4. Using Expert Writing Techniques to Adapt to Your Audience Once you have ident
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Question
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.
I have the contract ready for your signature.
I need your signature on the new contract.
No change necessary.
Your contract is ready for your signature.
We’ll be happy to process your contract after you sign in the highlighted area and return the signed contract to Human Resources by August 25.
No change necessary.
Please sign in the highlighted area and return the contract to Human Resources by August 25.
We can’t process your contract until you sign in the highlighted area and return the signed contract to Human Resources by August 25.
We will expect you to begin orientation on September 9.
We are running orientations beginning September 9.
Your first day of orientation will be September 9.
No change necessary.
Which of the following sentences is the most bias free?
Young Mr. Carlson delivers mail to our desks twice daily.
Mr. Carlson delivers mail to our desks twice daily.
That kid in the mailroom, Carlson, delivers to our desks twice daily.
Which sentences are expressed most positively? Check all that apply.
We can expedite the contract once it’s been signed.
We cannot process your contract without your signature.
Without your signature, your contract won’t be processed.
You won’t be hired until the contract has been signed.
Your contract will be processed once it’s been signed.
Please sign the contract so it can be processed.
Which is the most clear and precise sentence announcing the video conference?
The video conference begins at 3 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. If you need a webcam, contact Shu-Wei Hou.
We will be holding a video conference at 3 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. Shu-Wei Hou can supply webcams if needed.
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.
Which is the most clear and precise sentence asking for an update on the Haggarty account?
Please update the Haggarty account after you’ve completed the daily tally.
The Haggarty account requires an update following completion of the daily tally.
When you’re done with the numbers, update Haggarty, okay?
Explanation / Answer
1. The option that makes the message more reader oriented is "Your contract is ready for your signature". This is because the reader is being put at the centre stage. The contract is relevant for the reader and the message conveys to the reader that this contract is essentially his/her and will be completed once signed by the reader.
2. The correct option is "We’ll be happy to process your contract after you sign in the highlighted area and return the signed contract to Human Resources by August 25". This is because in this sentence the use of 'your contract' puts the focus on the reader and establishes the relationship between the reader and the contract very clearly.
3. The correct option is "Your first day of orientation will be September 9." This sentence puts the focus on the reader and associates the reader with the orientation. Importance is being given only to the reader, unlike the other two sentences where the stage is shared by the providers of orientation.
4. The answer is "Mr. Carlson delivers mail to our desks twice daily.". The other two sentences uses biases like 'young' (in the first sentence) and 'that kid' in the third sentence. Use of these words is creating a prejudice for Carlson regarding his age.
5. The answer is "We can expedite the contract once it’s been signed." Use of the word 'expedite' makes the sentence positive as the tone is set that all efforts will be put in to quicken the process of completing the contract.
6. The answer is "We will be holding a video conference at 3 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. Shu-Wei Hou can supply webcams if needed.". The sentence is clear, crisp, to the point, does not deviate from the message and has not used lengthy sentences that take the focus away.
7. The answer is "When you’re done with the numbers, update Haggarty, okay?". This is because this sentence is marked by exactness and pinpoints the need to update the Haggarty account in a clear cut way.
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