Running head: GENRE ANALYSIS

Genre Analysis
Health Awareness
Sonya Dominguez
University of Texas at El Paso
RWS 2
December 10, 2015

Running head: GENRE ANALYSIS

Introduction
Health is an important issue for all of us and our everyday lives. For some of us we may
not even care or know how much our health care system is keeping us alive every step of the
way. Health awareness is just a small part to the issue at hand. The community is aware that
keeping healthy is important, but the issue is what and how can the situation better those who are
currently sick and along with those concerned with their health. The first genre touches upon
those students who struggle with depression and anxiety. For some dealing and coping with these
issues is harder than for others. For some students getting the medical attention that is needed is
an easy step, but for others who just dont know how to seek the help that is needed or where to
get the necessary help. This genre touches up on a recent treatment plan that is based on the
internet for those who don't have the means of going to an actual psychologist. The second genre
talks about if our healthcare system is actually trying to keep us alive and how we can modify
terms and the actual health care system so that it can actually assist us in helping us stay healthy
and alive.
Audience and Purpose
As stated in the introduction, the audience of this paper is targeted at those interested in
bettering their mental health and actually being proactive of the situation rather than complain
about the constant battle. Those interested or who hold a a similar view point to this matter.
Another audience is of course mostly target to college students dealing with the issues that come
with school and the addition of other stressors affecting them everyday. As stated in Internetbased guided self-help for university students with anxiety, depression and stress: A randomized

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controlled clinical trial, (2013) Anxiety, depression and stress often co occur and are the
psychological problems for which university students most often seek help. The purpose of this
journal article is to inform and present a study that was conducted on university students. Some
are also living without health insurance, so having the financial means to pay for the treatment is
not in their budget so they lose out on the opportunity to seek that needed help. In this specific
genre, a study was done on university college students who are struggling with depression and or
anxiety. The study conducted evaluated the efficiency of an internet-based guided self-help
treatment for moderate anxiety and depression. Of course this method of treatment will only be
beneficial to some and make little to no impact on other patience. However, the treatment does
state that it was based on those with moderate or mild cases of anxiety and depression.
According to Day, Mcgrath, and Wojitowicz, The self-help treatment included five modules,
which involved options for focusing on either anxiety or stress or a combination of both. The
modules were based on standard cognitive behavior therapy principles.The purpose of this
journal article is to inform and present a study that was conducted on university students.
The second genre being compared is that of a TEDtalk from Rebecca Onie. The speaker of this
TEDtalk argues that in order to complain and bicker about our current healthcare system we need
to have a plan or some kind of idea that we can bring forth and maybe then we can make a claim
about our current health care. The speaker agrees that there are flaws in our current healthcare
system. As the speaker states that we all have a common interest in this world when it comes to
our health the health care system, We all harbor one fiercely held aspiration for our health care:
that it keeps us healthy, (Onie, 2012). The speakers purpose of this video is to inform and
somehow persuade those who criticize our healthcare system to first propose an idea of their own
before criticizing.

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One huge difference when comparing these two genres is that the first genre is a journal article
based on a study. The second genre, is a video of a speaker simply giving her side of a story or
issue. Both genres are speaking about creating a healthy lifestyle in their own unique ways. Each
genres purpose it to inform those interested in the same view point of the matter and to interest
the audience about ways to cope with their mental health in a more convenient and cheaper
alternative. The other genre has its way of describing the way that the health care system is only
trying to help us out and with only constant criticism and no suggestions or ideas. The same
heath care will continue to run if no suggestions are presented.
Rhetorical Issues:
Ethos
Although the first genre was targeted to those with moderate to minor cases of anxiety
and depression. Regardless of the restriction, the means of the study and the modules that target
each part of the mental health problem is a great step in the right direction. This may be a small
leap to a bigger issue but with consistent and better research, the study will hopefully improve in
its measure to improve those suffering with mental health issues/ A common goal is shared
amongst these genre analysis, that goal however needs to be reached together. The first journal
article presents a study that was conducted on college students suffering from depression,
anxiety, and or stress. As stated by Internet based guided self help (2013) The presented
information, evaluated the efficiency of the internet based treatment for moderate cases.
However, the second genre argued that its almost too painful to articulate our aspirations for
our healthcare system, or even admit that we have any at all. (Onie, 2012). We share a common
goal but that goal needs to be reached together.
Pathos

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As college students enter college for the first time those students lack the importance of
keeping up to date with their heath and mental health. They are aware that there are minor mental
breakdowns here and there but are they fully aware of the impact it can cause to the boyd and the
impact it has on their grades. Regardless of the severity experienced; as college students, some
more than others are suffering and battling through depression and anxiety along with the
overwhelming amount of homework given by four to five classes. Even with getting professional
help, there is still curiosity in trying out this internet-based self-help treatment. The second genre
presented can stir up some controversial feelings and come with arguments from both sides.
Some could argue that our health care is doing enough that it can and it shouldn't be messed
with. Whereas others, who are living without health insurance due to the high cost or for
whatever the reason, could argue that our healthcare system needs to be amended.
Logos
The first genre presented included data based on those students who took part in the
study. Whereas the second genre backed up her argument and claim with her own experiences of
working in the healthcare system and working with doctors or other health professions. The one
thing the speaker of this TEDtalk is certain is that we all have one goal and that is for our health
care system to keep us alive and healthy.

An argument than can be said about the first genre is that it left out the cost to take part in this
study. Whether this treatment was free or if it came with a fee and how much that fee would be
or if there were any sort of free trials those students could get or if there were student discounts
available. Or if any other information was needed before taking part in the study.
Structure and Delivery

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The information given or presented by the journal article was a study conducted on
university students and their mild or moderate anxiety, depression and stress. The journal
outlined the purpose of the study and how the study was essentially conducted and what and who
were conducted. The journal followed the scientific method guidelines. The second genre was a
TEDtalk video, the speaker presented her opinions and argument in a structural manner so that
the audience could keep up with her speech and stayed focused throughout the presentation.
Conclusion or Synthesis
The best genre for conveying their message was, the journal article. The journal article
was based on the internet-based self-help treatment. This genre touches more on the overall topic
and gives data which is something very important when giving a claim or when presenting
information to the public. The second genre was just as successful in conveying the message
intended. But the speaker was only giving her insight and opinion on the matter whereas the first
genre had actual data to present and were able to offer some useful information to some
university students suffering with mild psychological problems. Overall, both genres did their
best presenting their information; one genre just had a better message that relates better to the
overall topic.

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References

Victor Day,Patrick J. McGrath,Magdalena Wojtowicz. (July 2013). Internet-based guided self-help for
university students with anxiety, depression and stress: A randomized controlled clinical trial.
Behaviour Research and Therapy, 51(7), 344. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2013.03.003
TEDTalks (Producer), & TEDTalks/Onie, R. (Director). (2012). What if our healthcare system kept us
healthy? [Video/DVD]