Julia Gallegos

Rhetoric and Composition 1

Discourse Community Response
Writing is essential in all aspects of life. We use it to persuade, inform, entertain, or
explain. How we choose to portray this form of communication is important in order to be an
effective individual. Whether it is a civic, academic, professional, or personal discourse
community, our ways of writing contribute to our success in each.
For three of my High School years, I was involved in the civic discourse community of
the Alamogordo High School Band. Audiences in this discourse community would include the
band directors, drum majors, section leaders, and the Alamogordo High School Band supporters.
Each band member had the same goals of entertaining audiences, thriving at competitions, and
forming friendly relationships within the band family. Writing during rehearsals or in class
was an important part of our progress. Purposes for writing were to communicate with one
another about our progress or any issues or concerns. Topics would include musical notes and
definitions, marching shows, and improvements or regressions. One could use a variety of genres
such as sending e-mails to a director or using a sticky note to remember a definition. Band
members almost always needed to use musical terminology in order for others to understand
their question or concern. Musical terms would include bar line, staff, clef, crescendo, and much
more. The only guidelines in this discourse community were to write in a respectful and
appropriate manner. To join this discourse community, one must be in band since at least the 7th
grade, and demonstrate that they are ready to march and play at the high school level by taking a
marching and playing test.

Joining an academic discourse community is much more difficult than joining a civic
discourse community. In the academic discourse community, one must have a high school
diploma and complete various tests in order to be accepted for admission. The University of
Texas at El Paso is my academic discourse community. Purposes for writing in the university are
to show that the particular topics or subjects have been read and understood. It is important to
use proper language when writing for professors or other faculty. Each professor has different
guidelines for writing and may include using MLA format, using specific terms, or using a
certain number of pages. One may use specialized language such as a thesis statement or
conclusion paragraph to demonstrate that they fully understand the material. Assignments may
be turned in via e-mail, through blackboard, or on paper in class. Students share a common goal
of completing their college education within four to six years, and becoming a successful
individual in society.
Just as it is difficult to become a member of an academic discourse community, it is
challenging to become a member of a professional one as well. For my position at the University
Counseling Center, I needed to apply for the position, complete a series of interviews, and get
hired as a work study student employee. Writing is an important component as an employee for
purposes of communicating with other staff and recording information about students. Topics
include student information, career counseling, and personal counseling. Since all information in
the counseling center is very delicate, the most important rule is to keep everything that is
written, seen, or heard confidential. It is also important to use specific terms in order to correctly
identify students and their needs. For example, work study employees need to make labels for
students portfolios that specify their name, ID number, and either P or C for personal or career
counseling. Also, if a student is visiting the counseling center for the first time, it is important to

specify that they are a triage. Most writing is done through e-mails, on forms, or on labels. Our
audience members include students who arrive at the counseling center, counselors, and other
employees.
My personal discourse community is the most relaxed community in which I am a
member. To become a member, one must have been born or married within the family, or have a
friendly relationship with us. Since audience members only include family and friends, it is
alright to communicate and wright in a relaxed and informal way. We all have the same goals of
keeping in touch with each other and having open communication. This can be done using
various genres such as e-mails, texts, letters, or postcards. Topics include birthdays, celebrations,
national news, new experiences, school, or work. Although we use a more relaxed form of
communication, it is important to use appropriate language with each family member. For
example, I can text my sister, Hey seester. Whats up, how u been? I would need to modify
this text for my godmother by using a more formal and respectful tone, and texting in Spanish
rather than English. It is important to recognize the different forms of language used with
different family members, so no one will be hurt or offended. Rules for communicating with
family members are to always be respectful, honest, and avoid foul language.
Writing is essential in every discourse community in which we are involved. Each
discourse community has its unique guidelines, tones, and languages with which one can
effectively communicate with others. Realizing these aspects will help us reach our intended
goals for our different communities.