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EXERCISE 1–3 Purpose and audience

EXERCISE 1–3 Purpose and audience

In each pair, click on the passage that is more effective, given the writer’s purpose and audience. Click Save to save your work and return to it. Click Submit to see your score and item-by-item explanations; your activity will be recorded in your instructor's gradebook.

Example

1 of 10

Which passage would be more effective in a campus newspaper article criticizing the food in the cafeteria’s vending machines?

The hamburgers that are sold in the vending machines are dry in texture. They are also cold to the taste.

When I turned to the machine, I decided to try a sizzling hamburger, lean and juicy. Instead, out came a small dry patty so cold that the fat was congealed in tiny globs on top of the meat.

EXERCISE 1–3 Purpose and audience - 1 of 10: Which passage would be more effective in a campus newspaper article criticizing the food in the cafeteria’s vending machines?

2 of 10

If you were writing an instruction booklet for machinists, which of these sentences would you choose?

After the machine stops, move the control lever to the reverse position.

Move the control lever to the reverse position after the machine stops.

EXERCISE 1–3 Purpose and audience - 2 of 10: If you were writing an instruction booklet for machinists, which of these sentences would you choose?

3 of 10

Which of these requests (from a theater’s playbill) is more effective?

During the performance, make sure all cell phones, beepers, and watch alarms are OFF. And don’t jangle the bangles.

In an effort to behave in a civilized fashion, please turn off all cell phones, beepers, and watch alarms during the performance. In addition, don’t let your bracelets clank together.

EXERCISE 1–3 Purpose and audience - 3 of 10: Which of these requests (from a theater’s playbill) is more effective?

4 of 10

Which course description from a student newspaper has more audience appeal? The writer’s purpose is to encourage students to sign up for a course in Asian literature.

English 235, Asian Literature, offers students a multicultural experience, helping them move beyond their stereotypes about the “inscrutable” men and women of the East.

If you can’t face Julius Caesar or The Scarlet Letter one more time and are looking for a course that will help you get to know the people who inhabit the other side of our shrinking planet Earth, then English 235, Asian Literature, is for you.

EXERCISE 1–3 Purpose and audience - 4 of 10: Which course description from a student newspaper has more audience appeal? The writer’s purpose is to encourage students to sign up for a course in Asian literature.

5 of 10

In a business letter promoting the writer’s company to an audience aware of the company’s former problems, which of these sentences is likely to be more effective?

We have revitalized our company with new marketing strategies, a forward-looking management team, and a wider base of clients.

At this point in time, ours is a revitalized company no longer attached to outmoded marketing concepts, subject to in-house managerial conflicts, or dependent on government clients.

EXERCISE 1–3 Purpose and audience - 5 of 10: In a business letter promoting the writer’s company to an audience aware of the company’s former problems, which of these sentences is likely to be more effective?

6 of 10

In a brochure to be handed out in a medical office, which passage would be more likely to convince patients to take action?

Getting rid of unsightly, unhealthy extra pounds is impossible if you stuff yourself and avoid exercise. If you don’t choose to diet, you are headed for a miserable life and perhaps even an early grave.

Unfortunately, there is no magic pill that can make you lose weight and keep it off. The best way to tackle the problem is to eat nutritious foods in moderation and to get regular exercise. You’ll live longer, and you’ll enjoy your life more. Talk to your doctor about the foods and exercise that are right for you.

EXERCISE 1–3 Purpose and audience - 6 of 10: In a brochure to be handed out in a medical office, which passage would be more likely to convince patients to take action?

7 of 10

In a newspaper report on an area’s environmental problems, which sentence would better emphasize the reporter’s discovery that Megalocorp was responsible for polluting the river?

Between 1980 and 1990, much of the aquatic life died out downstream from the Megalocorp plant, where many tons of raw sewage entered the river.

Between 1980 and 1990, the Megalocorp plant released into the river many tons of raw sewage, which killed off much of the aquatic life downstream.

EXERCISE 1–3 Purpose and audience - 7 of 10: In a newspaper report on an area’s environmental problems, which sentence would better emphasize the reporter’s discovery that Megalocorp was responsible for polluting the river?

8 of 10

In an essay describing the US presidential election of 2000, which sentence would be more dramatic?

No one expected the 2000 US presidential contest to end with the Supreme Court declaring George W. Bush the winner, although polls on Election Day showed that the race would be close.

Although polls on Election Day showed that the race would be close, no one expected the 2000 US presidential contest to end with the Supreme Court declaring George W. Bush the winner.

EXERCISE 1–3 Purpose and audience - 8 of 10: In an essay describing the US presidential election of 2000, which sentence would be more dramatic?

9 of 10

If you were organizing an event at a retirement community, which of these notices would you pin to the bulletin board?

Because of requests from residents seeking information about an HMO plan, whereby you receive free medical care, certain dental work, and low-cost prescriptions, your board of directors has arranged to have an HMO representative come to the clubhouse at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10, to describe the plan. There will be a question-and-answer period, with refreshments.

HMO medical plan to be explainedWhere: At the clubhouseWhen: Tuesday, August 10, 7:00 p.mIn a half-hour talk, an HMO representative will describe these benefits● free medical care● certain dental work● low-cost prescriptionsRefreshments and a question-and-answer period will follow.

EXERCISE 1–3 Purpose and audience - 9 of 10: If you were organizing an event at a retirement community, which of these notices would you pin to the bulletin board?

10 of 10

Here are two e-mails that a student drafted to send to a professor to request an extension on a paper’s due date. Which one shows more consideration for the audience?

Dear Professor Blake,At the risk of inconveniencing you, I must confess that the volleyball team of which I am a member has a critical match on the day our next paper is due. I apologize for this conflict. What do you advise I should do about this situation?Sincerely yours,Jane Smith

Dear Professor Blake,I am in your English 205 class (section 3220), and our next paper is due on Friday, March 19. Because I have an important out-of-town volleyball match that day, I would like to request an extension until Monday, March 22. Would this be acceptable to you?Thanks,Jane Smith

EXERCISE 1–3 Purpose and audience - 10 of 10: Here are two e-mails that a student drafted to send to a professor to request an extension on a paper’s due date. Which one shows more consideration for the audience?