The document discusses the rhetorical situation, which includes the writer, purpose, audience, topic, and context that shape any piece of writing. It notes that the writer's characteristics and experiences influence what they write about and how they write. The purpose determines whether the writing aims to inform, persuade, educate, call to action, entertain, or shock. The audience is who the writing is directed towards. The topic is what the writer chooses to write about. And the context includes the time period, location, and current events surrounding the writing. The document emphasizes that writers must be aware of and adapt to the rhetorical situation each time they write.

1. Understanding Writing: The Rhetorical Situation A workshop brought to you by the Purdue University Writing Lab