Reading and Writing Rhetorically

Give 1 example of a feature that changes between rhetorical contexts.

The way the text looks

The medium or technology you use

The tone you use

The words you use or avoid using

The appropriate grammar and mechanics

What is rhetorical context?

Defined through 4 elements

1. Who the author is, and what background and experience he or she brings to the text

2. Who the intended audience is for the text

3. What issue or topic the author is addressing

4. What the author’s purpose is for writing

When writing an essay who might your audience be?

Examples: Professors, peers. In this class sometimes fellow instructors.

Why is it important to consider the rhetorical context when reading or writing?

It can help you understand the choices the author makes when writing. For example, many shows airing in 2007 had their seasons end abruptly or had rushed finales. At the time there was a writer’s strike, which ended up affecting the trajectory of many of these shows.

Why should you care about rhetorical context in your writing?

It can help you be more effective in achieving your purpose and communicating with your audience because you make choices that are appropriate to the situation.

Give 2 examples of writing conventions

Similar vocabulary, formats, and grammatical and stylistic rules.

In your own words, what are genre?

Genre are approaches to writing situations that share some common features or conventions. Genre is rhetorical context.

What elements or conventions would you expect from a horror book?

Examples: Claustrophobic environments (mazes, locked rooms), monsters (Frankenstein’s monster, Dracula, any killer), symbolism of power structures, etc.

In your own words, what is rhetorical analysis?

Considering the four elements of author, audience, topic and purpose and how they work together to shape the text itself.

Is there firm set of rules in writing?

Of course not!