Whether you teach the rhetorical triangle, SPACECAT, or SOAPSTone, your AP Language or general grade 11-12 high school English students need to be able to identify and analyze the context of a nonfiction text.

This "worksheet" is really a scaffolded series of activities to take students from defining the "context" of a text to analyzing the rhetorical choices that reflect how the speaker is reacting to the context that surrounds them.

The first 2 pages include:

• A definition and explanation of the concept of "context" in rhetoric
• A practice passage with annotation prompt
• 2 short answer analysis questions about the passage
• A thesis statement builder activity with a sentence frame to get students thinking about how the context factors in to a rhetorical analysis essay

The extension page (page 3) includes:

• A creative response application activity on a teen-friendly topic

This Google Drive Folder contains:

• Editable Google Doc version of the activity (with lines for printing)
• PDF print version of the activity
• Digital, pageless Google Doc of the activity for flexible instruction (simply assign in Google Classroom)

How to use this resource in your curriculum:

• Pair with your existing rhetorical situation unit (don't have one? Here's mine).
• use as independent practice, small group work, or homework
• Sub plan
• Use to introduce the rhetorical analysis essay on the AP Lang exam

Will this resource work for my students?

While this resource is recommended for grades 11-12, you know your students best. However, consider these easy modifications (this resource is totally editable) to suit your needs:

• AP students or high flyers? Assign the whole activity for independent practice.
• Students needing more support? Do the annotation and/or short answer in pairs, and the rest independently.
• Younger students, or just introducing rhetoric? Cut the 3rd page and use the first two only.