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Paper #2

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Paper #2

As one puts down their pen on paper with the intention of expressing their knowledge,

they keenly consider how the information will stay relevant to them while they do the reading

again. However, the case is different when the writing is meant to pass the information and

knowledge to another person, in this instance, a reader. A reader always desires to understand

what is presented to them by the writers of the work they read, but the capability of the author to

get their attention dictates their reading desire. Therefore, it is in this view that Linda Flower in

her article Writing for an Audience she explores the power of the writer that can be effectively

used to meet the reader’s expectation. In her article, she claims that the goal of the writer is the

creation of a transitory common setting between the reader and the writer. According to Flower

(2000), the main aim of the writer is to share their knowledge and attitude toward the given

knowledge; however, this is regardless if the reader agrees or not, but the need is to close the gap

between the reader their audience. In the process of closing the gap between the reader and the

writer, one has to analyze their audience, which is evaluated based on three aspects: the reader’s

knowledge and attitude towards the information at the same time their professional needs

presented through the writing.

A writer has a responsibility of analyzing their readers to aid in the process of

establishing a momentary common ground between them and their audience. Before the reader

and the writer come into contact with the written material, they exist as strangers who depend on

each other. Therefore, the setting that is constructed between the two parties is the ultimate

closure of the gap between the writer and the audience. For instance, the existence of the

different ages between the writer and the reader as well as distinct backgrounds could serve as
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the differentiating factors that need to be taken care of by the writer to guarantee the conveyance

of the actual message in quotation through the writings. In this regard, a writer has an obligation

of not only expressing their meanings but also point out the critical differences between them

and their audience and develop their writing to minimize these differences.

According to Flower (2000), knowledge is one of the key aspects to put into

consideration as a writer. A reader’s intention to read new written materials is primarily the need

to acquire more knowledge about something they fully do not know, or they had some traces of

information about. Hence, a writer must reveal the potential to determine the expectations of

these readers and use it to advance in the mitigation of their differences. The writer has to

evaluate the information that the reader is conversant with at the same time determine the key

ideas that they hope to teach. In addition, the writer has to gain an understanding of the

background of knowledge their audience has, through which they establish what they have to

share and what the reader would like to learn.

Additionally, it is important for the writer to understand their audience attitude towards

their writings. People rely on what they know to develop attitudes towards other things that relate

to which they value as an image for evaluating what they consistently encounter in their lives.

For instance, individuals would look at a game reserve as a place where different animals and

factors of the ecosystem are reserved for the sake of nature. However, this could be a different

view for the writer who would describe this place as an excellent place for freshening and fun as

people pay a visit to the orphanage. The two parties depict differences that are expressed through

their attitudes about what they know and expect; therefore, it is helpful to understand the
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attitudes held by the reader before integrating the perspectives and persuasion power to win their

attention.

However, when there are significant differences in knowledge and attitudes between the

writer and their audience, they have to resolve to adapt to their needs. A successful writer, in this

case, is the one with the capabilities of adapting their knowledge to the needs of the reader. Once

the information is embedded with the needs of the reader, they lack the reason to employ their

attitudes towards the writers’ work but only to submit to the same by reading to fulfill their

demands. According to Flower (2000), effective writers do not only express their knowledge but

also brings into play the needs of their readers.

In summary, every writer possesses the knowledge that they would prefer sharing to their

audience. However, their ability to study and evaluate their writers on matters of the knowledge

they possess, their attitudes towards certain information, as well as their needs they expect to be

addressed in the readings, defines their success in conveying their information. Therefore, in any

given context, regardless of the knowledge the writer has, the reader should be understood as the

cause of the writing.

References

Flower, L. (2000). Writing for an Audience. In P. Eschholz, A. Rosa & V. Clark, Language

Awareness: Readings for College Writers (8th ed., pp. 139-141). Boston: Bedford/St.

Martin’s.