Phi Kappa Phi

This document will create a rhetorical work-up of the letter sent by members of the Iowa State University Chapter of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Analysis of the different factors that affect this communication including context, writer, audience, and purpose will uncover the background information and ideas that will influence how this was written and how it will be read. This communication was sent in an attempt to gain new qualified members into the honors society.

Context

An invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi is sent out to the top seven and a half percent of second semester juniors and to the top ten percent of seniors and graduate students at Iowa State University. Despite the narrow scope of audience there are several aspects of the context surrounding this letter. Each recipient can choose to accept and join the honor society for a fee of $75, deny the invitation, or prolong the decision to a later time. In order to receive the certificate and pin for the initiation ceremony the offer must be accepted and the information received by mail before March 21, 2011, a little less than a month from the date that the students first received the information. Initiates can still accept admission by the end of the current semester, May 6, 2011. If the student postpones membership this semester they may be invited again next year if they still meet the qualifications.

As the local chapter receives new members it will benefit their budget and reputation. With each initiate’s contribution of $75 the Iowa State chapter receives a portion, and can use that to fund more or better events and activities. The Nationwide part of Phi Kappa Phi will also benefit from each new member with the increase in funds and the additional membersh...

... middle of paper ...

... main goal is clearly to gain members. The author wants to communicate the benefits in a way that will change the mind of those on the fence about joining, while informing those who are accepting of all the great things they can do through Phi Kappa Phi.

Matt must grab the reader’s attention, with information and style that is pleasing. He wants to communicate the goals and motivations of Phi Kappa Phi through the content and characteristics of his writing, and make the reader believe those goals are worthwhile

Secondary motives are to promote the reputation of the society to the campus, and to gain support. Phi Kappa Phi can gain reputation by the quality of this letter. The chapter can gain support from those who might not join, but as a result may attend Phi Kappa Phi events or fundraisers because they now have had a positive communication with to the society.