Writing variables

1. Making text decisions Writing variables

2. Writing purposefully Central idea Purpose Audience Context Form

3. Central idea • What are you writing about? • This is the topic of your writing. • Your entire text should relate back to the central idea/theme/thesis. • What is the central idea of the chocolate milk article? • Brainstorm “central ideas” that people like you would be interested in reading/writing.

4. Purpose • Why am I writing? • These are the reasons why the author writes. • Knowing purpose helps to determine format, focus, organization, style and length. • Brainstorm various purposes. Why do people write specific texts? • Make a list of the kinds of writing you have done in and outside of school. What do they have in common? What has the purpose been? Pair share

5. Audience • Who am I writing for? Who will read? • You need to adjust your writing for your reader: peers, employer, 6 year old.... • Vocabulary, content, complexity of sentences, format, all change for the audience. • Write about what you did last weekend for a peer. • Now write about the same events for your parent....

6. Context • Where and when will this be read? • In what situation will the text be interpreted? • Sports text for yearbook? For scout? • Rodeo article for Tribune? For 4H club? • List the main points of MCI you would communicate for the following contexts: • Grade 9 freshie class • Grad meeting

7. Form • How will I write to be most effective? • Purpose and audience influence form • Individually brainstorm as many forms of writing as you can. • Now match 5 of those forms with a particular audience. • Example: Persuasive speech to parent audience as you convince them to ....

8. Writing Purposefully Assignment: Choose a topic that you are interested in sharing. Explain the writing variables you would use to most effectively communicate your ideas . Central idea Purpose Audience Context Form