Definition

Rhetorical Context is the situation that surrounds your act of writing. In essence, it refers to the circumstances surrounding an act of reading and/or composition. There are five main aspects to the rhetorical context:, Audience, Purpose, and Occasion. 

Significance

Rhetorical Context is very important as it helps you focus on precisely what, why and for whom you are writing. It helps keep your thinking more clear and organised. Furthermore, all the elements mentioned above work together to achieve the writer’s purpose for the text. In a persuasive context, the goal is to influence the audience’s decision. In technical writing, it is to clearly convey information. Considering the rhetorical situation can help you develop a more detailed understanding of others and the texts. This skill can be transferred to any text type or medium.

Examples

Example 1: The Gettysburg Address

The purpose is to commemorate the fallen soldiers and to bring the nation together – following the broader context of the civil war. 

Example 2: IKEA Instruction Manual 

The context surrounds the manual and focuses on assembling the desk. The audience can be any customer. 

Example 3: Congress Hearings/Trials

Congress has specific expectations for how questions will be asked of witnesses during Congressional hearings and how witnesses will answer.