1. Chapter 2: The Writing Situation
ENG 113: Composition I

2. The Purpose Writing Many purposes Main purpose often = to argue
To inform
To entertain
To please
To conduct business
To express emotion
Main purpose often = to argue
Assert that something is true or that it is good or bad
Urge a particular course of action

3. Rhetoric
Rhetoric = type of writing whose purpose is meaningful discussion and consideration of ideas
Reputation of rhetoric = bad!
Politics = “oh, that’s just more rhetoric”
Imply = words are empty or don’t mean much
Reality of rhetoric = powerful tool!
Rhetoric = Greek word rhetor
“orator” or “teacher” or “lecturer”

4. Rhetorical Situation
Rhetorical situation = the environment in which the argument is made
The writing context
Context is important
Gain true understanding of a text you read
Create a text that can be understood when you write
Writing
Text = no!
Text –plus = text+
Text + writer
Text + reader
Text + context

5. The Communication Triangle
Text
Reader
Writer
Context

6. The Communication Triangle
Writer, reader, and text = required players
Missing = no communication
Context = “like the air we breathe”
Time
Place
Situation
Different context = different meaning(s)
Communication Triangle = creation of meaning

7. Communication Triangle
Communication is dynamic
Writers often focus on the text
Writers should also consider the reader
The reader’s response to the text can impact its meaning
Consider the Communication Triangle when writing
Writer/Speaker (you)
Message (the text)
Audience (readers)

8. Elements of The Rhetorical Situation
Exigence
What happens to compel the argument?
People
Who is involved in the exigence?
What are their roles?
Relations
What are the connections or power relations among the people involved?
Location
Where does the discourse occur?
Speaker
Who is compelled to make an argument?
Audience
Whom does the speaker address? Why?
Method
How does the speaker address the audience?
Institutions
What are “the rules” governing all of the elements?

9. Audience Awareness in College Writing
College = controlled environment
Often a predetermined audience
Classmates, Professors, Other people in the field/discipline/profession
Important Considerations
What do you know about your audience?
How well informed are they about the topic?
Do they agree or disagree with your stand?
Friendly audience = well-informed and agrees
Hostile audience = well-informed and disagrees
Neutral audience = neither agrees nor disagrees; skeptical
Your intended audience should shape the text that you write = you need to convince the reader that your argument is strong