To: Ms.

Priscilla Sneff
From: August Rothenberger
Subject: Rhetorical analysis of the JACS article “Room-Temperature Activation of Hydrogen by
Semi-immobilized Frustrated Lewis Pairs in Microporous Polymer Networks” by Trunk et al.
using Markel’s six characteristics for effective technical communication.
Date: 09/09/2018

The purpose of this memo is to provide a rhetorical analysis of the scientific article “Room-
Temperature Activation of Hydrogen by Semi-immobilized Frustrated Lewis Pairs in
Microporous Polymer Networks,” authored by Trunk et al. at the Technical University of Berlin
and published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS). The analysis centers on
Mike Markel’s six characteristics for effective technical communication: the document addresses
particular readers, helps readers solve problems, reflects the organization’s goals and culture, is
produced collaboratively, uses design to increase readability, and consists of both words and
images.

Summary
The JACS article successfully uses Markel’s six characteristics to address an experienced
chemistry audience regarding the synthesis and characterization of specialized polymer networks
and their usage in experiments to cleave hydrogen gas at room temperature. Trunk et al. and their
collaborators work with JACS to share scientific knowledge with other professional chemists
while promoting themselves as reputable and capable scientists. The authors’ and editors’
effective use of technical dialogue, proper references, straightforward design, and supplemental
graphics together create a comprehensive, informative journal article.

Discussion
Addresses Particular Readers
Trunk et al. effectively address experienced chemists through the use of scientific language and
conciseness. The authors include a short introduction regarding the background of their research,
but thereafter expect technical phrases like “sterically encumbered phosphine moieties” to be
understood without explanation. Similarly, the characterization and experimental sections
highlight only important procedural steps and relevant data. The authors include supporting
information that provides greater detail on the project for readers especially interested in a
specific portion of the article. The straightforward nature of writing leads to a concise,
descriptive article that both respects a professional chemist’s expertise and time.

Helps Readers Solve Problems

The article is a scientific report which most readers will use as a reference or inspiration for their
own research. An abstract is presented at the beginning of the article, allowing a reader to
quickly decide if the contents are relevant to their interests and work. One does not need to be an
expert on every topic discussed in the article to effectively utilize its contents. Some might use
the synthesized product for a different purpose, alter the synthesis to fit their needs, or replicate a
certain experimental technique with different materials. Despite the technical writing style, an
experienced chemist would easily be able to recognize certain relevant information from the
article or supporting information.

Reflects an Organization’s Goals and Culture

The authors’ choice of journal reflects their goal of self-promotion in the chemical world and the
culture of scientific discovery. JACS publishes articles of chemical significance in many
different fields and is one of the more prestigious chemistry journals. Rather than publish in a
German journal, the authors chose JACS so that a wider audience of chemical professionals
might notice the article and reach out to collaborate or fund future projects. Additionally, the
research exemplifies a culture of chemical innovation by including various references and
explaining the article’s significance for the greater purpose of efficient hydrogen splitting. JACS
brands the article as a piece of a whole, a continuation of scientific discovery in order to benefit
the world.

Is Produced Collaboratively
Trunk et al. recognize the contributions of others by including acknowledgements and numerous
references throughout the document to benefit the reader and their professional image. The
authors ensure that relevant information is credited with in-text citations leading to the references
section, both to respect the work of others and to assist future researchers in locating specific
articles. Additionally, an acknowledgements section is included to thank individuals who
contributed to the project but did not author the paper, as well as recognize funding sources. The
acknowledgements and references together increase the authors’ credibility as reputable chemists
who perform credible and important research.

Uses Design to Increase Readability

JACS stylizes the document using a clean, consistent design, allowing readers to easily find
desired information. Scientific journals follow a standardized design across all published articles;
JACS uses a dual column with a blue and yellow color scheme. The colors reflect the logo of the
American Chemical Society, directly associating the journal to the organization. The abstract is
highlighted in orange to increase visibility and multiple columns require smaller lines of text,
allowing the article to be quickly skimmed. While there are no discreet section headers, the
article’s brevity allows for a reader familiar with the journal to quickly recognize where certain
details will be located.

Consists of Words and Images

Trunk et al. aids readers’ understanding of the material by supplementing their research with
plots, graphs, schemes, and photos throughout the article. The majority of the images are
designed to convey technical data in a visually appealing medium. In the absence of section
headers, the images also guide the reader to relevant information nearby. Scheme 2 displays the
reactants and products using structures instead of chemical names, promoting better visualization
of the polymerization reaction. Above and below the image is located a more in-depth
description of the synthesis and characterization. Similarly, Figure 4 includes a graph visualizing
the data collection process (A) and a plot of the hydrogen absorption trends in the polymer
network (B), supplementing the authors’ description of the results, allowing for a more
comprehensive understanding of the experiment.