Lesson 3

Question 1

When does a message have informative value for its audience?

Answer 1

when it conveys knowledge that is new and worthwhile, or when it has fresh insight about something familiar

Question 2

T/F

Audience analysis is only necessary when the document is long or complex.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

T/F

Information needs may be culturally determined.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

We focus on audience and purpose by answering these questions: Who wants the report? Who else will read it? List two other questions writers ask about their audience.

Answer 4

Why do they want the report?

How much do they already know?

Question 5

Briefly explain the difference between primary and secondary audiences.

Answer 5

Primary: usually are those who requested the document and who will use it as a basis for decisions or actions

Secondary: those who will carry out the project, who will advise the primary readers about their decision, or who will somehow be affected.

Question 6

T/F

Nontechnical audiences are merely interested in the bare facts, without explanations.

Answer 6

false

Question 7

T/F

Primary audiences usually expect a semi technical message.

Answer 7

false

Question 8

T/F

Primary and secondary audiences often have different technical backgrounds.

Answer 8

true

Question 9

Briefly explain the difference between writing for a college professor and writing for an audience on the job.

Answer 9

College: audience you write for knows more than you and is testing your knowledge

Job: the audience knows less than you and is using your knowledge

Question 10

T/F

When unable to identify all members of an audience, you should aim at the least specialized members.

Answer 10

true