Writing an Essay

Determine the Purpose and the Audience for Writing

Once a subject for the essay has been tentatively decided, begin the writing process by developing a statement of purpose. The clearer you can make the statement of purpose, the easier it will be to generate a number of ideas you can develop.

For essay tests, you want to address a general reading audience rather than any specific, narrow one. Do not write for a teacher, testmaker, employer, or friend. Use standard English and assume that your reader is neither totally ignorant nor completely informed on your topic. Avoid making vague comments by concentrating on specific statements of fact or opinion. Support those statements with as many examples as possible. Place your emphasis on clearly stating your ideas.

For the topic you chose on the previous screen write a clear statement of purpose.