Writing Purposes

“It’s not about what happens to people on a page; it’s about what

happens to a reader in his heart and mind.” –Gordon Lish

Real-World Writing Purposes

● Express and Reflect● Inform and Explain● Evaluate and Judge● Inquire and Explore● Analyze and Interpret● Take a Stand/Propose a Solution

Express and Reflect

● The writer...o … expresses or reflects on his or her own life

and experiences.o … often looks backward in order to look

forward● Example:

o A piece expressing sadness about the loss of a loved one.

o How I Came to Love Volleyball

Inform and Explain

● The writer...o … states a main point and purpose.o … tries to present the information in a

surprising way. ● Example:

o A review of all the new laws that go into effect today statewide.

o Explain the rules of the game of volleyball

Evaluate and Judge

● The writer...o … focuses on the worth of person, object,

idea, or other phenomenon.o … usually specifies the criteria to the object

being seen as “good” or “bad”. ● Example:

o Numerous book and movie reviewso The worst game I ever had

Inquire and Explore

● The writer... o … wrestles with a question or problem. o … hooks with the problem and lets the reader

watch them wrestle with it. ● Example:

o An examination of how movies were “nicer” in 2010 and the possible reasons behind this trend.

o What is the history of volleyball?

Analyze and Interpret

● The writer...o … seeks to analyze and interpret phenomena

that are difficult to understand or explain● Example:

Why Bon Jovi’s 2010 tour was the top-grossing tour

Why did we lose that match against Monroe HS?

Take a Stand/Propose a Solution

● The writer... o … seeks to persuade audiences to accept a

particular position on a controversial issue. o … describes the problem, proposes a solution,

and provides justification.● Example:

o A look at Earth-friendly cleaners.o The referees need more training.