Nature and Purpose of Writing

What is writing?

• activity of making letters or numbers on a surface, especially using a pen or a pencil.

           (Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, 2010)

• Writing is a system of letters 
    (i.e. “a, b, c, … z”) used in interpersonal communication. Usually, writing is done on flat surfaces such as
  –Paper
  –Cloth
  –Stone slabs    

•   Writing is usually learned through systematic instruction, for eg:
  –Formally (in schools)
  –Informally (taught by parents at home)  
  Purpose of writing

1. To get things done
   i.e. Homework, assignment 
2. To inform
   Writing a memo, writing formal letters to explain absence from school, etc.
3. To persuade
   • To disseminate information which will bring about certain behaviour changes among the readers.
   • To convince the reader to agree with and/or accept it.
             Eg: health-related brochures
4. To maintain relationships
   Writing informal letters to family members, friends, pen-pals, etc
5. To document occurrences, events, etc
   Writing journals, log books, diaries
6. To record feelings, experiences, observations, or to express feelings, etc
   • Writing journals, log books, diaries, etc
   OR
   • As a form of self-expression in which the writer expresses his opinion, views or personal thoughts (i.e. reader’s opinion column in the newspaper or personal blogs in the internet) 
   
   
   
   
   References
   
   
   1. Chitravelu, N., Sithamparam, S. & Teh, S.C. (2005). ELT methodology principles and practice. Selangor: Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd.
   2. Meyers, A. (2003). Writing with confidence. USA: Addison Wesley Longman.
   3. http://www.pflugervilleisd.net/curriculum/ela/grade6/documents/PurposesforWriting.pdf