In the topic of the Right to Repair movement, I have two important genres for the

research. One genre is a dictionary and the other is a YouTube video.

How the sources compare in structure

The video source and its full citation is Simone Giertz. (2019). I Turned My Tesla Into A

Pickup Truck. https://youtu.be/jKv_N0IDS2A. The dictionary source is (2016). hardware. In

Butterfield, A., Ngondi, G., & Kerr, A. (Eds.), A Dictionary of Computer Science. : Oxford

University Press. Retrieved 28 Jun. 2021, from https://0-wwwoxfordreference-

com.lib.utep.edu/view/10.1093/acref/9780199688975.001.0001/acref9780199688975-e-2316.

When it comes to structure both sources are quite different. The dictionary source is very well

organized in a professional manner. The online version of the dictionary provides the ability to

search for a word by the letter it starts with. All words and terms are organized in alphabetical

order. Being much like a dictionary should be, it is easy to use and it is easy to find the

information needed. The video source is organized by placing the events in chronological order.

Nearly every step of the project is shown and given that the video shows clearly how everything

is done from beginning to end, it requires almost no explanation.

Audience and Purpose

The audience and purpose of each of these sources are completely different. The

dictionary’s purpose is to inform. The video’s purpose is to entertain. The dictionary is aimed at

a serious audience which includes college students and anyone in a computer science

profession. Its definitions are formatted like a usual dictionary is. The language used is very

professional, and the information given is detailed and concise. Those using the dictionary
either know a few or most of the terms in the dictionary and every time they open it they want

to find a word and its definition. The video on the other hand is meant for a casual audience.

Most of the video is recorded like a blog of sorts however the very casual language that feels

like talking to friend (and its light use of profanity) makes it a casual video meant for

entertainment. Anyone watching the video just wants to see the title of the video be fulfilled,

which is seeing a Tesla car being transformed.

Rhetorical Appeal in the sources

The computer science dictionary applies only ethos and logos. The format and

organization of the dictionary makes it easy to find a word and see its definition. Being

published by the Oxford University adds to its ethos appeal. Given the audience it is also very

appropriate. The video on the other hand applies a combination of ethos and pathos. The way

the main speaker talks keeps the tone of the video generally cheerful. Given the fact that the

video shows almost every step clearly it is hard to believe the project is done in a manner

similar to reality TV. Although ethos may not be necessary for a video meant to entertain, it is

crucial to keep the credibility of the people involved in the project.

Conclusion

Both of these sources do just as good as each other to accomplish its purpose. The

dictionary could do better by including information on how to pronounce the terms in the

dictionary and by showing how they can be used in a sentence. Sometimes that information is

very helpful and makes the source further accomplish its purpose. The video is not too serious

which is what makes it a casual viewing experience and helps it accomplish its purpose.