How to determine why, and in which manner, you’re writing

THE WRITER’S PURPOSE

PURPOSE

• What is the speaker/writer hoping to accomplish by putting this out into the world?
• Remember that the message itself ≠ the purpose.

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• Examples: to inform, to persuade , to inspire, to convince, to call to action, to condescend

PURPOSE

The Purpose in writing is always PIE!

�P - Persuade (to convince)

I - Inform (to educate)

E - Entertain (to enjoy reading)

PURPOSE

• What is the author’s intention?
• What does he hope to accomplish?
• What is he trying TO-DO for the audience?
• How does the author’s relationship with the audience limit or support the purpose?
• Does the author make a call to action to readers—individually or collectively?
• Is that call realistic? Idealistic? Achievable?

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PURPOSE

• Purpose verbs: accuse, add, address, advise, affirm, allude, amplify, attack, balance, blame, characterize, clarify, communicate, compare, contradict, contrast, condemn, defend demand, describe, diminish, dismiss, entertain, evaluate, evoke, excuse, flatter, guide, honor, identify, illustrate, imply, insult, introduce, lead, link, maximize, pacify, persuade, plead, portray, present, protest, question, reaffirm, reflect, reinforce, reiterate, relate, represent, reveal, scare, shock, signify, strengthen, suggest, support, taunt, teach, trace, urge, validate, warn.