1. A parent is writing a letter to the editor for a local newspaper arguing against the changing of school zones. What is the best tone to convey the purpose of the letter?

Question

2. Read the following excerpt from an employee’s e-mail to his boss.

Dear Mr. Ellis,

I hope you had a great weekend. You wouldn’t believe the craziness that happened in my house. Did you receive my reports on Friday? I wanted to check to be sure the files came through.

Thank you.

How can the writer revise to better suit the audience and purpose?

Question

3. Alice is writing a review for the recent production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It at her college. Alice is known for her humorous and satirical tone in her reviews. Read the introduction paragraph.

William Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It was recently performed here at our college by a group of student actors and actresses. While the plot is intended to be a comedy, the audience was laughing for all the wrong reasons. Missed lines, costume malfunctions, and props falling apart had the audience incredibly amused. This slapstick rendition of a Shakespearean comedy gets slapped with a “dislike” from this reviewer.

Which revision will best help Alice achieve a humorous tone?

Question

4. Read the following excerpt of a Public Service Announcement.

Everywhere around the world, there are women who are victims of domestic violence. It is time for us to stand up. It isn’t just a woman’s issue. This is a men’s issue. The responsibility is on us.

Who is the intended audience?

Question

5. Mario needs to write an email to his professor explaining his absence:

Hi,

I wanted to let you know that I would be missing class today because I am sick as a dog. I have been puking my guts out, and I can’t even get off the bathroom floor.

Thanks

How can he revise it so that it is appropriate for the audience?

Question

6. A student is working on an essay for his College Success course about why college is important. Read this section of the essay, keeping in mind that her audience is her professor.

Listen, it isn’t like there are a million jobs out there for people who have no college degree. I mean, flipping burgers at a fast food place is not exactly going to help me pay for my new ride.

How can the student change the writing to be appropriate for her professor?

Question

7. What is the purpose of this excerpt?

The latest superhero movie is, well, not that different than all the others. There is a superhero, a villain, an inner struggle, and an epic battle of good and evil. If you have seen Superman, Spiderman, Batman, or any other superhero stories, save your money. You won’t be missing anything.

Question

8. What is the purpose of the following section of a college website?

Registering for courses can be overwhelming, but this information will help you through the process. Start early. Know your major or which majors you want to consider. Know your work schedule and any other factors that will affect your ability to attend classes. Talk to your advisor. Have a back-up plan if one of your chosen classes is full.

Question

9. Giacomo wants to include this anecdote to start his essay on the dangers of texting while driving.

I know that not texting while driving is important. Police officers can pull drivers over and ticket them for texting while driving. But there I was, driving down the road, and I got a text. I just couldn’t help it. I thought it was from my friend Bryan, so I glanced at my phone. THUD! I had run over something. I was sure I had killed a child or an old person! Luckily, it was just road kill.

Which revision strategy will help the anecdote be more entertaining?

Question

10. Read the speech Tim is about to give to a class of 1^st graders about fire safety.

Having an escape plan in your home will help if there is a fire. You can make a plan by talking with your parents about how you would get out of the house and where you and your family will meet outside in case of a fire. If you don’t make a plan, you and your family could die a horrible death.

His purpose is to inform the children. How can he revise the speech to best convey his purpose?

Question