2.4: Choosing Appropriate, Interesting Content

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Choosing Appropriate, Interesting Content

Content refers to all the written substance in a document, film, presentation, or another text that serves to communicate a message. After selecting an audience and a purpose for a writing assignment, you must choose what information will make it to the page. Content may consist of examples, statistics, facts, anecdotes, testimonies, and observations, but no matter the type, the information must be appropriate and interesting for the audience and purpose. An essay written for third graders that summarizes the legislative process, for example, would have to contain succinct and simple content. However, an academic research paper typically presents a position on an issue that is supported through research. While content can vary, identifying audience and purpose helps you focus on creating meaningful and interesting content.

Content is also shaped by tone. When the tone matches the content, the audience will be more engaged, and you will build a stronger relationship with your readers. Consider that audience of third graders. You would choose simple content that the audience will easily understand, and you would express that content through an enthusiastic tone.

The same considerations apply to all audiences and purposes.

Exercise 1

Match the content of the following listed examples to the appropriate audience and purpose. On your own sheet of paper, write the correct letter in the blank next to the word “content.”

A. Whereas economist Holmes contends that the financial crisis is far from over, the presidential advisor Jones points out that it is vital to catch the first wave of opportunity to increase market share. We can use elements of both experts’ visions. Let me explain how.

B. In 2000, foreign money flowed into the United States, contributing to easy credit conditions. People bought larger houses than they could afford, eventually defaulting on their loans as interest rates rose.

C. The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, known by most of us as the humongous government bailout, caused mixed reactions. Although supported by many political leaders, the statute provoked outrage among grassroots groups. In their opinion, the government was actually rewarding banks for their appalling behavior.

Audience: An instructor

Purpose: To analyze the reasons behind the 2007 financial crisis

Content:__________________________________________

Audience: Classmates

Purpose: To summarize the effects of the $700 billion government bailout

Content:__________________________________________

Audience: An employer

Purpose: To synthesize two articles on preparing businesses for economic recovery

Content:__________________________________________

Collaboration: Share with a classmate and compare your answers

Exercise 2

Using the assignment, purpose, audience, and tone from Exercise 7, generate a list of content ideas. Remember that content consists of examples, statistics, facts, anecdotes, testimonies, and observations.

My assignment: __________________________________________
My purpose: __________________________________________
My audience: __________________________________________
My tone: __________________________________________
My content ideas: __________________________________________

Key Takeaways: Choosing Appropriate, Interesting Content

Content is the substance of your writing. It includes examples, statistics, facts, anecdotes, testimonies, and observations that communicate your message.
Audience and purpose determine content. The information you include must match who you are writing to and why you are writing.
Content must be appropriate and engaging. Strong writing selects details that are meaningful, clear, and interesting for the intended readers.
Different purposes require different types of content.
1. A summary focuses on key ideas.
2. An analysis explains causes or relationships.
3. A synthesis combines ideas from multiple sources.
4. An argument supports a clear position.
Tone should match content. When tone and content align, writing feels natural and builds a stronger connection with the audience.
Complexity depends on the audience. Writing for children requires simple explanations, while academic or professional writing requires deeper research and support.
Effective writers carefully select what to include—and what to leave out. Not all information belongs in every assignment.

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Exercise 1

Exercise 2