4. Using Expert Writing Techniques to Adapt to Your Audience
Once you have identified your purpose, profiled your audience, and selected your channel, your final prewriting task is to adapt your message to your audience.
For each of the following sentences, choose the option that makes the message more reader oriented.
Come to Barclayâs Furniture and see how low weâve cut prices at our grand opening in Seattle!
A. Weâve cut prices just for you at the Barclay Furniture Seattle storeâs grand opening.
B. No change necessary.
C. Youâll save with major discounts at the Barclay Furniture Seattle storeâs grand opening.
Our affordable prices and great styles will make redecorating your home a breeze.
A. Weâll help you redecorate your home with the latest styles and the most affordable prices.
B. No change necessary.
C. Redecorate your home with the latest styles at an affordable price.
Weâll slash an additional 10 percent off living room sets if you shop by Tuesday.
A. No change necessary.
B. If you donât shop by Tuesday, youâll miss our additional 10 percent discount on living room sets.
C. Shop by Tuesday and youâll save an additional 10 percent on all living room sets.
Which of the following sentences is the most bias free?
A. Talk to the girl at the front desk, Ms. Rogers, for directions.
B. The receptionist at the front desk, Ms. Rogers, can give you directions.
C. The lady at the front desk, Ms. Rogers, can give you directions.
Which sentences are expressed most positively? Check all that apply.
When you purchase a nonstop, roundtrip ticket, youâll receive a discount.
You donât qualify for the discount unless you purchase a nonstop, roundtrip ticket.
Unless you purchase a direct-flight, roundtrip ticket, you wonât qualify for the discount.
One-way or layover flights do not qualify for a refund.
Nonstop, roundtrip tickets qualify for a generous discount.
You can get a discount with the purchase of a direct-flight, roundtrip ticket.
Which is the most clear and precise sentence announcing the video conference?
A. Please be advised: The video conference will begin at 3 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. If you find yourself in need of a webcam, contact Shu-Wei Hou right away.
B. We will be holding a video conference at 3 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. Shu-Wei Hou can supply webcams if needed.
C. The video conference begins at 3 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. If you need a webcam, contact Shu-Wei Hou.
Which is the most clear and precise sentence asking for an update on the Jones account?
A. When youâre done with the numbers, update Jones, okay?
B. The Jones account requires an update following completion of the daily tally.
C. Please update the Jones account after youâve completed the daily tally.
4. Using Expert Writing Techniques to Adapt to Your Audience
Once you have identified your purpose, profiled your audience, and selected your channel, your final prewriting task is to adapt your message to your audience.
For each of the following sentences, choose the option that makes the message more reader oriented.
Come to Barclayâs Furniture and see how low weâve cut prices at our grand opening in Seattle!
A. Weâve cut prices just for you at the Barclay Furniture Seattle storeâs grand opening.
B. No change necessary.
C. Youâll save with major discounts at the Barclay Furniture Seattle storeâs grand opening.
Our affordable prices and great styles will make redecorating your home a breeze.
A. Weâll help you redecorate your home with the latest styles and the most affordable prices.
B. No change necessary.
C. Redecorate your home with the latest styles at an affordable price.
Weâll slash an additional 10 percent off living room sets if you shop by Tuesday.
A. No change necessary.
B. If you donât shop by Tuesday, youâll miss our additional 10 percent discount on living room sets.
C. Shop by Tuesday and youâll save an additional 10 percent on all living room sets.
Which of the following sentences is the most bias free?
A. Talk to the girl at the front desk, Ms. Rogers, for directions.
B. The receptionist at the front desk, Ms. Rogers, can give you directions.
C. The lady at the front desk, Ms. Rogers, can give you directions.
Which sentences are expressed most positively? Check all that apply.
When you purchase a nonstop, roundtrip ticket, youâll receive a discount.
You donât qualify for the discount unless you purchase a nonstop, roundtrip ticket.
Unless you purchase a direct-flight, roundtrip ticket, you wonât qualify for the discount.
One-way or layover flights do not qualify for a refund.
Nonstop, roundtrip tickets qualify for a generous discount.
You can get a discount with the purchase of a direct-flight, roundtrip ticket.
Which is the most clear and precise sentence announcing the video conference?
A. Please be advised: The video conference will begin at 3 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. If you find yourself in need of a webcam, contact Shu-Wei Hou right away.
B. We will be holding a video conference at 3 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. Shu-Wei Hou can supply webcams if needed.
C. The video conference begins at 3 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. If you need a webcam, contact Shu-Wei Hou.
Which is the most clear and precise sentence asking for an update on the Jones account?
A. When youâre done with the numbers, update Jones, okay?
B. The Jones account requires an update following completion of the daily tally.
C. Please update the Jones account after youâve completed the daily tally.
