1. A student is writing an email to a professor to ask about a grade that was lower than expected. What is the best tone for the student to use in the email to appropriately convey its purpose?

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2. A student is writing a speech to deliver to the Board of Education in his town. The student is concerned with the quality of school lunches being served in schools. What is the appropriate tone for this speech given its purpose and intended audience?

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3. Read the following speech by a student campaigning for the position of Student Government President.

Hello everyone, and thank you for coming. It is an honor to be with you today and ask that you vote for me as your Student Government President. I am capable, willing, and intelligent. I have an excellent relationship with the teachers and principal of the school. I am excited for what we can accomplish together.

What can the student do to adjust the tone of this speech to better suit the purpose and audience?

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4. Read this excerpt from a blog about legalizing marijuana.

People who still believe that marijuana is harmless need to understand some of the drug’s addictive properties and how it inhibits users’ mental abilities.

Who is the intended audience?

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5. Read the following letter.

I know that this may be a surprise to you. I haven’t talked with you in years and we didn’t part well. I wonder about you a lot, what you look like, what you are doing, if you still have those amazing dimples that I loved so much. I hear about you once in a while from my mother, I think she still wishes there was a chance for us. Apparently, our parents still go to golf together, and our mothers talk about our dating lives.

Who is the intended audience?

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6. As a volunteer for a local children’s organization, Ellen has been asked to send a letter to potential donors to raise support for a literacy initiative. Read this passage from her letter. Read her draft:

Reading is so cool! It can take you to a great new world, introduce you to new friends, and show you an adventure you never thought possible.

How can she best revise this opening paragraph to address the appropriate audience?

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7. What is the purpose of this excerpt?

All of a sudden, I heard ear piercing screams. My heart stopped beating. Like all mothers who from another room hear a child screaming for an unknown reason, I feared the worst. I ran out of the kitchen into the living room, and I stopped short. I could not help but laugh at what I saw. My son hung upside down from the couch where his shoe had stuck to the cushion with Velcro.

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8. What is the purpose of this excerpt?

While there are many good candidates who are running for school board in our county, there is only one who is qualified, receptive, and personable. Not only has Jackie Thurmon demonstrated her commitment to our children through her own teaching career, but she has also worked in many other political areas of our community. I fully support her nomination for School Board Superintendent and encourage others to follow me.

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9. Read the following section of a letter Sarah is drafting for her mother:

Mom,

Things are going really well. The shopping in this area is so much better than at home! There are great boutiques and stores. There are many awesome places to eat too. You wouldn’t believe the clubs and bars. Classes are ok, though I am not doing well in a few. Can you send me some more money?

Love you!

Sarah’s purpose is to persuade her mother to send her more money. How can she revise the topics she discusses in the writing to best convey this purpose?

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10. Marcel wants to get started soon on a group project for his English class. Which of the following subjects (topics) is appropriate for Marcel’s first e-mail to his group members?

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