Rhetorical Situation Flashcards
(6 cards)
Exigence
What seems to be the logical reason that the writer decided to write about the topic? What circumstances seem connected to her decision to write about this? What made her go, “I really need to say something about this.”?
Audience
Whom does it seem logical would be the intended audience for this argument, and why would the writer target them? What do they believe/value/need to know?
Writer
What can you infer about this writer (values, beliefs, political leanings, etc.)? What gives her credibility to discuss the subject of language and how language affects attitudes and beliefs? What biases might this writer have, and how do you know?
Purpose
What is the writer’s purpose? Informing, teaching, persuading, etc.? HINT: we’re looking at this writing rhetorically, as an argument. Based on her purpose, what does it seem logical that she would want the audience to believe, and what might she want the audience to do with their belief, assuming that they agree with her?
Context
Within what context does this argument take place, and what bearing does the context have on the argument? What was happening in life during the time of the argument that made it the right time for the argument?
Message
Thinking about a message as a thematic idea, like a lesson she might be sharing about people and how we see them, what logically seems to be her message? In other words, what does she want her audience to believe about the power of language and how it can affect people’s lives?
