How do you identify the purpose and audience of your academic writing?

1 Understand the assignment

The first step to identify the purpose and audience of your academic writing is to understand the assignment. Read the instructions carefully and look for clues such as the word count, the format, the citation style, the due date, and the learning outcomes. What is the main goal of the assignment? What type of writing are you expected to produce? Is it a research paper, a literature review, a case study, a report, or something else? How will your writing be evaluated? These questions can help you determine the purpose and scope of your academic writing.

2 Analyze the discipline

The second step to identify the purpose and audience of your academic writing is to analyze the discipline. Different disciplines have different conventions, standards, and preferences for academic writing. For example, the sciences tend to use precise, objective, and factual language, while the humanities tend to use interpretive, subjective, and rhetorical language. The disciplines also differ in the types of sources, evidence, and arguments they value and accept. To write effectively for different disciplines, you need to familiarize yourself with their specific norms and expectations.

3 Consider the genre

The third step to identify the purpose and audience of your academic writing is to consider the genre. Different genres have different purposes, structures, and features for academic writing. For example, an essay aims to persuade the reader of a thesis statement, while a report aims to inform the reader of a problem and a solution. An abstract summarizes the main points of a longer document, while a proposal outlines a plan for a future project. To write successfully for different genres, you need to follow their specific guidelines and conventions.

4 Know your audience

The fourth step to identify the purpose and audience of your academic writing is to know your audience. Your audience is the person or group of people who will read, evaluate, or use your academic writing. Your audience may include your instructor, your peers, your colleagues, or a wider academic community. Knowing your audience can help you tailor your tone, style, and content to suit their needs, interests, and expectations. For example, if your audience is familiar with your topic, you can use more technical terms and less background information. If your audience is unfamiliar with your topic, you can use more plain language and more explanation.

5 Define your position

The fifth step to identify the purpose and audience of your academic writing is to define your position. Your position is the perspective or stance that you take on your topic, research question, or argument. Your position reflects your purpose, your voice, and your contribution to the academic conversation. Defining your position can help you clarify your thesis statement, your research gap, and your main points. It can also help you establish your credibility, authority, and originality as an academic writer.

6 Seek feedback

The sixth step to identify the purpose and audience of your academic writing is to seek feedback. Feedback is a valuable source of information and guidance that can help you improve your academic writing. Feedback can come from different sources, such as your instructor, your peers, your mentors, or yourself. Seeking feedback can help you check if your purpose and audience are clear, relevant, and appropriate for your academic writing. It can also help you identify and address any issues or gaps in your content, structure, style, or mechanics.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?