“Isn’t my audience just my teacher?” To write effectively, you must think of your writing as more than just an assignment you go through to get a grade. Recognize that you have something to say—and that in order to get others to pay attention, you have to think about who they are and how to reach them. Of course, your instructor is part of your audience. But who else will be interested in your topic and the unique perspective you bring to it? What does that audience need from you?