GENRE: I chose to write a personal letter to a friend of mine whose father just recently passed.
PURPOSE: The purpose of the letter was not only to express sympathy and offer assistance, but to also share a little of my own experience with the passing of my own father.
AUDIENCE: This letter was intended for only one person. She happens to be my friend and also daughter of the deceased. I used pathos by talking about my own personal experience. In letting her know I just recently lost my own father, she could feel sympathetic for me as well. I also talked about accepting help from friends and how much it helped which might bring her a little comfort. Ethos was also used when talking about my father. Everyone might say they know how she feels but I let her know that I just went through the exact same thing which in a way shows credibility.
ORGANIZATION: The pattern of development I went with was paragraph by paragraph. In the first paragraph, I expressed my sympathy. In the second, I noted special qualities about her father. In the third paragraph, I talked about my own personal experience. In the last paragraph, I offered my time and assistance. I closed with a thoughtful phrase and then signed my name.
STYLE: I would say this is a formal letter. I used completed sentences and made sure it was grammatically correct. I also made sure everything was spelled in its entirety. I used words in which I thought were best suited for the occasion.
Dear Tina, 2/18/09
I would like to express my sincere condolences on the recent passing of your father. Chris and the children also send their thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time.
Although I did not know your father that well, on the few occasions that I spent time in his company over the years, I did notice his kindness and compassion toward those less fortunate than him. And I do know that he was highly respected in the community and his good works changed...