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Register, Tone, and Audience in Instructions

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Question 1Question →

Listen to the following audio transcript of instructional remarks given at a research institution:

«Estimados investigadores: Antes de manipular los manuscritos del siglo diecisiete, sírvanse colocarse los guantes de algodón que encontrarán junto a cada atril. Les rogamos abstenerse de usar bolígrafos de tinta líquida; únicamente se autoriza el empleo de lápiz de grafito para sus anotaciones. Si precisan consultar algún catálogo adicional, tengan la amabilidad de solicitar la asistencia del personal de sala sin abandonar su puesto.»

Based on the linguistic markers and tone in the instructions, which of the following best describes the speaker's intended audience and register?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Visiting scholars addressed in a formal, courteous, and professional register

Answer

Visiting scholars addressed in a formal, courteous, and professional register
The correct answer accurately captures both the specific audience identified in the salutation ('Estimados investigadores') and the elevated formality signaled by grammatical structures such as 'sírvanse', 'les rogamos', 'tengan la amabilidad de', and possessive 'su puesto'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the opening salutation and context
The phrase 'Estimados investigadores' directly identifies the intended audience as academic researchers working with historical manuscripts.
Salutations set the baseline expectations for interpersonal distance and audience identity.
2
Identify the grammatical command structures and level of formality
Forms like 'sírvanse' and 'tengan la amabilidad de' represent formal polite imperatives utilizing the subjunctive with 'ustedes', paired with courtesy markers ('les rogamos').
Grammatical forms of address distinguish formal registers ('usted'/'ustedes') from informal or familiar registers ('tú'/'vosotros').
3
Synthesize tone and communicative intent to determine register
The overall tone is professional, courteous, and regulatory, reflecting an institutional setting communicating preservation guidelines to external researchers.
Register analysis integrates vocabulary, grammatical mood, and situational context.

Key Concept

Register, Tone, and Audience in Instructions
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 2Question →

Review the four audio transcript excerpts of spoken Spanish instructions provided below. Which target audience and communicative register correctly corresponds to each instructional excerpt?

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

«Tome este medicamento cada ocho horas después de las comidas y evite consumir bebidas alcohólicas durante el tratamiento.»
«Oye, revisa la introducción del informe y añade los gráficos que preparaste ayer antes de enviar el archivo.»
«Estimados pasajeros, permanezcan en sus asientos con el cinturón de seguridad abrochado hasta que el avión se detenga por completo.»
«Chicos, buscad vuestras parejas en la pista y preparad las raquetas antes de que empiece el entrenamiento.»

Matches

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Answer

The medical excerpt matches prescriptive patient guidance using singular formal 'usted' commands; the peer editing excerpt matches casual collaborative guidance using singular informal 'tú' commands; the transit announcement matches public safety instructions using plural formal 'ustedes' commands; and the sports training excerpt matches youth coaching instructions using plural informal 'vosotros' commands.
Each instructional excerpt exhibits specific grammatical and stylistic markers that clearly define its register and audience. The medical advice uses singular formal 'usted' imperatives ('tome', 'evite') appropriate for professional consultation. The project discussion uses informal 'tú' commands ('revisa', 'añade') and casual interjections ('oye') appropriate for peers. The airline announcement uses formal public address formulas ('Estimados pasajeros') and plural formal 'ustedes' verbs ('permanezcan'). The athletic coaching snippet utilizes the plural informal 'vosotros' imperative endings ('buscad', 'preparad') and possessive 'vuestras' to address a group of youth athletes.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the grammatical mood, person, and number of the imperative verbs in each excerpt.
Excerpt 1 uses 'tome/evite' (usted); Excerpt 2 uses 'revisa/añade' (tú); Excerpt 3 uses 'permanezcan' (ustedes); Excerpt 4 uses 'buscad/preparad' (vosotros).
Verb conjugation directly reflects the level of formality and social distance between the speaker and the listener.
2
Examine lexical markers, greetings, and contextual domain vocabulary.
Medical terms ('tratamiento') indicate clinical instruction; 'Oye' indicates informal peer interaction; 'Estimados pasajeros' signals formal public transportation protocol; 'Chicos' and 'raquetas' signal sports coaching.
Register is determined by the intersection of grammatical formality and thematic context.
3
Pair each excerpt to its matching audience and register profile.
Each Spanish instruction is uniquely matched to its specific audience profile based on singular vs. plural and formal vs. informal distinctions.
Eliminating mismatched registers ensures precise assessment of listening comprehension and sociolinguistic awareness.

Key Concept

Identifying register, tone, and intended audience in spoken Spanish instructions by analyzing imperative verb morphology, address forms, and situational vocabulary.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Register, Tone, and Audience in Instructions Practice Questions — AP Spanish Language and Culture | Examkin