8 Ways You Will Know When You Understand Writing's Universal Motivations

Throughout your college career, different professors are going to assign you multiple writing assignments in multiple different courses which will more than likely seem like a waste of your time. BUT, pay attention now, all of these assignments and pieces of writing are really not that different from course to course or subject to subject. I know, you're probably thinking WTF are these people talking about? How are science, history, business or any other course related in any way when it comes to writing? Well, lucky for you, we have your answer. Writing has universal motivations meaning that all pieces of writing serve the same purpose and have the same end goals. Once you understand that all the motivations are the same across the board, writing in each of your courses will become easier. So, stay tuned for the cues that will let you know when you understand writing's universal motivations.

1. When you're aware of the audience that you're writing for

This is the exact reaction that you don't want from your audience. Being aware of what the audience wants and what captures their attention when writing is important in order to spike and maintain interest. Audience awareness is present in everything around us but especially in writing. That being said, there are different audiences for every piece of writing that you create in all of your different courses but the UNIVERSAL MOTIVATION is that being aware of that audience is important for a successful and meaningful paper.

2. When you connect with that particular target audience

Connecting with the audience is really the entire reason why you begin writing on a specific topic for that target audience in any discipline. Think about it, would you want to stand up in front of a crowd performing an original song to not get one single clap afterwards? No. Absolutely not. So why would it be any different when it comes to different pieces of writing? No matter the discipline, you will want to know the wants and needs of the audience so that you can make a connection with them to have a successful piece.

3. When you actually understand the material you're writing about

I know. This is one of the craziest ideas that you have ever heard, I am sure. ACTUALLY understanding the content of what you're writing about. But, this is an important cue that you should pay attention to because if you can understand what you are writing about in any course or any class then you know that assignment and piece of writing is serving its purpose.

4. When you learn something from the writing process and content

Learning? Retaining information? Wow. Another crazy idea, I know. But, writing is designed to help you as the writer to dive deeper into the topic in which you are writing. In order to speak about something, you need to have enough knowledge on it so that better explanations can be made. So, by going through the writing process and researching through the discipline specific content, you can and will (hopefully) learn something. That can mean either learning something about the actual discipline or even just how to effectively write in that discipline.

5. When you help others understand the material that you are writing about

This one kind of goes along with number 4. By writing, you are learning. Because you are learning and mastering, you can help better explain and elaborate on that topic for your audience. Because you are able to do that and put it in writing, you can help even the kid who never comes to class understand the material that is being covered.

6. When your audience learns something from your writing

7. When you can apply that newly learned information to something relevant

Fun fact: Relevant information does exist. And, it exists every day in writing. If you can learn something from what you are writing in any discipline you should be able to take something from it. Even if the relevant information that you have gained is that you now know how to write for a specific audience or if you can actually carry content information with you throughout your future. It is a great feeling when you realize that everything we learn isn't time wasted but can be applied. This can be seen and done across the board in multiple disciplines.

8. When you contribute to a field of study or field of work

Every time you sit down to write anything in any discipline, whether it be science, business or even history, the goal should be to contribute SOMETHING to the field through your work. That contribution can be anything from analyzing past findings or information all the way to discovering the next world changing information.