Purpose and context are similar ideas. Think of it this way: Context is what helps you figure out your purpose for writing. Most of the time you don’t decide to take a stand or take action unless something or someone motivates you to do so. The context is often the circumstance that motivates you. What if you wanted to take action and build houses with Habitat for Humanity in Texas after the wildfires in 2011? The wildfires and the subsequent media coverage provide the context for your actions. The events and the information surrounding are what cause you to pay attention to the call for action.

Think of the homework issue. If you are passionate about this issue, it’s probably because you have read or heard about people debating it locally, statewide, or on the Internet. You may also personally think that teachers assign too much homework, and you want to do something about it. Context is the environment surrounding an issue or a cause that determines your purpose for writing about it.

If you are not used to communicating in writing, you may need to overcome fear on several levels. Writing is a permanent record for all to see, and the context is important. Your readers can’t see you; they can only see your words.