2 The functions of writing

It is important to be clear about the different functions of professional writing in social work practice. The WiSP research highlighted how many kinds of things social workers were writing in their everyday work. This section explores the diversity of professional written documents are how they are a fundamental aspect of social work practice.

Figure 4 Writing for study and work

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A photograph of a student working at a desk at night. They are writing with a pen and paper, sitting in front of a monitor, keyboard, mobile phone and some papers.

Figure 4 Writing for study and work

In this section you will:

• learn about the different functions of social work writing
• identify the differences between document types
• practice applying CAPS to social work documents.