LESSON
WRITING
Write for a specific audience
7
GET READY
Diana needs to write instructions for a fire emergency. What kind of information do you
expect to find in emergency instructions?
STUDY THE MODEL
A
Read the instruction memo. What is the first step in dealing with a fire emergency?
To:
All Staff
From:
Diana Nhan, Administrative Assistant
Subject:
In Case of Fire
Although we hope that we will not have a fire, we want to take a
moment to remind everyone of the official procedure to follow.
First, if possible, determine what is on fire and where the fire is
located. This is useful information to have for emergency services,
but do not put yourself in danger to find the fire. Then call 911 to
report the fire. Be prepared to tell them your name, location, and
any details you know about the fire.
If the fire is already too big, leave the building immediately! You can
call 911 after you exit the building. For those of you on the second
and third floors, do not use the elevator. Everyone needs to use the
stairs to get to the first floor and the exits. Remember to avoid
smoke by crawling. This will keep you from breathing in smoke.
Do not open doors without first checking to see if the door is hot. If
the door is hot when you touch it, do not open it. There is likely fire
on the other side. Try and find another way to leave the building.
Take a few minutes this week to plan an escape route from your
office to the nearest exit. Plan an extra escape route in case your
first route is blocked. The entire procedure should take less than
five minutes. We want all of our employees to be safe at work.
MEMO
It is important to think about your
audience
when you are writing. Think about who is
in your audience, what they need, and the
most important things for them to know.
Writing Tip
B
Read the Writing Tip. Read the memo again. Underline words and phrases
that indicate the specific audience.
84
UNIT 6
