Real World Writing Assignment

Real World Writing

1. Interview (fancy word for "ask") three to five grownups (fancy word for "people a lot older than you") to discover different kinds of writing they have used or seen in the real world. Obtain AT LEAST one complete answer (see #2) for a passing grade (D/C) – AT LEAST two to three complete answers and/or extra credit examples for higher grade (B/A). We are NOT looking for: Lists Forms Resumes Single word or short-phrase writing We ARE looking for: Writing in sentences and paragraphs (min. one paragraph in length) Writing used in paid work, career-seeking, or public service such as politics Writing used in volunteer, community, church or other unpaid roles Writing used in personal life (family, friends, loved ones, neighbors) Writing for self, for pleasure, for entertainment, for hobbies Writing that has purpose and meaning for the writer and/or the reader Remember: everything you read was written first!

2. For each type of writing your interviewee describes, record relevant details. You may use the form provided or write up findings in your own way – but we need more than just a short description! A. describe type (ex. memo to employee about being on time) B. approximate length of writing (in paragraphs, may be a range, ex. 1- 3 paragraphs) C. contents (what information does it include? where does the information come from?) D. where used (work, community, personal?) E. format (handwritten, typed, email, internet?) F. is a particular structure expected or required (beg/mid/end, Q&A, formal letter, other?) G. who writes it? (role) H. who reviews, approves and/or corrects it before it's sent? (role) I. who receives/reads it? (role) J. if there are grammar/spelling/punctuation errors, what problem/s might result? K. if the writing is unclear, what problem/s might result? L. what is important about this type of writing? M. what is hard about this type of writing? N. what happens to this type of writing after it is read? (ex. discarded, filed, treasured in scrapbook) O. what advice would be helpful to someone learning how to do this writing? P. what else would help us to understand and/or be prepared for this writing task?

3. For extra credit, bring in an example of such writing, provided you can lawfully and appropriately obtain a copy of it! BE VERY CAREFUL that you do not invade others' privacy, violate their rights, hurt their reputation or offend their feelings!