Practice: Main message
Since the purpose and main message form the foundation of your report or proposal, they must be carefully aligned. When they are not in alignment, it is easy to write something that is confusing for the reader. For example, if a proposal suggests a new programme for malaria reduction, and the main message states, “The XYZ programme was effective in reducing malaria rates by over 25% last year,” the reader may be confused. The report content might seem to lack direction, focusing sometimes on the previous programme, and other times on the proposed new programme. A main message more clearly in alignment with the purpose might say, “Based on the successful strategies of the XYZ programme, a new programme will contribute to malaria reduction.” The main message would help the writer plan the report, and help the reader read it.
In each of the examples, decide if the purpose and main message are aligned. Then click the link to see our response.