New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

Which of the following is a recommended practice to help students write for different audiences?

1. Have students submit all writing to the teacher only

2. Assign writing tasks without audience consideration

3. Encourage research if prior knowledge is lacking

4. Limit writing activities to fiction only

The correct answer is: Encourage research if prior knowledge is lacking

Encouraging research when prior knowledge is lacking is a vital practice that supports students in effectively writing for different audiences. Understanding the audience is essential for tailoring tone, style, and content appropriately. When students are directed to conduct research, they not only gather necessary information but also learn to consider the perspectives and expectations of various audiences. This practice fosters critical thinking and helps students articulate their ideas more clearly and effectively, leading to improved writing that resonates with diverse readers. In contrast, having students submit all writing to the teacher only can create a narrow focus and does not encourage the exploration of different audience interactions. Assigning writing tasks without audience consideration limits students' opportunities to practice adapting their writing style and content based on who will read their work. Similarly, limiting writing activities to fiction only restricts students' experiences and understanding of different genres, styles, and audiences, which are essential for developing versatile writing skills.