Unit 1

Rhetorical situation

The set of circumstances, events, and contexts that shape any communication.

Exigence

The problem the essay or speech addresses; the impetus for writing or speaking.

Purpose

The goals the writer or speaker wants to achieve through their communication.

Audience

The receivers of the message who often have a variety of values and beliefs.

Writer or speaker

A unique voice with personal values and beliefs who communicates a message.

Context

The time, place, and occasion surrounding the communication.

Message

The substance of the writer’s or speaker’s main points.

Claims

Statements asserted to be true that require defense but are not necessarily factual.

Evidence

Information used to prove that an idea is valid.

Reasoning

The process of showing how evidence supports a claim.

Types of evidence

Different kinds of information used to support arguments, such as facts, anecdotes, analogies, and statistics.

Facts

Objective information that is difficult to dispute.

Anecdotes

Short, real-life stories used to illustrate a point.

Analogies

Comparisons between two things used to explain or clarify a point.

Statistics

Numerical facts or data used to support claims.

Examples

Specific instances that demonstrate something relevant to the claim.

Details

Relevant facts, descriptions, items, or features that make a claim more substantial.

Expert opinions

Statements made by knowledgeable persons regarding a topic to build trust.

Testimonies

Formal written or spoken statements provided as evidence.

Defensible claims

Claims that stir interest and require support rather than presenting obvious facts.