Final answer:
When selecting a paper topic, consider what the audience knows and needs to know, identify the primary audience to shape the writing, and recognize secondary audiences to broaden the impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
When choosing a topic for a paper, it is critical to consider two main aspects of your audience. First, evaluate what your audience already knows about the subject to determine the extent of background information you need to provide. Second, assess what your audience needs to know to understand the main point of your paper. This might involve simplifying complex concepts or relating the topic to audience interests.
In addition, identifying your primary audience, whether it be your instructor, classmates, administrators, or community members, is crucial to shaping your writing effectively. Understanding your audience's culture is also necessary to align your language and reasoning strategy with their expectations. Consideration of potential secondary audiences is important for wider reach and impact.
Ensuring that every part of your paper supports your central argument is essential for a coherent presentation. Your paper should clearly communicate its purpose and align with audience expectations, with a focus on persuasiveness if your audience has opposing views.