Part 4:
Defining the writer's purpose

Click on Movie icon to view

Purposes in writing

When you’re asked to write something, you usually have a reason for writing. You want to achieve something, and your writing is designed to help you to achieve that purpose. Here are some examples of different types of writing you might encounter, and some possible purposes that you may have for writing in these various forms:

Example of writing Example of purpose in writing
A letter to an employer To offer your services; to enquire about job vacancies.
An article in a newspaper To express a point of view; to raise concern about something; to publicise something.
An essay for school/college To demonstrate your knowledge of the subject; to pass a course.
A Curriculum Vitae To ‘sell’ yourself to an employer; to give information about your skills, education and experience.
Completing a questionnaire To give information; to help with a survey.
Filling in an application form To get a job/bank account/loan/driving licence, etc.; to apply for something.
Completing an assessment To show how well you’re doing; to help you pass a course; to check your understanding.
A report To give information to others; to analyse an issue.
Writing a letter to a customer To answer a query or to quote a price.