Using rhetorical devices in newspaper articles
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a range of rhetorical devices in newspaper articles.
Key learning points
- Rhetorical devices are used to evoke an emotion in the reader or to persuade them of something
- Newspaper articles typically use a range of rhetorical devices
- Each rhetorical device will serve a different purpose depending on the context
- You should create your own rhetorical devices with an intended purpose in mind
Keywords
Rhetorical devices - A rhetorical device is designed to have an impact on the reader, usually to evoke an emotion or to persuade.
Vigilant - If you are vigilant, you keep careful watch in case of danger or difficulty.
Credibility - If you are credible, you are trusted or believed in.
Common misconception
Rhetorical devices can be used randomly throughout work with little thought.
Show that rhetorical devices have to be used for precise effect otherwise there is no point in using them.
Teacher tip
Investigate how different types of articles e.g. opinion articles may contain more flamboyant use of rhetorical devices than news articles. Discuss why this may be.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the article 'A Roaring Mistake' which can be found in the additional materials.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Starting with the first, put the sections of a newspaper article in chronological order.
Q2.What is a language device?
Q3.Which of the below is a language device?
Q4.Which language device is often found in headlines?
Q5.Which language device is used in the headline: "Slippery Snake Escape!"
Q6."A savage and brutal tiger attack left an innocent, well-loved zookeeper in the most desperate fight for her life." Which technique is used here?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a rhetorical device?
Q2.What is an anecdote?
Q3.Which sentence uses alliteration successfully?
Q4."Winter is a cold, dark and anti-social time of year." Which rhetorical device is used here?
Q5.Which of the sentences below uses direct address?
Q6.What is the likely purpose of the following rhetorical device? "Do you want to prevent your grandchildren experiencing the beauty of the world?"
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Using rhetorical devices in newspaper articles, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Using rhetorical devices in newspaper articles, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the Sherlock Holmes: short stories unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.