Writing with purpose.

Before you write, ask:

Why am I writing?

• Challenge the status quo or conventional wisdom?

• Convince policymakers to consider your recommendations?

• Add to a deficiency in the literature?

Who is my audience? What do I want them to know?

• Do I need them to make a decision?

• Persuade them to think differently about an issue?

• Introduce a new concept or idea?

What is my thesis?

• In one or two sentences, what is my main point?

• Do I have evidence both for and against my main point?

• How will I organize my ideas and structure my arguments?