Identifying academic purpose

The writer focuses on what is wrong about something and provides ideas on what to do

• to explain

• to argue

• to identify problems and solutions

• to discuss

The writer covers both sides of an issue then presents an opinion.

• to discuss

• to argue

• to explain

• to inform

The writer says how or why something happens or has happened. The text may focus on different causes and effects.

• to discuss

• to explain

• to problem solve

• to identify

The writer gives information about a topic. The writer uses facts.

• to discuss

• to explain

• to inform

• to identify

The writer focus on one side of an issue and gives evidence to support either for or against it.

• to discuss

• to compare and contrast

• to argue

• to persuade

The writer focuses on what is the same and what is different about a subject.

• to argue

• to compare and contrast

• to inform

• to explain

The writer breaks an issue into its parts, then considers each part in depth – what it means and how it affects the whole.

• to evaluate

• to explain

• to identify

• to analyse

The writer decides to what extent the statement is true, using evidence to justify his choice.

• to identify

• to evaluate

• to explain

• to compare

What type of task is this question: What factors result in teenagers feeling connected?

• to compare and contrast

• to identify

• to discuss

• to persuade

What type of task is this question: Compare and contrast the education systems in your home country and where you are studying now.

• to discuss

• to problem solve

• to compare and contrast

• to inform