Writing for Your Audience Answers

Which line would be most appropriate to include when writing for middle school students?

Read and contrast two passages about vegetables.Passage 1"Vegetable soup is easy to make and delicious to eat. Ingredients for a simple vegetable soup include chicken broth, carrots, potatoes, and peas."Passage 2"When planting your vegetable garden, experiment with hybrid breeds and varied planting times. These can make a remarkable difference."

Read the excerpt from "Citizenship."Citizenship gives you a lot of rights, but it also requires some responsibility. The country needs citizens to stay informed on issues, obey the law, serve on juries in court trials, and pay taxes. Citizens have also been called upon to serve the country in times of war.

Read and contrast two passages about sun safety.Passage 1"It is a scientific fact that everyone needs sunscreen, regardless of skin color or ethnic origin. All people are subject to sun damage."Passage 2"No one wants to look like a lizard! You need a big squirt of sunscreen before heading outside to play. Sunburns are no fun, so protect yourself."

Which line would be most appropriate to include when writing for parents?

Read the lines from this e-mail to a friend.My first ski trip was so cool! My teacher, Angie, took me down the mountain lots and lots. The first time I totally wiped out, which was a bummer. But I rocked it after a little practice.

Read the excerpt from "Citizenship."Citizenship isn't just about voting once every few years. Democracy works best when citizens get involved in government. There are several ways citizens can participate. They can send letters to their lawmakers or speak out about something important to them.

In which situation would it be most appropriate to use a formal writing style?

Read and compare passages from two news articles about bullying.Clifford Parody writes:With the help of his mother, Robin Arnold, and a tight-knit group of family friends, the Lakeland 12-year-old launched his website jaylenschallenge.org in May 2009 to educate people on the effects of bullying. From there his campaign against bullying has flourished."It's crazy in a good way," Jaylen, a sixth-grader at Victory Christian Academy, said. "Kids are coming up to me and telling me they aren't getting bullied as much. I'm glad that it's gotten so big."Linda Ellerbee writes:According to Mihok, Jaylen is getting his message across.And together, they’re empowering other kids to stand up to bullying."It's just amazing to see these young people have their lives altered by [Jaylen]," Mihok told the Ledger.If you don't believe Mihok, ask one of Jaylen's classmates at Victory Christian Academy in Lakeland."It actually changed [my] life," said classmate McKenna Inglett, in an interview with WFTS reporter Laura Harris. "I have tried to change some people that were bullying me."

Read and compare two passages about Canada.Passage 1"I had a great time on my road trip along Canada’s coast! I loved hanging out in the beautiful mountains, and the food was yummy. Canadian chocolate is awesome!"Passage 2"Canada has the longest coastline of any nation in the world. It is more than 151,600 miles long."

Read and contrast two passages about cats.Passage 1"Feeding an older cat is very different than feeding a kitten. Older cats need fewer calories to prevent weight gain. Still, their food should contain adequate protein to maintain muscle."Passage 2"My cat, Whiskers, is so cute! His favorite game is hide and seek. I always find him hiding behind the sofa where it is bright and sunny."

Which tone is most appropriate for a social studies report?

Read and compare two passages from an outdoor magazine.Passage 1"A cane fishing pole is a good way for young kids to begin. Light lines and small hooks also help children gain early success. Crickets and worms are the best bait."Passage 2"Jason Zimmer is a champion fly fisherman. He trains eight hours each day to compete all over the world. In his spare time, Jason enjoys camping, hiking, and skiing."

In which situation would it be most appropriate to use an informal writing style?

Read the excerpt from a news article about bullying.Twelve-year-old Jaylen Arnold knows what it's like to feel different.He also knows what it feels like to be bullied."I know that it hurts people in the inside more than the outside," he said, in an interview with Tampa, Florida, TV station WFTS. "Because words are worse than a fist or punching or kicking."Jaylen has Tourette syndrome.That's a condition that causes a person to make involuntary noises and movements.