6-2-1 Purpose Explained

Key Concepts

Understanding 6-2-1 Purpose involves grasping three key concepts:

1. Purpose of Writing
2. Audience Awareness
3. Purpose-Driven Writing

Purpose of Writing

The purpose of writing is the reason or goal behind creating a piece of writing. It guides the content, tone, and style of the writing. Common purposes include informing, persuading, entertaining, and expressing personal thoughts.

Example: When writing an informative essay, the purpose is to provide readers with accurate and relevant information on a specific topic.

Audience Awareness

Audience awareness means understanding who will read your writing and tailoring your content to meet their needs and expectations. This involves considering the audience's background, interests, and level of knowledge on the topic.

Example: When writing a letter to a friend, you might use informal language and share personal anecdotes, whereas a formal report for school would require a more structured and professional tone.

Purpose-Driven Writing

Purpose-driven writing is the practice of ensuring that every element of your writing aligns with its intended purpose. This includes selecting appropriate vocabulary, organizing information logically, and maintaining a consistent tone throughout the piece.

Example: In a persuasive essay, every argument and piece of evidence should support the main thesis, reinforcing the purpose of convincing the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint.

Examples and Analogies

Think of writing as a journey. The purpose is your destination, the audience is your travel companions, and purpose-driven writing is the route you take to reach your destination. Just as a well-planned journey ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip, purpose-driven writing ensures a clear and effective message.

Example: When writing a story to entertain children, the purpose is to amuse and engage them. The audience awareness involves using simple language and vivid descriptions, while purpose-driven writing ensures the story is filled with exciting events and characters that captivate young readers.

Practical Application

To practice purpose-driven writing, follow these steps:

1. Identify the purpose of your writing (e.g., to inform, persuade, entertain).
2. Consider your audience and tailor your content to meet their needs.
3. Ensure every sentence and paragraph supports the overall purpose of your writing.
4. Review your work to check if it effectively achieves its intended purpose.