Rhetorical Situation

“Rhetoric,” according to Merriam-Webster is the “art of speaking or writing effectively," and one of the first steps in that process is the consideration of the rhetorical situation ("Rhetoric"). That analysis includes a review of the expectations and intentions, however broad or narrow. At a minimum, the writer should identify or define the following: the genre, the topic, the purpose, the audience, and the context.

Since some of the areas may be defined, the order that the writer takes each into consideration is determined by the particulars of the situation. For the purposes of this discussion, the focus will be on the academic essay.

Where to begin? Analyze the rhetorical situation:

Five Elements: Topic, Purpose, Angle, Readers, Context

First, identify defined expectations (instructor, assignment: genre, length, topic) then

- identify genre
- define topic
- state purpose
- consider readers
- consider context
- identify an angle

Boundaries: What are they?

Purpose:

What the essay is to accomplish?

Topic:

What is the writer being asked to address?

Audience or Reader:

Who will read?

Context:

Where and when will the reader access the text?

Does that context imply certain expectations?

Angle:

Consider: What is new or what has changed about the topic?

Consider techniques:

Point of View: What perspective will be used?

The "person" of the writer

first (I), focus on the writer, very personal

second (you), focus on the reader, but considered informal

third (he, she, it), an observer who is reporting; considered more objective

Tone: What emotion will be communicated through word choice and sentencing?

After analyzing the situation, use that information to inform the writing process:

Generate ideas: Question and use prewriting strategies

Brainstorm

Mapping

Free writing

Draft a working thesis

Organize and draft: Arrange and compose

Choose a style: Use techniques to effectively inform or persuade.

Consider: