Writing for Audiences

Submitted by:

David W. Sell
San Elizario H.S.
San Elizario, Texas
email dsell@san-elizario.k12.tx.us
or dsell@tenet.edu

Subject: English/Writing Prompt/Can be adapted to Social Studies with a little imagination.

Purpose:

To write 4 letters for 4 different audiences with the appropriate language and style for each. Using correct letter conventions.

Audience: 7-12, Independent Practice

Procedure:

Give each student the following writing prompt. they are to write a letter to each in the prompt. Before starting, go over letter conventions, and informal and formal language. Ex: The language you would use and the detail you would tell the principal are not the same as you would use in telling your best friend what "really" happened. Change the prompt for the class as needed.

You have went to a wild party on Saturday night. The party was a real blast, in fact, the police were called to quiet the party down. Write a letter to the following people: your principal, your parents, the owners of the house where the party took place, and one to your best friend who wasn't in town. Use the appropriate language and style for each audience. Be sure to be specific and use details to make your letter live.

Have each student either publish or read their letters to the class. USE YOUR OWN JUDGEMENT ABOUT LANGUAGE--YOU MAY WANT TO READ THE LETTERS FIRST FOR OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE.

Closure:

Talk about language, style, and how the audience effects the way you write. For example, why was the language different with your best friend than what you said to the principal? Why was one letter easier to write that another? What were some of the difficulties you encountered?

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