Which term refers to the group of readers a writer is addressing?

• A. Voice
• B. Audience
• C. Mood
• D. Author's Purpose

Answer: (B)

Understanding audience means recognizing who the writer is writing for. The audience is the group of readers the author has in mind and shapes the writing to fit their needs, interests, and prior knowledge. That helps explain why a science article for younger students uses simple language and relatable examples, while a formal report for professionals includes precise terms and data.

Voice is the writer’s unique style or personality expressed in the writing, which can come through regardless of who is reading. Mood is the emotional atmosphere the text creates in the reader, shaped by word choices and imagery. The author's purpose is the reason for writing—whether to inform, persuade, entertain—and while that purpose can influence how the writing speaks to its audience, it is not the group itself.