The Components of Purpose and Professional-Communication Pedagogy

Nancy Roundy Blyler Iowa State University

Abstract

A review of the current literature suggests that the concept of purpose has not received sufficient theoretical or pedagogical attention. In this article, theoretical depth is provided by a discussion of four components of purpose: purpose as associated with discourse types, purpose from the writer's viewpoint, purpose as it relates to situation, and purpose from the reader's viewpoint. Research is cited, and examples from computer documentation are used to illustrate each component. Cooperation and conflict among components are examined in a sample document, and classroom applications are discussed.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1988-01-01
DOI
10.2190/9xq1-11a6-wq0y-v2tb
Open Access
Closed

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (3)

  1. Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  2. Rhetoric Review
  3. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (6)

  1. Written Communication
  2. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. College Composition and Communication
  4. College English
  5. Research in the Teaching of English
Show all 6 →
  1. Research in the Teaching of English
Also cites 9 works outside this index ↓
  1. 10.2307/357383
  2. 10.2307/358094
  3. 10.2307/358093
  4. 10.2307/357859
  5. 10.2307/377093
  6. 10.1080/10570318009374015
  7. 10.2307/356588
  8. 10.2307/357492
  9. 10.2307/357405
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