Exploring the Rhetorical Situation in AP English Language

What is rhetoric primarily concerned with?

• Historical events

• Effective speaking or writing

• Scientific experiments

• Mathematical calculations

What is another term for 'rhetorical situation'?

• Rhetorical device

• Rhetorical context

• Rhetorical question

• Rhetorical analysis

When analyzing a rhetorical situation, which of the following is NOT a factor to consider?

• The author's favorite color

• Whether the situation is public or private

• The relationship between author and audience

• The time and place of the exchange

In the example of the Queen writing a letter to her cousin, what is the nature of the rhetorical situation?

• A public speech

• A private letter

• A newspaper article

• A television interview

Why is the Queen unlikely to sign off her letter with 'Yolo'?

• She is not familiar with the term

• She prefers formal language

• She dislikes modern slang

• She is aware the letter could be preserved in a museum

What changes in the rhetorical situation when the Queen delivers a toast at her cousin's birthday?

• The audience size increases

• The message becomes less formal

• The Queen uses slang

• The setting becomes private

What is expected of a toast given by the Queen?

• It should be informal and casual

• It should be critical and negative

• It should be long and detailed

• It should be brief, personal, and positive

How does the rhetorical situation influence the Queen's public toast?

• It limits what she can say

• It allows her to be informal

• It makes her message irrelevant

• It encourages her to use slang

On the AP exam, what must you do beyond describing a rhetorical situation?

• Explain how the situation influences the author's choices

• Summarize the text

• Critique the author's style

• Rewrite the text

Focusing on the rhetorical occasion in your essay helps you to:

• Use complex vocabulary

• Increase the word count

• Deliver the information effectively

• Avoid grammatical errors