Creating Text Messages to Reflect Rhetorical Situation Activity

Lesson Overview

This assignment is designed to help students think critically about how we use rhetoric in everyday communication—specifically through text messaging. Students will examine a (real or hypothetical) text message exchange and analyze the rhetorical elements involved in crafting an effective message.

Before the Lesson

• Ensure students understand that the goal is to apply rhetorical analysis to real-world communication (texting).
• Emphasize the connection between rhetoric and digital communication they use every day.
• Re-teach or review the rhetorical situation framework.
• Model the task with a sample text message exchange (real or created).
• Walk through identifying rhetorical elements using sticky notes or a chart.

Materials and Resources

• Slideshow with directions and space for student submissions
• Link to the text thread creator tool (e.g., iFakeTextMessage text thread creator or another you’ve chosen)
• Devices (laptops, tablets, or smartphones) for students to create their text message threads
• Internet access for using the online tool and submitting digital work
• Assignment instructions (printed or digital)
• Example text thread and completed rhetorical chart (model example provided by the teacher)
• Graphic organizer or chart template for rhetorical analysis (can be a printable worksheet or a digital document that students complete)
• Physical sticky notes if working on paper or printed screenshots
• Screenshot instructions (especially if students are unfamiliar with how to take and insert screenshots on their device)
• Textbook or class notes covering rhetorical situation elements (context, exigence, speaker, audience, message)
• Anchor charts or posters for visual reminders (optional but helpful)

What To Do

1. Prepare Materials

• Review and print or upload the assignment sheet.
• Bookmark or link the text thread creator tool (e.g., iFakeTextMessage text thread creator).
• Prepare a model example (text exchange + rhetorical analysis).
• Print or share digital versions of the rhetorical chart or sticky note template.

2. Set Up Technology

• Confirm students will have access to devices and Wi-Fi.
• Test the text message generator tool.
• Set up a submission platform (can use class slideshow provided).

3. Introduce the Objective (5–10 min)

• Explain that students will analyze how everyday text messages involve rhetorical choices.
• Review key terms: context, exigence, speaker, audience, and message/purpose.
• Briefly show your example text exchange and how you analyzed it.

4. Review Assignment Instructions (5 min)

• Walk through each part of the assignment:
  • Create a (real or made-up) text exchange using the generator.
  • Insert a screenshot.
  • Use sticky notes or a chart to analyze rhetorical components.
  • Reflect on the rhetorical choices made in the message.

5. Brainstorm Topics (5–10 min)

• Invite students to brainstorm possible situations that would require a text response (e.g., making plans, addressing a misunderstanding, responding to a school announcement). Connect to the concept of “immediate context” as it relates to the rhetorical situation.
• Optional: Provide a list of sample prompts.

6. Create the Text Message Exchange (15–20 min)

• Students use the online tool to write and design their conversation.
• Remind them to take a screenshot once they’re done.
• Support students who need help generating ideas or using the tool.

7. Analyze the Rhetorical Situation (15–20 min)

• Students insert their screenshot into a doc or slide.
• Use digital sticky notes or a chart to break down:
  • Context
  • Exigence
  • Speaker
  • Audience
  • Message/Purpose
• Provide guiding questions as needed.

8. Reflect on Rhetorical Choices (10 min)

• Have students write a short paragraph explaining the rhetorical strategies they used (tone, word choice, timing, etc.).
• Encourage specific examples from their message.

9. Collect and Review Work

• Students submit their completed assignment (screenshot + analysis + reflection).
• Check that each rhetorical element is addressed clearly.

10. Debrief

• Discuss insights:
  • What made some messages more effective than others?
  • How does understanding rhetoric help in everyday communication?
• Optional: Share a few strong examples (with permission).