state of knowledge and understanding from a lower state to a higher state. This
is why the starting point for constructing a text is to identify the class of
readers for whom it is intended and their present state of knowledge and
understanding.
Addressing the Class
A writer has to address the class of readers. To do this, they start with
something that the reader knows or understands, then build on to tell them
things that they do not know or understand. Essentially the text aims to take
the reader from their present state of information to a more advanced state.
The idea, obviously, is that they will know and understand more after reading
the text.
This is important because it defines the writer’s starting point. Assume, for
example, that the writer is trying to explain information where three
propositions build on the one before. Call these X, Y and Z. Assume also that
the class of readers knows and understands X and Y. In this case explanation
would commence by reference to Y. Depending on circumstances it may
include a summary of Y. This would include and highlight the aspects of Y
that lead to Z, even indicating briefly how and why this happens.
At this point the writer has laid the foundation. The reader already knows and
understands Y. The writer has directed their attention to it, summarised it and
indicate the way in which Y leads to Z. From here, the writer can launch into Z
confident that they are taking their readers with them as they do so.
Extending the Class
A writer should consider whether it is possible and appropriate to extend the
class of readers. There may be some people who could benefit from the text
but who need a small amount of information added to the text for them to
understand it. In these cases it may well be worthwhile extending the reach of
the text in this way to allow this class of person to read it.
Text
Obviously, the central task for an author is to create the text. A text possesses
three defining characteristics of a text. These consist of its functions, its
structure and its dimensions.
Function of a Text
Introduction
Legal writing has one principal function. This is to convey information that
incorporates both bare facts (most obviously legal rules) and reasoning
processes. In this task the writer has to tell your readers exactly what they
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