Purpose

Equally important to the subject of whom your audience is, you should be clear on the primary purpose of your essay. Without a clear, single purpose, your essay will meander all over the place. It will not be nearly as powerful if you address multiple points and bounce around with your central theme. As stated in the previous section, you can address more than one issue, however, you should have one strong central thesis or subject that helps propel the remaining body of your work.

Ask yourself the following four questions.

1. "What is the central point I am trying to make?"
2. "What is it that I'm trying to convince my reader of?"
3. "What is the information I am giving to my audience?"
4. "What is my most prevalent reason for writing this essay?"

• Professor Lienstrom is an expert on Romeo and Juliet.


• She wrote a published article on the subject of Shakespearian tragedy.


• She is a stickler for accurate, well documented research and strong supporting arguments. I want to make it clear that I have recognized and can show that there are several similarities between these two plays.


• I want to point out similarities in the plots, characters, and tragedy aspects of the plays.


• Every point I make must have a solid supporting argument.

1. "What is the central point I am trying to make?"
   To show that there are similarities between Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar and that I can support those perceived similarities.


2. "What is it that I'm trying to convince my reader of?"
   That I have a strong enough grasp of what she has taught throughout the course to warrant a high grade on my essay; that I fully understand the intricacies of Shakespearian writing and ideology.


3. "What is the information I am giving to my audience?"
   Clear instances where the two plays are alike. Supporting research which agrees with my argument. Opposing research that I can prove as irrelevant or not as strong as my argument.


4. What is my most prevalent reason for writing this essay?
   To achieve the highest grade possible because I can prove to my professor that I have an excellent grasp of the material.

• Both Peter and Mary are on the fence about hiring a Call Center Supervisor.


• Creating and filling this position will benefit our customers immediately and the company as a whole in the long run.


• I need convincing arguments showing why this position is needed, citing specific past and present problems that could have been avoided.


• I need to be specific about how much it will cost annually to fill this position.


• I need to point out estimated monetary savings over the long term that will offset the costs.

1. "What is the central point I am trying to make?"
   That a Call Center Supervisor is needed and they should be hired as soon as possible.


2. "What is it that I'm trying to convince my reader of?"
   That filling this position will benefit our customers and the company and it is in the best interests of both to fill the position.


3. "What is the information I am giving to my audience?"
   Clear instances where a Call Center Supervisor was and is needed and problems that not having one has caused.


4. What is my most prevalent reason for writing this essay?
   To have this position created and filled as soon as possible.