Writing Purpose Mrs. Macemore

The First Question of Writing “Why am I writing?”

Four Purposes of Writing 1.Define 2.Inform 3.Persuade 4.Entertain

Defining When you are writing to define, you writing a paper that defines or gives meaning to a certain concept or idea, or even word. Sample Prompt: In your own words, what is ‘love’?

Examples of Definition Writing -Dictionary -Essay

Informing When writing an informative piece, your purpose is to provide the reader with information on a specific topic—information that they might not have known before. Sample Prompt: Write an essay that tells about your favorite author.

Examples of Informative Writing -Newspapers -Magazines -Encyclopedias

Persuade When you write an essay or paper to persuade, you are trying to win the reader over to a particular side of an issue using an argument that proves a point. Sample Prompt: Write an essay convincing your best friend that recycling is important.

Examples of Persuasive Writing -Newspaper editorials -Letters to congress -College entrance essays -Text asking mom or dad for permission to stay out past curfew…

Entertain The last purpose of writing is perhaps the most fun. When you write to entertain, you are attempting to amuse others or yourself with what you are writing. Sample Prompt: Write a short story in which you and your best friend wake up as cast members on your favorite television show.

Examples of Entertaining Writing -Magazine articles -Books (The Hunger Games, etc.) -Journal or diary entries -Standup comedy

Practice Time! What purpose would this serve? “Write a letter to your local congressman convincing them to allot more money for education.”

Practice Time! What purpose would this serve? “Write a story about your favorite memory with your family.”

Practice Time What purpose would this serve? “Write an essay explaining the process of making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.”

Practice Time! What purpose would this serve? “Write an essay about what ‘success’ means to you.”