Good writing starts with a purpose , which is simply the goal that you want to accomplish with your writing. Often, these purposes are combined. The purpose of a resume is to inform prospective employers of your qualifications so that they will be persuaded to hire you. The goal of a satiric letter to the editor might be to persuade community members of the absurdity of a current political situation in order to promote change. The intent of a personal letter or email might be to inform a friend about the events in your life in an entertaining way.
All good writing has purpose.
Even writing without an audience has a purpose, although somewhat different since it usually focuses on writing as an aid for exploring or remembering. Unfortunately, students tend to believe that purpose doesn t apply when writing academic assignments. The best way to send that message is with a clearly stated and supported thesis that proves that you have learned both the information and the skills that the class is trying to teach. The answer to the first question produces a tentative thesis. The second two questions test the quality of that tentative thesis.