2.1 Analyzing audience and its relationship to the purpose of an argument

Words to Remember

How to Analyze Audience

1. Identify the intended audience: Determine who the writer is trying to reach and what their background, values, and expectations may be.
2. Evaluate the writer's tone and style: Consider how the writer's tone and style are tailored to their intended audience. For example, a formal tone and style may be used to address a scholarly audience, while a more casual tone and style may be used to reach a general audience.
3. Analyze the language and vocabulary used: Look at the words and phrases used in the text and consider how they might be understood by the intended audience.
4. Consider the context of the piece: Think about the historical and cultural context in which the piece was written and how that might have influenced the intended audience.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the writer's appeal: Consider how well the writer has addressed the intended audience and whether their message is likely to be received and understood by them.

Relationship between the Audience and Purpose in an Argument

1. The writer must consider the background, values, and expectations of their intended audience when determining the purpose of their argument. This will help the writer to choose the most effective tone, style, and language to use to achieve the purpose.
2. The writer must use evidence and reasoning that will be persuasive and meaningful to the intended audience. This means that the writer needs to be familiar with the audience's knowledge and understanding of the topic and provide evidence that will appeal to them, to achieve the purpose.
3. The writer must anticipate and address counterarguments that the audience may have, this will also help to achieve the purpose.
4. The writer must consider the context of the piece and how that might influence the audience's understanding and acceptance of the argument.