Glossary

Key Terms used in writing.

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Audience

Whom an author writes for. Who the audience is can help dictate style of language, tone and content of the piece.

Genre
The style of expressing your work. There are different genres including descriptive, expository, narrative, persuasive, poetry, technical writing or any combination of these.  Genres are usually chosen by the author in response to who their audience and purpose of the piece may be.

Purpose

The purpose of a writer is the goal of the writing itself.  Are they providing information, persuading or are they just entertaining?

Rhetorical Situation
How a writer uses words to persuade their audience.  Reviewing audience and purpose helps the writer makes decisions to make the writing more effective to their audience.

Discourse Community

A discourse community is a group of people who share basic values and knowledge and their way of communicating to achieve these goals. 

Knowledge

Prior information that individuals have and know to be true.  Knowledge is gained through personal experience and prior education.

Reflection

Reflection in writing is forming thoughts or opinions based on what you have read. Contemplation and evaluation of the piece, and your thoughts and opinions based on that information can all be reflective of what you have read.

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