In “Navigating Genres,” Kerry Dirk writes about how genre is nothing more than a specific category, he explains that genres go well beyond just fitting into a particular class or type. Each genre has specific characteristics which categorize works under its own category. Knowing what a genre is used to distinguish how to approach and deliver what a writer is intending to convey. Dirk’s essay is meant not to teach students how to write in a specific genre; but, it is meant to help students start seeing the wide spectrum of genres.

Through out the essay, Dirk introduces students to genres as rhetorical responses to similar situations. Dirk uses humor to poke fun at these situations to make the point that rhetorical circumstances must be taken into account. For example, Dirk writes, “you would probably not share a risqué joke with your mom or send a ‘Hey Buddy’ email to your professor.” This example demonstrates how important context is with understanding the genre. Dirk suggests that being aware of different genres rather than being an expert at writing in all genres can truly improve writing skills.

In my opinion, I believe Dirk does an excellent job with informing writers on genres and how to successfully write about them. He gives great examples and has reliable references. He supports his statements with credible quotes. All in all, Kerry Dirk demonstrates the importance of having a deep understanding about what you are writing about. It is critical that a writer knows what consists of a genre, and how to productively present it.