Writing for an Audience

Analyze how the intended audience affects an author's purpose, vocabulary, and examples.

Authors always write for someone, and the intended audience shapes nearly every choice: vocabulary, examples, length, tone, and what background to explain. A scientist writing for other scientists can use technical terms freely. The same scientist writing for middle schoolers will define terms and use familiar comparisons. Compare two original explanations of the same idea. For experts: 'Neurons transmit signals via electrochemical impulses across synapses.

' For young readers: 'Your brain cells pass messages to each other like runners handing off a baton, using tiny bursts of electricity and chemicals. ' The second version uses a comparison to a relay race because the audience may not know the technical terms. To identify audience, look for clues: Does the text define terms? Does it address 'you'? Does it assume background knowledge? Are the examples about school, work, or family? Then explain how the author adjusted the text for those readers to achieve the purpose.

• 1Audience shapes vocabulary, examples, and tone
• 2Clues: defined terms, 'you,' assumed knowledge, example choice
• 3Explain how the author adjusted for the audience