Chapter 5: Understanding Context, Purpose & Audience

It is important to learn how to write according to the purpose, audience, and tone of writing.

Three elements should shape your writing:

  • Purpose. The reason behind the writing.
  • Tone. The attitude the writer conveys about the subject.
  • Audience. The individual or group whom the writer intends to address.

Figure 5.1: Purpose, Audience, Tone, and Content Triangle illustrates this concept.

A triangle. At the centre is the word "content." At each corner there is the words "Audience," "Tone," and "Purpose."
Figure 5.1 Purpose, Audience, Tone, and Content Triangle

The assignment’s purpose, audience, and tone dictate what each paragraph covers and how it will support one main point. This section covers how purpose, audience, and tone affect reading and writing.

Identifying Common Academic Purposes

The purpose is simply the reason you are writing a particular document. Basically, the purpose of a piece of writing answers the question “why?” For example, why write a play? To entertain a packed theatre. Why write instructions to the babysitter? To inform him or her of your schedule and rules. Why write a letter to your Member of Parliament? To persuade him or her to address your community’s needs.

In academic settings, the reasons for writing fulfill four main purposes: to summarize, to analyze, to synthesize, and to evaluate. You will encounter these four purposes not only as you read for your classes but also as you read for work or pleasure. Because reading and writing work together, your writing skills will improve as you read.

Eventually, your instructors will ask you to complete assignments specifically designed to meet one of the four purposes. As you will see, the purpose for writing will guide you through each part of the paper, helping you make decisions about content and style. For now, identifying these purposes by reading paragraphs will prepare you to write individual paragraphs and to build longer assignments.

Summary Paragraphs

A summary is a concise and condensed version.  It provides the reader with a brief overview of the main points, key ideas, and essential information contained in the original text.  A well-crafted summary paragraph serves as a valuable tool for readers, helping them decide whether to delve into the full text or gain a quick understanding of its content.

“The Wizard of Oz” is a beloved children’s novel written by L. Frank Baum. It tells the story of a young girl named Dorothy, who, after being transported by a tornado to the magical Land of Oz, embarks on a journey to find her way back home to Kansas. Along the way, she meets a cast of memorable characters, including the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion, each seeking something they believe the great Wizard of Oz can provide. Together, they face various challenges and confront the wicked Wicked Witch of the West. Ultimately, Dorothy discovers that the power to return home was within her all along, with her ruby slippers, given by Glinda the Good Witch. This classic tale is a timeless exploration of friendship, courage, and the idea that the things we seek externally are often found within ourselves.

Analysis Paragraphs

An analysis separates complex materials into their different parts and studies how the parts relate to one another. An analysis takes apart a primary source (an essay, a book, an article, etc.) point by point. It communicates the main points of the document by examining individual points and identifying how they relate to one another.

Take a look at a student’s analysis of a journal report.

At the beginning of their report, Brown et al. use specific data regarding the use of alcohol by high school students and college-age students, which is supported by several studies. Later in the report, they consider how various socioeconomic factors influence problem drinking in adolescence. The latter part of the report is for less specific and does not provide statistics or examples.

The lack of specific information in the second part of the report raises several important questions. Why are teenagers in rural high schools more likely to deink than teenagers in urban areas? Where do they obtain alcohol? How do parental attitudes influence this trend? A follow-up study could compare several high schools in rural and urban areas to consider these issues and potentially find ways to reduce teenage alcohol consumption.

Notice how the analysis does not simply repeat information from the original report, but considers how the points within the report relate to one another. By doing this, the student uncovers a discrepancy between the points that are backed up by statistics and those that require additional information. Analyzing a document involves a close examination of each of the individual parts and how they work together.

Synthesis Paragraphs

The purpose of a synthesis is to combine two or more items to create an entirely new item.  An academic synthesis paragraph considers the main points from one or more pieces of writing and links the main points together to create a new point, one not replicated in either document.

Take a look at a student’s synthesis of several sources about homelessness in Ontario.

Homelessness in Ontario is a complex and pressing issue that requires comprehensive attention and innovative solutions. According to a report by the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA), the problem of homelessness in the province has been exacerbated by factors such as the lack of affordable housing, rising rent costs, and the economic challenges faced by vulnerable populations. ONPHA’s research underscores the urgent need for increased investment in affordable housing initiatives and support services to combat homelessness effectively.

Furthermore, findings from a study conducted by the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness emphasize the importance of a Housing First approach in addressing homelessness in Ontario. This approach prioritizes providing stable housing as a first step, followed by tailored support services addressing the underlying issues that led to homelessness. Such a strategy has shown promising results in reducing homelessness rates and improving the well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness. By synthesizing these sources, it becomes evident that a multi-faceted approach, including affordable housing initiatives and a Housing First strategy, is essential in the ongoing battle against homelessness in Ontario.

Notice how the synthesis paragraphs consider each source and use information from each to create a new thesis. A good synthesis does not repeat information; the writer uses a variety of sources to create a new idea.

Evaluation Paragraphs

An evaluation judges the value of something and determines its worth. An academic evaluation communicates your opinion and its justifications, about a document or a topic of discussion.  Evaluations are influenced by your reading of the document, your prior knowledge, and your prior experience with the topic or issue.  Because an evaluation incorporates your point of view and the reasons for your point of view, it typically requires more critical thinking and a combination fo summary, analysis, and synthesis skills.  Thus evaluation paragraphs often follow summary, analysis, and synthesis paragraphs.  Read a student’s evaluation and notice how the student incorporates the student’s personal judgment within the evaluation.  Evaluating a document requires prior knowledge that is often based on additional research.

“Hamilton,” the groundbreaking musical created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, has left an indelible mark on the world of theater. This remarkable production blends history, hip-hop, and an incredibly diverse cast to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton and the founding of the United States. The play’s innovative approach to storytelling and its ability to make complex historical events accessible and engaging is truly commendable. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s writing and music have created a captivating narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages.

The performances in “Hamilton” are nothing short of exceptional, with standout talents bringing iconic historical figures to life in a fresh and relatable way. Moreover, the production’s commitment to diverse casting enhances its relevance and impact in today’s cultural landscape. The visual and technical aspects of the play, including set design and choreography, contribute to a visually stunning and immersive experience.

However, “Hamilton” is not without its critiques. Some argue that the musical simplifies and glosses over certain aspects of history, potentially leading to a skewed understanding of the events and characters it portrays. Additionally, the rapid-fire delivery of lyrics, while impressive, can occasionally make it challenging to grasp all the nuances of the story.

Tip: When reviewing directions for assignments, look for the verbs summarize, analyzesynthesize, or evaluate. Instructors often use these words to clearly indicate the assignment’s purpose. These words will cue you on how to complete the assignment because you will know its exact purpose.

Self-Practice Exercise 5.1

H5P: Identify which paragraph is the best example of each paragraph purpose (summarize, synthesize, analyze, evaluate).

Paragraphs:

  1. During the opening scene, we learn that the character Laura is adopted and that she has spent the past three years desperately trying to track down her real parents. Having exhausted all the usual options—adoption agencies, online searches, family trees, and so on—she is on the verge of giving up when she meets a stranger on a bus. The chance encounter leads to a complicated chain of events that ultimately result in Laura getting her lifelong wish. But is it really what she wants? Throughout the rest of the film, Laura discovers that sometimes the past is best left where it belongs.
  2. The scene in which Campbell and his fellow prisoners assist the guards in shutting down the riot immediately strikes the viewer as unrealistic. Based on the recent reports on prison riots in both Detroit and California, it seems highly unlikely that a posse of hardened criminals would intentionally help their captors at the risk of inciting future revenge from other inmates. Instead, both news reports and psychological studies indicate that prisoners who do not actively participate in a riot will go back to their cells and avoid conflict altogether. Examples of this lack of attention to detail occur throughout the film, making it almost unbearable to watch.
  3. To create the feeling of being gripped in a vise, the director, May Lee, uses a variety of elements to gradually increase the tension. The creepy, haunting melody that subtly enhances the earlier scenes becomes ever more insistent, rising to a disturbing crescendo toward the end of the movie. The desperation of the actors, combined with the claustrophobic atmosphere and tight camera angles create a realistic firestorm, from which there is little hope of escape. Walking out of the theatre at the end feels like staggering out of a Roman dungeon.
  4. This film could easily have been cut down to less than two hours. By the final scene, I noticed that most of my fellow moviegoers were snoozing in their seats and were barely paying attention to what was happening on screen. Although the director sticks diligently to the book, he tries too hard to cram in all the action, which is just too ambitious for such a detail-oriented story. If you want my advice, read the book and give the movie a miss.

Paragraph Purposes:

  1. Synthesize
  2. Summarize
  3. Analyze
  4. Evaluate

Answer Keys

  1. B
  2. C
  3. A
  4. D

Identifying the Audience

Imagine you must give a presentation to your colleagues at work. Weeks before the big day, you spend time creating and rehearsing the presentation. You must make important, careful decisions not only about the content but also about your delivery. Will the presentation require technology to project figures and charts? Should the presentation define important words, or will the executives already know the terms? Should you wear your suit and dress shirt? The answers to these questions will help you develop an appropriate relationship with your audience, making them more receptive to your message.

Now imagine you must explain the same concepts from your presentation to a group of high school students. Those important questions you previously answered may now require different answers. The figures and charts may be too sophisticated, and the terms will certainly require definitions. You may even reconsider your outfit and sport a more casual look. Because the audience has shifted, your presentation and delivery will shift as well to create a new relationship with the new audience.

In these two situations, the audience—the individuals who will watch and listen to the presentation—plays a role in the development of presentation. As you prepare the presentation, you visualize the audience to anticipate their expectations and reactions. What you imagine affects the information you choose to present and how you will present it. Then, during the presentation, you meet the audience in person and discover immediately how well you perform.

Although the audience for writing assignments—your readers—may not appear in person, they play an equally vital role. Even in everyday writing activities, you identify your readers’ characteristics, interests, and expectations before making decisions about what you write. In fact, thinking about audience has become so common that you may not even detect the audience driven decisions.

For example, you update your status on a social networking site with the awareness of who will digitally follow the post. If you want to brag about a good grade, you may write the post to please family members. If you want to describe a funny moment, you may write with your friends’ sense of humour in mind. Even at work, you send emails with an awareness of an unintended receiver who could intercept the message.

In other words, being aware of “invisible” readers is a skill you most likely already possess and one you rely on every day. Consider the following paragraphs. Which one would the author send to her parents? Which one would she send to her best friend?

Example A

Last Saturday, I volunteered at a local hospital. The visit was fun and rewarding. I even learned how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. Unfortunately, I think caught a cold from one of the patients. This week, I will rest in bed and drink plenty of clear fluids. I hope I am well by next Saturday to volunteer again.

Example B

OMG! You won’t believe this! My advisor forced me to do my community service hours at this hospital all weekend! We learned CPR but we did it on dummies, not even real peeps. And some kid sneezed on me and got me sick! I was so bored and sniffling all weekend; I hope I don’t have to go back next week. I def do NOT want to miss the basketball tournament!

Most likely, you matched each paragraph to its intended audience with little hesitation. Because each paragraph reveals the author’s relationship with her intended readers, you can identify the audience fairly quickly. When writing your own paragraphs, you must engage with your audience to build an appropriate relationship given your subject. Imagining your readers during each stage of the writing process will help you make decisions about your writing. Ultimately, the people you visualize will affect what and how you write.

Similarly, grammar and sentence structure serve as the appearance of a piece of writing. Polishing your work using correct grammar will impress your readers and allow them to focus on what you have to say.

Because focusing on audience will enhance your writing, your process, and your finished product, you must consider the specific traits of your audience members. Use your imagination to anticipate the readers’ demographics, education, prior knowledge, and expectations.

Demographics: These measure important data about a group of people, such as their age range, ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender. Certain topics and assignments will require you to consider these factors as they relate to your audience. For other topics and assignments, these measurements may not influence your writing. Regardless, it is important to consider demographics when you begin to think about your purpose for writing.

Education: Education considers the audience’s level of schooling. If audience members have earned a doctorate degree, for example, you may need to elevate your style and use more formal language. Or, if audience members are still in college, you could write in a more relaxed style. An audience member’s major or emphasis may also dictate your writing.

Prior knowledge: Prior knowledge is what the audience already knows about your topic. If your readers have studied certain topics, they may already know some terms and concepts related to the topic. You may decide whether to define terms and explain concepts based on your audience’s prior knowledge. Although you cannot peer inside the brains of your readers to discover their knowledge, you can make reasonable assumptions. For instance, a nursing major would presumably know more about health-related topics than a business major would.

Expectations: These indicate what readers will look for while reading your assignment. Readers may expect consistencies in the assignment’s appearance, such as correct grammar and traditional formatting like double-spaced lines and a legible font. Readers may also have content-based expectations given the assignment’s purpose and organization. In an essay titled “The Economics of Enlightenment: The Effects of Rising Tuition,” for example, audience members may expect to read about the economic repercussions of post-secondary tuition costs.

Keep in mind that as your topic shifts in the writing process, your audience may also shift. Also, remember that decisions about style depend on audience, purpose, and content. Identifying your audience’s demographics, education, prior knowledge, and expectations will affect how you write, but purpose and content play an equally important role. The next subsection covers how to select an appropriate tone to match the audience and purpose.

Selecting an Appropriate Tone

Tone identifies a speaker’s attitude toward a subject or another person. It refers to how something is said: the words you choose, your sentence and paragraph lengths, the details you include, your attitude towards the reader, whether you use positive or negative words, etc.  Every word you choose creates a reaction within the reader.

For example, which would you prefer to hear?

  • I’m happy to answer any questions.
    or
  • If you still don’t understand, I can clarify for you.

Probably the first one, right? Even though these sentences mean roughly the same thing, one makes the speaker seem approachable and friendly. The other makes it seem as if anyone who doesn’t understand is at fault and is wasting the speaker’s time. That’s the power of tone.

It’s important to pay attention to tone because, especially when we communicate in writing, tone can be hard to convey. If someone’s confused about your message’s content, they’ll ask you follow-up questions. But people don’t often give each other feedback about tone. It’s rare that someone will say, “Your email came off as a little hostile. Did you intend that?” Without you knowing it, tone miscommunications can negatively impact your relationships with coworkers, bosses and clients.

You may pick up a person’s tone of voice fairly easily in conversation. A friend who tells you about her weekend may speak excitedly about a fun skiing trip. An instructor who means business may speak in a low, slow voice to emphasize her serious mood. Or, a co-worker who needs to let off some steam after a long meeting may crack a sarcastic joke.

Just as speakers transmit emotion through voice, writers can transmit through writing a range of attitudes, from excited and humorous to somber and critical. These emotions create connections among the audience, the author, and the subject, ultimately building a relationship between the audience and the text. To stimulate these connections, writers intimate their attitudes and feelings with useful devices, such as sentence structure, word choice, punctuation, and formal or informal language. Keep in mind that the writer’s attitude should always appropriately match the audience and the purpose.

Self-Practice Exercise 5.2

H5P: Read the following paragraph and consider the writer’s tone. How would you describe the writer’s attitude toward wildlife conservation? There is more than one right answer.

Many species of plants and animals are disappearing right before our eyes. If we do not act fast, it might be too late to save them. Human activities, including pollution, deforestation, hunting, and overpopulation, are devastating the natural environment. Without our help, many species will not survive long enough for our children to see them in the wild. Take the tiger, for example. Today, tigers occupy just 7 percent of their historical range, and many local populations are already extinct. Hunted for their beautiful pelt and other body parts, the tiger population has plummeted from 100,000 in 1920 to just a few thousand (Smith, 2013). Contact your local wildlife conservation society today to find out how you can stop this terrible destruction.

  1. relaxed
  2. funny
  3. bored
  4. impassioned
  5. well-informed
  6. urgent

Answer Key

D, E, F

Choosing Appropriate, Interesting Content

Content refers to all the written substance in a document. After selecting an audience and a purpose, you must choose what information will make it to the page. Content may consist of examples, statistics, facts, anecdotes, testimonies, and observations, but no matter the type, the information must be appropriate and interesting for the audience and purpose. An essay written for grade 3 students that summarizes the legislative process, for example, would have to contain succinct and simple content.

Content is also shaped by tone. When the tone matches the content, the audience will be more engaged, and you will build a stronger relationship with your readers. Consider that audience of grade 3 students. You would choose simple content that the audience will easily understand, and you would express that content through an enthusiastic tone. The same considerations apply to all audiences and purposes.

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Academic Writing for Success Canadian Edition Copyright © 2021 by Loyalist College Pressbooks is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.