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Writing Purposes

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Writing Purposes

Aotearoa New Zealand is considering how to reduce food waste. A youth group has asked you to help create and analyse messages for different audiences. Read each sample closely: texts can share a topic but have different purposes. Answer in full sentences where appropriate.

Spot the purpose

For each message, identify its main purpose: to inform, persuade, explain, describe, or instruct. Then use a clue from the wording or structure to justify your choice.

1.A. “The community pantry will accept unopened, in-date food from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday. Donations can be left at the library entrance.” What is the main purpose? Give one clue.

2.B. “That bruised pear is still sweet, fragrant and perfect for a crumble. Its golden flesh softens as it bakes, filling the kitchen with a warm, spicy smell.” What is the main purpose? Identify two details that support your answer.

3.C. “When edible food is thrown into landfill, it breaks down without much oxygen and releases methane. Methane traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.” What is the main purpose? Explain how the two sentences work together.

4.D. “Choose vegetables that need using up. Chop them into similar-sized pieces, toss with a little oil, and roast at 200°C until tender.” What is the main purpose? Name one structural clue.

5.E. “Our neighbourhood throws away too much good food. Start a shared-fridge trial this month: it could help families, cut waste and bring neighbours together. Ask the council to support the idea.” What is the main purpose? Identify one persuasive technique.

Purpose, audience and choices

Writers make deliberate choices to suit what they want a text to do and who they want to reach.

6.Which feature would best support a persuasive post asking teenagers to bring reusable containers to a school event?

A list of dates when containers were first invented
A direct call to action and a reason the change benefits the community
A step-by-step account of how plastic is manufactured
A long description of the container’s colour and texture

7.A council fact sheet and a social media campaign both address food waste. Explain why they might use different language and text features, even if they share some facts.

Create and revise

Show how changing a purpose changes the way you write.

8.Write a two- or three-sentence opening for a persuasive message to local residents, encouraging them to plan meals and use leftovers. Include a clear viewpoint, one convincing reason and a call to action.

9.Rewrite this sentence so it informs rather than persuades: “Join the brilliant food-sharing project today and help save our planet!” Keep the central topic, but use a neutral tone and factual detail. You may invent a clearly labelled example detail.

10.A classmate says, “Every text has only one purpose, so a council webpage cannot both inform and persuade.” Do you agree? Explain your view and give a suitable example.