Annotated Bibliography
1. Title : When Writers Write (2nd edition)
Author : Kathleen Macdonald
Publisher : Prentice Hall
Chapter : 1(Pg1-13)
Summary
This is the first chapter of the book titled: Who is the audience? It talks about a writer writing for 2 types of audience, himself and other people. This distinction ,makes us aware of how we are communicating the message across in different circumstances .The chapter gives good analogies of what our expectations are when we communicate . It illustrates the similarities between speaking and writing, on how getting audience's attention is crucial in both modes of communication.
The chapter highlights 3 crucial questions which a writer needs to consider when writing to an intended audience. They are:
1. The audience 's knowledge on the subject
2. the level of interest they have in that subject and
3. the extent they agree with your views.
At the end of the chapter, there is a section named "activities" where there are questions set to further your understanding in your analysis of audience.
Review
This article is written in a very simple and friendly style, which is rather suitable for amateurs in the field of writing. The points are relevant , with a lot of examples given , as well as questions to solve. However ,it does not provide an in-depth audience analysis which I am more interested in .
This is the text to read if you are doing question 2 of essay 2 as it touches on how writers must be aware of their audience.
I personally feel that this is best text to start with if you have minimal knowledge on how to communicate with the audience though writing. The chapter teaches you the fundamentals , to cater your style of writing to your audience needs.
For the more informed readers in this field , this chapter will serve more are a recapitulation of what you know rather than providing new information.
