Rhetorical Context: Apply It

  • 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

In this video, you’ll learn how recognizing the rhetorical context (also known as the rhetorical situation, or rhetorical occasion) helps you analyze texts more effectively and gives you insight into how communication works in real-world situations.

You can view the transcript for “AP English Language: The Rhetorical Situation” here (opens in new window).