Essay Skills

Introduction — Selecting Your Audience

Once a subject has been tentatively decided, begin the writing process by deciding who is intended to read your essay. For essay tests, address a general reading audience rather than any specific, narrow one. Do not write for a teacher, testmaker, employer, or friend.

For this audience, use standard English and assume the reader is neither totally ignorant nor completely informed on your topic. Avoid making vague comments by concentrating on specific statements of fact or opinion. Support those statements with as many examples as possible. Place your emphasis on clearly stating your ideas.