ENG2209 Argumentative Research Writing Analyzing Your Audience Assignment

Directions

Read through the information in each section and then respond to the question. Submit to the course site when complete.

Section 1 – Critical Thinking & Writing

An institutional goal of the University of Northwestern – St. Paul: That graduates of UNW would be able to effectively articulate an argument of meaning to their peers within their field of study.

The English Department Guidelines handout states that students are to write about a current issue of controversy within their field of study or declared major. If you have not declared a major yet for your academic program, please write what major/field of study you are most likely going to pursue (i.e. psychology, education, science, business, etc.)

Question 1: What is your major/field of study?

Section 2 – Identify Your Audience

Only address a Christian audience if you have your instructor's specific approval to do so. Also, do not try to address two different audiences at once (e.g. Christians and secularists). Note: Your classmates and instructor are not your primary audience – do not complete this evaluation on them.

Choose an audience that would not only be legitimately interested in your topic but one that has a measure of power or influence to act on your thesis claim.

For example:Topic: Arguing for nutritional improvements in school lunch programsAppropriate Audience: School board, school district administration, PTAInappropriate Audience: other education majorsTopic: Arguing against the use of sweatshops in 3rd world countriesAppropriate Audience: business owners, politicians – local and internationalInappropriate Audience: society in general

Question 2: What is your thesis statement?

Question 3: Who is your intended audience?

Question 4: What makes them an appropriate audience to address (what power/influence do they have with regard to your topic)?

Section 3 – Audience Demographics

Question 5: What do you have in common with your audience?

Question 6: List some of the specific characteristics about your audience (age, race, gender, discourse community, common affiliations, interests, etc.).

Section 4 – Audience Perspectives

Consider all of the possible positions on your topic and how your argument could affect these positions.

· Those who agree with you; a "friendly audience" (keep them strong in your claim)

· Those who mildly agree or oppose you (persuade them to agree with you, get them exploring the issue again, or lead them to a "tentative decision" based on your claim"

· Those who are neutral/indifferent (motivate them to be interested in the issue and take a stand)

· Those who strongly disagree with you; a "hostile audience" (lead them to consider a compromise or at least listen and consider another viewpoint)

Question 7: Where does your audience currently stand regarding your claim (include all possible perspectives)?

Question 8: What possible conclusions do you anticipate your audience to form after reading your argument?

Question 9: How has your audience interacted with your issue? What experiences have they had regarding it?

Question 10: What common ground do you hold with your audience (beliefs, values, motives, goals, etc.)?