3. Define and Consider Context in Writing Assignments
Once you know why you are writing (purpose) and who you are writing for (audience), consider the environment where and when this writing is taking place.
The context of a rhetorical situation is what surrounds the text—the time and place where it is written and the existing discussion it joins and responds to. This includes adjusting the text to follow guidelines; for example, a writer may be working on a four- to five-page essay, that is due in three weeks, for a specific course. The length, deadline, and subject all form part of the essay’s context. The diagram below illustrates the relationship of text and context:
An illustration shows the context within which a text is written. A triangle represents the text, and the three vertices of the triangle are the writer, purpose, and audience.
Considering context also requires engaging with the larger conversation around your topic—among your classmates, the general population, and/or experts. No topic or position exists all by itself. What have others said about this information, these ideas, or this debate? Why does your position matter and how does it relate to the position of others? Understanding and responding to context will help you to achieve your purpose and to connect with your audience.

Rhetorical context includes the author, the intended audience, and the date and place of publication.
True
False

The “context” of a text also involves:
The opinion of the reader
How the piece contributes to debate on the topic
The vocabulary in a piece of writing