The SOAPS Model of Analysis 



What is the SUBJECT(S)? 

The general topic, content, and ideas contained in the text. You should be able to state the 
main subjects in a few words or less. 

What is the OCCASION? (or CONTEXT) 

The time, place, context or current situation of the piece. It is particularly important that 
you understand the context that encouraged the writing to happen, but don’t confuse occasion 
with purpose. Also think of it as the “genesis” of the writing, or what possibly got it started. Why 
did the author sit down and write this piece? How did events encourage the writing? 

Who is the AUDIENCE? 

The group of readers to whom this piece is directed (target audience). The 
audience may be one person, a small group, or a large group. Try to be as specific as 
possible in your description. Authors do not just write and hope someone will read, they 
write for a specific audience and hope for a possible broader audience than intended. 
Imagine the author having a conversation. Who is he sitting across from? Who is the 
hoped-for audience? 

What is the PURPOSE? 

The reason behind the text. This is especially important for examining rhetoric. You can 
not examine the logic or argument of a piece until you know the reason for the piece, or what the 
author is trying to tell you. What does the author hope the reader will take from the piece? 
(OCCASION is the beginning, PURPOSE is the end) 

Add examples of rhetoric and propaganda ( labeled )

AP Language Mr. Pogreba