Vocabulary · Free lesson
TOEIC reading: who is this notice for?
A hotel notice mentions the manager, the front desk and guests. Which group is supposed to read and act on it? Use the whole message, not the most familiar word.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
The intended reader is the person the message is written for. Look for who is addressed and who should take the requested action. The sender, a staff member mentioned for help and the reader can be different people.
A mentioned person is not automatically the intended reader.
Original notice: Dear guests, please return your room keys to the front desk before departure. Our manager will be available if you have questions. Hotel guests are addressed and asked to return keys. Front-desk staff receive the keys; the manager answers questions. Neither role makes them the intended reader of this notice.
Compare the examples
Dear guests,
Please return your room keys before departure.
Our manager will be available if you have questions.
Purpose asks why the message was written. Audience asks who it is for. To request the return of keys is a purpose; hotel guests is an audience. Keep the question type clear.
Build the meaning step by step
Check who is addressed
Dear guests,
Match the requested action
Please return your room keys.
Name the supported audience
The notice is intended for hotel guests.
Try it now
Find the intended reader
Read all answers and explanations
Dear guests, please leave your key at reception. The manager can answer questions. Who is addressed?
Hotel guestsDear guests identifies the audience. The manager and reception staff have supporting roles.
Notice: Applicants invited to interview should bring a portfolio. Our recruiters will meet you in room 4. Who should act?
Applicants invited to interviewThe audience is the specified applicants, not everyone at the company or the recruiters who meet them.
Which answer names an audience rather than a purpose or location?
Registered conference attendeesAttendees are people. To explain gives a purpose, and at the entrance gives a location.
Put it into practice
Repair an audience summary
Notice: To all current gym members: Please renew your membership by Friday. Visitors interested in joining can ask the front desk about prices. Correct the summary of the renewal request.
The renewal request is for visitors who want to join.
See a model answer
The renewal request is for current gym members.
A message can mention several groups and give them different actions. Identify the group for the particular request the question asks about.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Is the sender also the audience?
Not necessarily. A manager may write to customers or employees. Read who is addressed, not just the signature.
From: The manager. To: All hotel guests.
Does a workplace notice address every employee?
Only if the text supports that. It may address new employees, visitors or a particular department. A shared location is not enough.
This notice is for employees attending orientation.
Take it into your day
Identify the reader from their role in the message, not from a keyword alone.
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