Purpose

“Purpose” is the intention or aim of the writer.

Extensive §

Purpose based on Text Type §

Imaginative Texts: Texts whose primary purpose is to entertain or provoke thought through their imaginative use of literary elements. This includes narratives and films.

Interpretive Text: Texts whose primary purpose is to explain and interpret issues, events, people and so forth. Unlike persuasive texts, which put forward an argument, interpretive texts often present a more balanced discussion. This includes autobiographies, documentaries, feature articles and so on.

Persuasive Texts: Texts whose primary purpose is to put forward a point of view and persuade an audience. This includes advertisements, debates, opinion pieces and speeches.

Analytical Texts: Texts whose primary purpose is to identify, examine and draw conclusions about the elements or components that make up other texts.

Responses a Purpose tries to convey §

“Thinking” responses §

A text might be intended to:

• inform or raise awareness
• position an audience on an issue
• persuade an audience to accept an idea
• mock or ridicule someone
• question, criticise, challenge or protest a cause
• promote reflection and introspection

“Feeling” responses §

A text might attempt to evoke:

• empathy or sympathy
• guilt, remorse or shame
• optimism or hope
• respect, reverence or admiration
• anger, disgust or repulsion

“Acting” responses §

A text might encourage an audience to:

• take personal action (e.g. recycling, going vegetarian)
• take political action, such as voting or joining a cause
• donate money to a cause