The Rhetorical Situation (College Board AP® English Language & Composition): Flashcards
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Define rhetorical situation.
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Cards in this collection (25)
Define rhetorical situation.
The rhetorical situation is the circumstances that shape a text, including the exigence, audience, writer, purpose, context and message.
Define exigence.
Exigence is the issue, event, problem or situation that prompts a writer to create a text.
Define audience.
The audience is the person or group a writer addresses or seeks to influence.
True or False?
Describing a text's audience as "the general public" is usually specific enough.
False.
"The general public" is usually too vague. It is better to identify the specific group or groups the writer addresses.
Define purpose.
Purpose is what a writer hopes to accomplish.
True or False?
Every writer's purpose is to persuade.
False.
A writer's purpose is not always to persuade. Writers may also aim to inform, criticize, defend, explain, challenge, inspire or call the audience to action.
Define writer.
The writer (or speaker) is the person or voice creating the text.
Define context.
Context is the time, place, occasion and broader circumstances that surround a text.
What is the difference between a text's topic and its message?
The topic is what the text is about, while the message is the central idea the writer communicates about that topic.
In SPACE CAT, SPACE stands for the rhetorical situation and CAT stands for the writer's rhetorical _____.
In SPACE CAT, SPACE stands for the rhetorical situation and CAT stands for the writer's rhetorical choices.
Why is MSCAPE a useful framework?
MSCAPE is useful because it separates the subject from the message.
Which framework is useful for quickly identifying the basic rhetorical situation of a text?
SOAPSTone is useful for quickly identifying the basic rhetorical situation of a text.
How is the rhetorical situation broader than the rhetorical triangle?
The rhetorical triangle focuses on the writer, audience and message, while the rhetorical situation also includes exigence, purpose and context.
Define rhetorical choice.
A rhetorical choice is a decision a writer makes to influence an audience and achieve a purpose.
How does CAT in SPACE CAT relate to the rhetorical situation?
CAT explains how the writer responds to the rhetorical situation, while the rhetorical situation explains the circumstances surrounding the text.
Define word choice.
Word choice is the selection of specific words a writer uses to communicate meaning, tone and perspective.
Define syntax.
Syntax is the arrangement of words, phrases and clauses in a sentence.
A writer may place a short sentence, or a purposeful ______, after a long sentence to make a point feel final or forceful.
A writer may place a short sentence, or a purposeful fragment, after a long sentence to make a point feel final or forceful.
Define structure.
Structure is the organization of ideas in a paragraph, passage or whole text.
True or False?
Rhetorical appeals work separately from a writer's rhetorical choices.
False.
Appeals are created through choices such as evidence, word choice, examples, tone or structure.
Define tone.
Tone is the writer's attitude toward the subject, audience or situation.
Through which choices is a writer's tone created?
A writer's tone is created through choices such as word choice, syntax, details and structure.
True or False?
Tone and mood mean the same thing in rhetorical analysis.
False.
Mood is the feeling created for the audience, which is different from tone.
What effect can inclusive language such as "we" or "our" have on an audience?
Inclusive language such as "we" or "our" can create a sense of unity or responsibility.
Acknowledging an opposing view can help a writer build ___ by making the writer seem fair and reasonable.
Acknowledging an opposing view can help a writer build trust by making the writer seem fair and reasonable.
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