Writing Purposes and Audiences

What is the definition of audience in writing?

• who you are writing for

• a group of people listening at a concert

• anyone who happens to read it

• the reason the text is written

What is the definition of purpose?

• the meaning of life

• a Justin Bieber album

• the reason the text is written (to entertain, inform, or persuade)

• the reader the text is intended for

It's important to know the audience because... (select all that apply)

• the writer should match the argument to the audience

• the writer should match the formality of their writing to the audience

• the writer has to make their audience laugh

• the writer should match the purpose of their writing to the audience

You want Mr. Keller-Wilson to buy you a Starbucks, and you KNOW that he sometimes drinks coffee. What would you say to persuade him?

• You should buy me a Starbucks because they are a great company that treats their employees well!

• You should buy me a Starbucks because then you could get yourself a coffee too!

• You should buy me a Starbucks because I've never been before.

• You should buy me a Starbucks because I feel sad.

As a father, Mr. Kurisu cares about his children's health and safety. You want him to buy you a skateboard. What would you say to him to convince him?

• You should buy me a skateboard because it's not too expensive!

• You should buy me a skateboard because it would make me get exercise. I promise to wear a helmet!

• You should buy me a skateboard because I would be so popular!

• You should buy me a skateboard because I look up to my brother to skateboards.

A text's purpose is either to persuade, inform, or entertain (PIE).What does narrative writing (story-telling) usually do?

• Persuade

• Inform

• Entertain

A text's purpose is either to persuade, inform, or entertain (PIE). What does argumentative (arguing a point) writing do?

• Persuade

• Inform

• Entertain

A text's purpose is either to persuade, inform, or entertain (PIE). What does explanatory (explaining something) writing do?

• persuade

• inform

• entertain

What is the audience/purpose of this text: A book of over 1,000 knock-knock jokes.

• parents / inform

• college students / entertain

• doctors / persuade

• kids / entertain

What is the audience / purpose of this text: An article comparing and contrasting American and Swedish health care systems.

• students / entertain

• doctors / inform

• babies / persuade

• teachers / inform