How to identify a writer’s purpose

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As you read a written communication, you should ask yourself what that writer’s purpose is. Remember that the text may have more than one purpose.

To identify the writer’s purpose, you should look at the following points:
  • Introductory paragraph(s)
  • Stated purpose
  • Implied purpose
  • Title or headline
  • People quoted
  • Pictures, charts and other graphic material

These are all discussed in depth on the next few pages. Before you move on click on the movie button to see how to identify the writer's purpose.