A. Why Do We Write?
Writing is an essential skill that helps us share stories, tell about our adventures, and even convince others about our ideas. It is a way to express thoughts, share experiences, and explore exciting new things. So, whenever we put pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard, we are creating a world of words that everyone can enjoy!
We write for so many reasons2:
To express our feelings
To share joy and imagination
To connect with others
To learn and discover
To teach facts, or share our opinions
To have fun exploring different styles of writing
B. Author’s Purpose of Writing a Text
1. To Persuade
In this type of writing, the writer wants to make you agree with their opinion or do something they suggest1.
They use facts, proof, and examples to show why their idea is a good one1.
Authors also make their writing interesting by adding fun elements too. This is like adding a bit of entertainment to keep you interested. This way, the author hopes you will understand their point and maybe decide to do what they are suggesting1.
Example: “Have you ever thought about why having a school recycling program is awesome? Imagine less trash, a neater school, and the opportunity to help our environment. When we recycle paper, plastic, and cans, we're not just throwing things away – we're helping make our planet healthier. Come join the green team and help turn our school into a super eco-friendly place!”
2. To Inform
In informative writing, the author's purpose is to share knowledge and provide valuable information to the reader about a particular subject.
Informative writing can be found in various forms, including articles, essays, reports, and instructional texts.
This type of writing relies on facts, data, and details to educate the audience, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the topic at hand1.
Example: “Using devices in school can be super helpful! They let us learn in fun ways and find information quickly. With special apps and games, learning feels like playing. Devices also help us work together on projects and keep our school stuff organised. It's like having a digital backpack! Plus, we can learn at our own speed, which makes it easier. Using devices in school is like getting ready for the future because we get better with technology. And guess what? It's good for the environment too because we use less paper.”
3. To Narrate and Entertain
The purpose of a text intended to narrate and entertain is to tell a story in a way that captivates and engages the audience.
It aims to provide enjoyment through creative and imaginative storytelling, using elements like interesting characters, exciting plots, and engaging dialogues to keep the readers entertained1.
Example: “In the busy town of Valleydale, a creative inventor named Professor Whimsy made a time-travelling machine from old gadgets. One day, she accidentally sent the mayor's pet parrot back to the time of dinosaurs! To rescue the feathered friend, the town went on a magical journey through time. They met funny characters and overcame challenges that made everyone laugh and cheer.”
Watch the video given below to understand the author’ purpose of writing a text.
Vid. 6.1: Author’s Purpose of Writing
We write for different purposes.
We write to entertain in the form of an action-packed plot, interesting characters, or sharp dialogue, and also to narrate our own life experiences. E.g. Personal narrative, Realistic fiction, Memoir, Historical fiction
We write to persuade and convince the reader of the merits of a certain point of view, especially against injustices. E.g. Speech, Essay, Review, Argument
We write to inform and teach with facts and true information about a topic. E.g. All about Books, Research Reports, How-to, Biography