The Author's Voice

and the Reader's Role:

An Analysis of Rhetorical

Issues in How-to Texts

by

Carl S. Chatfield

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment

of the requirements for the degree of

Master of Science

University of Washington

Department of Technical Communication

December 15, 1995

Table of Contents

Preface to the Web Edition

Acknowledgments

Quote Slip

Abstract

Introduction

Chapter I. Authorial and Reader Roles: Background and Theories

Introduction

How-to Manuals as Instruments of Persuasive Discourse

What is a How-to Text?

Models of Writer/Reader Interaction

Discourse Analysis and Technical Communication Models

Taxonomies of Reader Roles

Chapter II. Method of Study

Introduction

Method of Analysis

Chapter III. Analysis and Discussion

Introduction

Findings and Discussion

Chapter IV. Conclusions

Rhetorical Differences in Primary and Secondary Texts

Discussion

Authorial Voice and a Sense of Otherness

What's Next?

Bibliography

Appendix. Sample Passages Used For Informativity Measures