AUDIENCE ISSUES
Levels of Formality
Below are two letters of differing levels of formality. Do you think that the letters have
been properly written to reflect the kind if relationship that exists between the writer and
the respective audiences for these two different letters? After reading each letter, revise
them so that their formality levels are appropriate for the recipient and content.
A. What do you think is the kind of relationship that exists between the writer
and the audience? How can you tell? Are there assumptions made by the
writer to help us determine this relationship? What are some of the instances
(examples) that help us to determine the writer’s relationship with the
audience of this first letter? List them.
Dear Mother and Father,
I am writing to you with the intention that I may alert you to the particulars of my first
week here at university. My classes are all going splendidly well, and my professors seem
benevolent but strict. The food and service in the cafeteria leave something to be desired,
but that was to be expected, was it not? I have made quite a few acquaintances here in the
dormitory, and some of us played a rousing game of Frisbee just last evening. They are
all quite jocular. I eagerly anticipate attending a certain party that I was invited to next
weekend. But despair not, dear parents. I don't anticipate staying very long, as my first
examination in Political Science will be administered the following Monday. Studying is
imperative if I plan to do well in all my coursework. So fare thee well for now, and I shall
speak with you on the telephone soon.
Your devoted son,
Chuggy
B. What do you think is the relationship between the writer of the letter below
and his audience? How can you tell? What, to you, are the devices used by
the writer of this letter, which indicate the kind of relationship that exists
between him and the audience? Give examples.
Mr. Boss-man,
Hey, what's up? I'm Kenny Moore, and I heard you guys needed a fact-checker at your
paper. I'm pretty good at checking facts, so I figured I'd see if I could get the job. Now I
know you guys probably want some grown-up or something like that who's done stuff
like this before, but I want you to know that I'd be really good at it. I mean, like I have to
check facts for my school stuff all the time, like for every paper I have to write. See, I
learn stuff pretty quick, and I know it wouldn't take two seconds for me to learn to be the
kind of fact-checker you guys are wanting. Even though I haven't done it before. Like, at
my last job, I'd never even worked a cash register before, but I learn ed how to do that
really fast, and they made me night manager after only two months! So anyway, I hope
you'll give me a shot, ‘cause I know you'd be happy once you see how great I am at the
job. For real.
Peace,
Kenny (aka "K-Mo")