Bailey.Academic_Writing

1.5 Understanding Purpose and
Register
Having decided that a text is reliable, a student must read and
understand as much as necessary for the needs of the essay.
Understanding a text is not just a matter of vocabulary; the reader
needs to find out the writer’s intentions. Is the writer aiming to
inform, persuade, describe or entertain? In addition the reader should
be clear about the type of English the writer is using: how formal
is the tone? The answer to these questions may affect the way a
student uses the material.
PURPOSE
1. Compare the two extracts below:
a) Rebus College is seeking candidates for the position
of Treasurer. As the Chief Financial Officer of the
College, the Treasurer is responsible for working with
the senior administration and Trustees to develop and
implement a financial strategic vision for the College.
b) Are you wondering what to do with that jumper you
were given for Christmas that’s two sizes too small
– or, worse, the personal stereo that simply doesn’t
work? Well, don’t worry. Chances are, you’ll be able
to get your dud gifts swapped, fixed or get a refund.
And, armed with our guide to your rights, you’ll be
able to get any defective products sorted.
The first extract is written to inform the reader about
a job vacancy and to give information about the work.
The second aims to persuade the reader to buy the guide
described. The language style, or register, of the extracts is
also very different. The first uses very formal vocabulary
such as seeking, position and implement. The second uses
an informal tone, the pronoun you, the question form and
informal vocabulary such as dud and swapped.
2. Read the following extracts and complete the table using one or
two of the following: inform/amuse/persuade/entertain.
Text
a
Purpose
b
c
a) The lower you are in the office hierarchy, the more
disgusting your sandwiches. You can safely assume