EPW 733 Seminar in Composition Theory

The Rhetorical Situation

Why do you write and for whom?

Rhetoric: What is it ?Rhetoric: Using language effectively to persuade,

inform, educate, or entertain

Rhetorical Situation: The circumstances in which you

communicate.

Ethos (ethical)

Logos (logical)

Pathos (pathetic)

“Super. That’s

how milk makes

you feel. The

calcium helps

bones grow

strong so even if

you’re not from

Krypton you can

have bones of

steel”

AgeExperiencesGenderLocationPolitical beliefsEducationBackground

Why do we write?

EntertainPersuadeInformEducateShockCall to

action

Why should we care???

Where can we find Rhetorical Situation?

ConversationsEmails/TextsAdsTelevisionPoliticsMagazines/NewspapersEverywhere!

A recipe for rhetorical analysisTo my favorite niece– It was great to see you at the barbecue last weekend. Here is the

original recipe for the Vidalia onion dip I made for the party: (2) 8 oz pkgs of cream cheese – put the cream cheese out to soften about an hour ahead

of time (2) medium Vidalia onions, coarsely chopped ¼ cup mayo¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese (you can use the cheese like Kraft that comes in the

plastic jar)Mix all these ingredients together in a mixing bowl – then take a 1 ½ or 2 quart glass round baking dish, spray it with PAM (or similar store brand to prevent sticking.) Scoop the mixture into the baking dish and sprinkle more parmesan cheese on top—and bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes (it is done when the cheese on top starts to turn a golden brown color and the mixture starts to bubble on the sides). (Every oven is different—so baking time could take a little longer of less—but about 45 mins or so usually does it)Now, here are the changes I make—to fill a 2 quart baking dish I use 3 good size onions (larger than med size) and if you can’t get Vidalia onions, just use the big yellow onions. And I increase all the other ingredients a little to make up for the extra onions I put in – and then sometimes it will take a little longer to bake – but check it at 45 minutes and go from there—it should be almost done in 45 mins. And don’t forget to serve the dip with Scoops. ENJOY!

What is the purpose of this text? What is the context?

Who is the intended audience? What do the word choices tell you about the intended audience?

 Who is the author? What do the word choices tell you about the author?

Homework Please read the essay, “Kentucky Town

of Manchester Illustrates the National Obesity Crisis” by Wil Haygood in your Graff text. Then, in 1-2 pages discuss who Haygood’s audience is and how the article might be different if the article were actually written for a newspaper in Manchester, Kentucky.

In your journal, free write about a time when you recall making a conscious effort to identify your audience when you were writing. (One page).