The concept of defining and thoroughly addressing a purpose in scholarly writing is of utter importance. As with any type of writing, narrowing down the purpose is integral to forming thoughts and conclusions. Furthermore, defining a purpose enables a writer to brainstorm and adequately address the all the topics and sub-topics he or she may need to discuss within the writing. In determining a purpose for a writing, an individual must first identify what it is they are seeking to accomplish within the writing. After determining what it is that they seek to achieve, they have then determined the purpose.
There are several purposes for scholarly writing. For example, an individual may wish to persuade an audience about a certain view or a certain way of doing something. An individual may simply wish to inform the audience about a topic, or even call an audience to action (Sweeney, 2008). Once an individual determines the purpose of the writing, they can then move on to the other elements and concepts of scholarly writing.
The other elements of scholarly writing cannot be accomplished is if an individual is unsure or unable to define the purpose of the writing. After determining the purpose, an individual must then identify the voice and audience of the writing. Although these elements are separate, they can often be determined at the same time as the purpose. For example, an individual may choose to persuade the co-students of the University which he or she attends to join a study group. The purpose of this writing would be persuasion, the audience would be the other students that attend the University, and lastly, the voice would be the sound and perspective of the writer.
Purpose in writing as well as in scientific studies is a well-known term. To determine the purpose of anything is very important. The purpose sets up everything that follows. This is true of scholarly writing as well (Jones, n.d.).
- Jones, R. (n.d.) Academic Writing. Retrieved from http://amarris.homestead.com/files/academic_writing.htm
- Sweeney, T. (2008). Voice, Purpose & Audience. Webster University. Retrieved from http://www.webster.edu/academic-resource-center/writingcenter/writing-tips/voice.html
