Text and Subtext
(Groups 3 & 6)

Groups 3 & 6: Text and Subtext Discussion

Below are a few communication acts. The text is the obvious part. The subtext is a little trickier. Read them over and discuss with a neighbor their subtext.

The E-mail

Aaron,

I've been having a blast down here in Florida. I'm about to finish my MA in Public Relations at [A Florida University]. I can't wait to get into the corporate world and make tons of money. I've been dating some great guys lately. Currently, I'm with this dentist, but I dated a couple engineers and lawyers over the past year. Things are good.

Well, I gotta run. Let me know what it's like up there in Louisville.

Take care,

Ex-Girlfriend

Employee/Applicant Description

Julia Sanchez is a mother of three from Tucson, AZ. After graduating magna cum laude from the University of Arizona, Mrs. Sanchez worked as a public relations liaison for a mid-sized accounting firm in Phoenix, AZ. Mrs. Sanchez returned to school two years ago and will receive her MBA from Arizona State University this December. Besides her impressive educational background, Mrs. Sanchez is a dynamic personality for PR: She is bilingual (English and Spanish), efficient, and well organized. Her contributions to the firm are numerous and, with time, she'll be a senior consultant at our firm.

In her spare time, Mrs. Sanchez enjoys long walks with her dog and husband, bringing her children to soccer games, and volunteering at her church.

Offering Advice on the 'L'

Southside of Chicago--The 'L' is Chicago's light rail/subway

White out-of-towner: Could you tell me how far the University of Chicago is from the stop?

Seasoned Rider: It's 4 blocks north...you need to take the bus.*

*Note: "..." is an ellipsis for "through the projects."

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