Text, Audience and Purpose What am I writing? Who am I writing for? Why am I writing?

Text What is a text? Text refers to the type of text you are being asked to write e.g. Letter, story, magazine article etc. They all have particular features and you need to remember these to do well. For instance, if you write a letter, it shouldn't read like a Harry Potter story. Also, your English coursework shouldn't be written like a text message.

Audience Audience is who you are writing for. This may be teenagers, adults or even children. It helps to put yourself in your audience's point of view - so for example, if you are writing a letter informing parents about a school trip, it is likely that parents will want to know about cost, safety and key facts such as times and places. Writing for adults doesn't necessarily mean you have to use long or complicated words - just make sure your writing is clear, sensible and interesting.

Purpose Purpose refers to the point of the text and what it is aiming to do. Persuasive texts often encourage readers to buy something, or back a particular cause (e.g. charity) so they need to use informative and emotive language. Whereas an entertainment text is likely to be more light- hearted. Think about the reasons WHY you write?

Examples The following article has appeared in your local paper: Park or car park? Ashfield Park is threatened with closure next month as a local business has applied for planning permission to turn the area into a car park. Local residents have begun a fierce campaign to save the park, which is a popular walking spot for young children and the elderly, as well as home to the War Memorial and many wildlife species. What is the TAP?

Answer Text - a letter to a paper. Audience - it's for local people Purpose - it's to argue and persuade. This means you want to influence other people and tell them what you think is right