2.3: Audience - the Other
2.3.1: Identifying Audience
Read this article about taking your audience into consideration as you write. Remember to also watch the linked video. Great writers consider their audience first. Ask yourself the "Audience Analysis Questions” located on the webpage above before you begin your next writing assignment.
In a brief essay of about 250 words, explain to a potential employer why you want your dream job. Then, in another essay, explain the same thing to a five-year-old.
Note: If you completed this activity prior to February 27, 2017, you can find your response here. However, the previous version of this activity did have a mistake in its instructions and writing prompt, so it is strongly encouraged that you complete this updated activity.
2.3.2: Adjusting Tone
Read this page on using an academic tone in your writing. Why is it important to use appropriate academic language in college-level writing?
Read an article, either online or in print, that discusses a current event. Identify the author's claim, audience, purpose, and tone.
In three to five paragraphs, explain your reaction to the article. Consider questions such as the following:
- Do you agree with the author's claim?
- Do you think you are a member of the intended audience?
- Does the tone of the article seem appropriate to the intended audience and purpose?
- If not, what would you change to better accomplish the author's purpose?
After you complete this activity, identify the audience of your own argumentative essay, which you will write later, on the topic of, "Are reality television shows more 'show' or more 'reality'?"
Note: If you completed this activity prior to February 27, 2017, you can find your response here. However, the previous version of this activity did have a mistake in its instructions and writing prompt, so it is strongly encouraged that you complete this updated activity.
2.3.3: Warrant - How Do Your Reasons Support Your Claim?
Read this material on parts of an argument, focusing especially on warrants. How do warrants differ from reasons and evidence?
Develop a warrant that will help you in make your case in your Unit 2 argumentative essay, which will be written on the topic of, "Are reality television shows more 'show' or more 'reality'?"
Note: If you completed this activity prior to February 27, 2017, you can find your response here. However, the previous version of this activity did have a mistake in its instructions and writing prompt, so it is strongly encouraged that you complete this updated activity.
2.3.4: Qualify Your Claim
Read the article for a review of the Toulmin method, focusing on the information on qualifiers. Do you need to qualify your claim to avoid overgeneralization or assertions that are too broad?