In this article, the author focuses on her experiences with genre analysis. This is not a new idea or assignment. But gearing the analysis specifically toward thinking about purpose significantly narrows the focus of a typical "here's what this genre is and who uses it" essay. Genre analysis asks students to think in-depth about one particular genre of writing. Genre analysis is not an easy task for students, especially when they are thinking about genres they have not necessarily read or written yet. It is important, then, to provide a series of scaffolded reading and writing assignments leading up to the essay and clarifying students' understanding of purpose and genre. With an understanding of purpose in writing, an introduction to genre analysis, and practice analyzing genres related to both personal and professional interests, students begin working on their own analyses. Using an examination of comics as a model, students are exposed to genre analysis, examining forms of writing they are likely to encounter in their future professions.