Expository Writing – Audience and Purpose

All of the following are excerpts from expository writing about Washington, D.C. Identify the audience
and the purpose for each reading. Write your response to the left of the question. You will be handing
this in as part of your homework at the end of class today.

1. The International Spy Museum caters to senior visitors with ticket discounts for people aged 65
or older that as of 2010 cost $17. The museum contains a variety of exhibits that record the
evolution of spying from the ancient world through to modern times. Exhibits examine cold war
era disguises and spy techniques. Interactive attractions allow guests to assume the role of a
spy. All areas of the museum and its restaurant provide ramps for wheelchair access.
Audiovisual tours enable visitors with impaired hearing or vision to enjoy the exhibits.
The U.S. Capitol allows visitors access every day except for major holidays and during
inaugurations. The historic building accommodates seniors on a budget, because it charges no
admission fees for the Capitol Tour or the Visitors Center, although the Capitol building requires
tours be booked in advance. The wheelchair friendly complex offers audiovisual guides to
hearing impaired guests and the informational films feature captioning.

2. At age 35, he’s the granddaddy of D.C. graffiti, and his name is Charlie SEVEN. He teaches high
school now, but don’t tell his impressionable students that he was integral in the development
of graffiti scenes in Washington, D.C. and Miami. Don’t tell them that he wrecked the nation’s
capital, that with an uncontrollable urge to get up, he wrecked everything in sight. In the early
80s when SEVEN was growing up just south of Miami, there was no graffiti to speak of in Florida
in 1982. ….During the winter of ’85, SEN, a writer from New York, frequently came to D.C. to visit
SEVEN. They bombed the Metro Red Line. They would get on an empty car at the Brookland
Catholic University Station and take it to Fort Totten, bombing the inside of the car the entire
way there. Then, they would get on a train going the opposite direction and do the same thing.
As SEVEN explains: “We just kept going back and forth, back and forth, writing. We were writing,
“FREE AGENTS. F---- the bull----.” (Excerpt from “Free Agents: A History of Washington D.C.”)

3. A tour of the Capital city reveals that America was a nation birthed by men who had a firm
reliance upon Almighty God and His Son Jesus Christ.
Visiting the Library of Congress - Jefferson Building , The Great Hall:
 The Gutenberg Bible and Giant Bible of Mainz are on display, which is very appropriate
because, in the words of President Andrew Jackson, "The Bible is the rock upon which our
republic rests."
 Inscriptions on the ceiling and walls include: "The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness
comprehendeth it not." "Wisdom is the principal thing therefore get wisdom and withall thy
getting, get God.”….Inscribed upon our buildings, monuments, and national symbols is our
nation's faith in God. Contained therein is the declaration that the source of our birth,
liberty, and greatness is God.
4. Washington, D.C., is rich with the treasures of America's heritage. To help you make your trip to
Washington both memorable and enjoyable, Senator Lugar's staff has compiled information on
public tours for many of the sights you may want to explore.
Many of the monuments, museums and historical sites offer free public tours throughout the
year. Upon request, Senator Lugar's office will mail you the booklet, "Welcome to Washington,"
which offers detailed information on the various attractions surrounding the Washington area.
Please note: Congressional tickets to various attractions are extremely limited and that visitor
access records to the White House Complex will be made publicly available 90-120 days after
the date of visit. This policy includes all guests touring the White House. Please be aware that
your full name and the date of your visit will be part of the publicly released records. Your date
of birth, Social Security Number and all other information provided will not be released.
Please complete the tour form to request Congressional tours. Please only submit one tour
request per group for each visit. If you have any questions or concerns regarding a previous tour
request, please contact Kristen at tours@lugar.senate.gov or call the office at (202)-224-4814.

5. We are looking for highly motivated and skilled talent to join our team at District of Columbia
Public Schools (DCPS). We seek individuals who are passionate about transforming the DC
school system and making a significant difference in the lives of public school students, parents,
principals, teachers, and central office employees.
DCPS serves 45,000 students in the nation’s capital through the efforts of approximately 4,000
educators in 123 schools. As part of a comprehensive reform effort to become the preeminent
urban school system in America, DCPS intends to have the highest-performing, best paid, most
satisfied, and most honored educator force in the nation and a distinctive central office staff
whose work supports and drives instructional excellence and significant achievement gains for
DCPS students.

Next, think about what event you want to write about from your Washington, D.C. adventure.
If you did not go on the D.C. trip, identify another event to describe, such as a significant event
in your life that changed you.

What will your topic be?

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Who will be your audience? Be specific.

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What is the purpose of your writing?________________________________________________

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