- Explain what rhetorical context is
- Identify the rhetorical context of a passage
Understanding the Rhetorical Context
So why bother figuring out all the details that surround a piece of writing or speech? Because those details—who is speaking, who they’re speaking to, when, where, and why—can completely change the meaning of what’s being said. Whether it’s a personal message, a political speech, or even a social media post, the context shapes how we understand it and how the message is delivered. I
You can view the transcript for “AP English Language: The Rhetorical Situation” here (opens in new window).