Evaluating Audience and Rhetorical Context in ATI TEAS English

Rhetorical Context

The situation in which communication occurs, including audience, purpose, and setting.

Audience

The person or group a message is intended for.

Purpose

The reason the text is written (to inform, persuade, instruct, or explain).

Setting (Scenario)

Where and how communication takes place (school, workplace, hospital, email, conversation).

Evaluating Language

Determining whether word choice and tone are appropriate for the audience and context.

Narrator's Setting

The environment or situation the speaker or writer is in.

Formal Language

Professional, academic language that avoids slang and uses complete sentences.

Formal Language Example

The patient is scheduled for discharge tomorrow.

Informal Language

Casual, conversational language often used in personal communication.

Informal Language Example

The patient's leaving tomorrow.

Appropriate Tone

Language that matches the audience, purpose, and setting.

Inappropriate Tone

Language that is too casual, too formal, biased, or disrespectful for the situation.

Biased Language

Language that shows stereotypes, assumptions, or unfair judgments about a group.

Biased Language Example

Elderly patients are confused.

Unbiased (Revised) Language

Neutral, respectful language that avoids assumptions.

Unbiased Language Example

Some older patients may experience confusion.

Culturally Appropriate Language

Language that is respectful and inclusive of diverse backgrounds.

People-First Language

Language that puts the person before a characteristic or condition.

Revising for Audience

Changing word choice or tone to better fit who will read or hear the message.

Professional Context

Situations like school, healthcare, or work settings that require formal language.

Casual Context

Situations like conversations or texts that allow informal language.

TEAS Strategy: Language Choice

Choose the option that is clear, respectful, and appropriate for the audience.

TEAS Strategy: Eliminate Answers

Remove choices with slang, bias, or incorrect tone.