Project Analysis & Developing a Reader Profile (PA)

Question 1

Name 4 types of readers?

Answer 1

1. Primary
2. Secondary
3. Tertiary
4. Gatekeepers

Question 2

What is a reader profile?

Answer 2

An analysis of a readers distinct needs, abilities, background and experiences.

Question 3

What are the 4 elements of the rhetorical situation?

Answer 3

1. Subject.
2. Purpose.
3. Audience.
4. Context of use.

Question 4

Name 3 aspects that determine how readers make a decision.

Answer 4

1. Needs
2. Values.
3. Attitudes.

Question 5

Name 4 context of document use.

Answer 5

1. Physical
2. Economic
3. Political
4. Ethical

Question 6

Name 5 helpful strategies to work with a global audience.

Answer 6

1. Listen carefully
2. Be polite
3. Research the target culture
4. Avoid humour
5. Talk to your colleagues

Question 7

Name 4 aspects of the document that may need to be adjusted to accommodate a global audience.

Answer 7

1. Content
2. Organisation
3. Style
4. Design

Question 8

Why is a reader profile important for technical communications?

Answer 8

It will give you detailed information about how your readers will use your document and the contexts in which they will use it.

Question 9

What are the 3 steps for creating a reader profile?

Answer 9

1. Identify your readers (4 types)
2. Identify your readers’ needs, values, and attitudes.
3. Identify the contexts in which readers will experience your document (4 contexts)

Question 10

What are the roles or each of the 4 types of readers?

Answer 10

1. Primary (action takers)
2. Secondary (advisors)
3. Tertiary (evaluators)
4. Gatekeeper (supervisors)

Question 11

What are the 5 guidelines on readability and readers’ preferences?

Answer 11

1. Readers are raiders for information
2. Readers are wholly responsible for interpreting your text.
3. Readers only want ‘need-to-know’ information.
4. Readers prefer concise texts.
5. Readers prefer graphics and effective page design.

Question 12

How is reader analysis used to identify readers’ needs, values, and attitudes?

Answer 12

It helps you see the subject through your readers’ perspective. Fore each reader type, you attempt to identify corresponding needs, values and attitudes.

Question 13

How context analysis is used to identify the contexts in which readers use documents?

Answer 13

Context analysis anticipates the physical, economic, political and ethical influences on readers’ decision-making faculties. For each context, your attempt to identify corresponding concerns for the primary readers, their company and their industry.