating is complex and multi-layered.

* Swales, John and Christine B. Feak. Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Skills
and Tasks. 3rd edition. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 2012.
"Introductions." The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Coffin, Caroline and Rupert
Wegerif. “How to Write a Standard Research Article.” Inspiring Academic Practice at the
University of Exeter; Kayfetz, Janet. "Academic Writing Workshop." University of California,
Santa Barbara, Fall 2009; Pennington, Ken. "The Introduction Section: Creating a Research
Space CARS Model." Language Centre, Helsinki University of Technology, 2005.

The Model
Creating a Research Space

Move 1: Establishing a Territory [the situation]

This is generally accomplished in two ways. First, by demonstrating that a general area of
research is important, critical, interesting, problematic, relevant, or otherwise worthy of
investigation and, second, by introducing and reviewing key sources of prior research in that
area to show where gaps exist or where prior research has been inadequate in addressing the
research problem.

The steps taken to achieve this would be:

Step 1 -- Claiming importance of, and/or [writing action = describing the research problem and
providing evidence to support why the topic is important to study]
Step 2 -- Making topic generalizations, and/or [writing action = providing statements about the
current state of knowledge, consensus, practice or description of phenomena]
Step 3 -- Reviewing items of previous research [writing action = synthesize prior research that
further supports the need to study the research problem; this is not a literature review but more
a reflection of key studies that have touched upon but perhaps not fully addressed the topic]
Move 2: Establishing a Niche [the problem]
This action refers to making a clear and cogent argument that your particular area of research is
important and possesses value. This can be done by indicating a specific gap in previous
research, by challenging a broadly accepted assumption, by raising a question, a hypothesis, or
need, or by extending previous knowledge in some way.

The steps taken to achieve this would be:

Step 1a -- Counter-claiming, or [writing action = introduce an opposing viewpoint or perspective

or identify a gap in prior research that you believe has weakened or undermined the prevailing
argument]
Step 1b -- Indicating a gap, or [writing action = develop the research problem around a gap or
understudied area of the literature]
Step 1c -- Question-raising, or [writing action = similar to gap identification, this involves
presenting key questions about the consequences of gaps in prior research that will be
addressed by your study. For example, one could state, “Despite prior observations of voter
behavior in local elections in Detroit, it remains unclear why do some single mothers choose to
avoid....”]
Step 1d -- Continuing a tradition [writing action = extend prior research to expand upon or clarify
a research problem. This is often signaled with logical connecting terminology, such as, “hence,”
“therefore,” “consequently,” “thus” or language that indicates a need. For example, one could
state, “Consequently, these factors need to examined in more detail....” or “Evidence suggests
an interesting correlation, therefore, it is desirable to survey different respondents....”]
Move 3: Occupying the Niche [the solution]
The final "move" is to announce the means by which your study will contribute new knowledge
or new understanding in contrast to prior research on the topic. This is also where you describe
the remaining organizational structure of the paper.

The steps taken to achieve this would be:

Step 1a -- Outlining purposes, or [writing action = answering the “So What?” question. Explain
in clear language the objectives of your study]
Step 1b -- Announcing present research [writing action = describe the purpose of your study in
terms of what the research is going to do or accomplish. In the social sciences, this also relates
to answering the “So What?” question]
Step 2 -- Announcing principle findings [writing action = present a brief, general summary of key
findings written, such as, “The findings indicate a need for...,” or “The research suggests four
approaches to....”]
Step 3 -- Indicating article structure [writing action = state how the remainder of your paper is
organized]