Final answer:
Your primary audience is the main group you write for, often determined by context, such as an instructor or classmates. Tailoring your writing to their interests and knowledge base is crucial for effective communication. Secondary audiences, like community members, might also encounter your writing and should be considered in your approach.
Step-by-step explanation:
Your primary audience is the main group of people you aim to reach or influence with your writing. Determining who your primary audience is depends on the context of your writing. For example, if you are a student writing a paper, your instructor is likely your primary audience, but your classmates or other students may also be a secondary audience if they are meant to read your work as well. When shaping your writing, you need to consider the expectations, knowledge base, and interests of your audience to connect effectively with them. For instance, when writing for classmates, you may use more casual language and shared experiences, while writing for an instructor might require a more formal tone and well-supported claims.
Secondary audiences are individuals outside of your immediate intended audience who may also read your work. This can include people in your community or other administrators on your campus if the writing is shared beyond the classroom. In considering secondary audiences, explore how the message might be interpreted by them and what information might need to be included to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings.