If you miss it, even good language will not save you.
Step 1: Audience + Purpose
Audience = Who is reading? A teacher, a friend, the general public?
Purpose = Why are you writing? To inform, persuade, reflect, or entertain?
Your choice of vocabulary, tone, and structure changes depending on these two factors.
Step 2: Match audience and purpose to text type
1. Formal (reports, proposals, essays)
Audience: Teachers, officials, professionals.
Purpose: To inform or argue clearly and objectively.
How this affects writing: Use formal vocabulary, avoid contractions and slang, keep a serious tone.
Tip
Use headings and bullet points in reports.
Include recommendations or conclusions at the end.
Keep the tone neutral and professional.
Example
Report for school principal → “Findings show that 70% of students do not recycle plastic bottles. It is recommended that recycling bins be placed in every classroom.”
Audience: General public, classmates, mixed audiences.
Purpose: To share opinions, persuade, or evaluate while still sounding approachable.
How this affects writing: Combine clear structure with an engaging style. Use rhetorical devices like questions or repetition. Tone can be lively but not casual.
Tip
Balance facts with personality.
Use persuasive techniques (emotive language, direct address, examples).
Vary your tone depending on whether it’s a review or a speech.
Example
Film review for a school magazine → “The cinematography is breathtaking, but the plot feels predictable. While fans of action may enjoy it, those seeking originality might be disappointed.”
3. Informal (blogs, diaries, personal letters)
Audience: Friends, yourself, online followers.
Purpose: To reflect, share feelings, or connect personally.
How this affects writing: Use first person, contractions, casual expressions, and even humor. Layout matters: blog titles, diary dates, greetings in letters.
Tip
Blogs need a title and possibly a date.
Letters must have greetings and sign-offs.
Diaries should sound honest and personal, with a date at the top.
Example
Diary entry → “Today was a disaster. I forgot my lines in rehearsal and wanted the ground to swallow me up. At least Anna cheered me up with ice cream after.”
Common Mistake
Many students write every response like an essay.
But IB examiners want to see you shift style.
If the task says “Write a blog post” and you leave out the blog conventions, you are giving away marks you could have earned easily.