This paper will be based on your observations of the communicative acts occurring in a communication event you have had the opportunity to observe.  In analyzing this event you should use the six kinds of communication context described in "Understanding Communication Settings" (web handout).

Almost any event in which people are having a conversation will work for this assignment.  You could use a conversation between friends sitting in a dorm room, a portion of a meeting you attend, a class discussion.  As you observe the conversation, be sure to note instances when each of the contexts appears to INFLUENCE communication.  Use a single, real conversation in which people are talking back and forth. 

In structuring your paper you will need to begin with an introduction that  A)  identifies the communication event you are analyzing and,   B) presents your thesis.  Following the introduction you will need to describe the event well enough that I will understand what is going on and will be able to following the rest of your paper.  Then present your analysis. 

This paper emphasizes both micro structure and macro structure.  Your thesis may be something as simple as:  "The event illustrates the influence of each of the six kinds of context." or something more complex such as, "The two different relational contexts found in this situation caused the participants, Bill and Mary,  considerable confusion." (The more creative your thesis the better.)  Also, consider how to organize most effectively the sub-points used to support your thesis (e.g., chronologically? compare/contrast?  etc.). 

The sub-points of the paper (micro structure) will, in most cases, be statements about a particular context.  Effective micro structure for this paper will require paragraphs which describe the specifics of the type of content you are discussing AND explain how that context INFLUENCES the communication event.  For each assertion you will need to provide at least one item of support (example, description, explanation, etc.).   The support material will often be direct quotations from the conversation (as best you can remember them) or fairly concrete summaries.   Be sure to explain how the context you are discussing influences the interpretation of messages or establishes what is or isn't appropriate.

I will consider the following factors in grading your papers:  accuracy in use of terms (contexts), clarity and appropriateness of the thesis, effectiveness of organization, unity of paragraphs, mechanics of writing, CLARITY AND QUALITY OF SUPPORT MATERIAL and, ADEQUACY OF SUPPORT FOR EACH ASSERTION.    Number pages and staple them together in order.  Proofread!  Typical papers will be 500 to 800 words.  YOU MUST DOUBLE-SPACE.

Like all assignments, you MUST turn in a typewritten paper AND submit a copy to turnitin.com. For a sample paper, please look at this model or this model.