* Audience: A writer crafting a children's book will use vastly different techniques than one writing a scholarly article. Childrens books might employ simple sentences, playful language, and vivid imagery, whereas a scholarly article needs precise language, formal tone, and extensive research citations.
* Genre: A mystery novel will utilize suspenseful pacing, red herrings, and character development focused on revealing secrets. A romance novel might emphasize emotional depth, evocative descriptions, and a satisfying resolution focused on romantic relationships. A technical manual requires clarity, conciseness, and precise instructions.
* Purpose: A writer's purpose can range from informing to persuading, entertaining to inspiring. A persuasive essay will utilize rhetorical devices, strong arguments, and evidence. An informative article will prioritize clarity, accuracy, and factual information. A piece of fiction might aim to evoke emotion, explore themes, or tell a compelling story.
* Medium: A blog post might be informal and conversational, whereas a formal essay requires a more structured and academic approach. A tweet demands brevity and impactful language, while a novel allows for expansive narratives and detailed descriptions.
Examples of techniques that writers adjust based on their purpose:
* Tone: Formal vs. informal, humorous vs. serious, objective vs. subjective.
* Style: Concise vs. elaborate, descriptive vs. analytical, poetic vs. prosaic.
* Structure: Chronological, compare/contrast, problem/solution, narrative arc, etc.
* Voice: First-person, second-person, third-person, active vs. passive voice.
* Figurative language: Metaphors, similes, analogies, hyperbole, all used strategically.
* Rhetorical devices: Anaphora, antithesis, rhetorical questions, etc. Used to persuade or emphasize points.
In short, a good writer's toolbox is full of diverse techniques, and they expertly select and combine the right tools to achieve their writing goals for a particular piece. The hallmark of a skilled writer is the ability to adapt their style and technique to perfectly serve their purpose.