Considering and emulating the use of rhetorical questions in opinion writing
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand and emulate how opinion writers use rhetorical questions for effect.
Key learning points
- Rhetorical questions engage the reader by encouraging them to consider their own opinions.
- They are structured in the same way as a normal question.
- They can be answered by the writer or left unanswered - both create different effects.
- They can be combined with direct address to effectively grab the reader’s attention.
Keywords
Rhetorical questions - questions posed for effect, not requiring an answer, to emphasise a point
Opinion writing - writing that expresses personal views on a topic, backed by reasoning, to persuade or inform readers
Direct address - speaking directly to the audience using "you" to engage and involve them in the message
Personal pronouns - words like "I", "you" and "we" used to refer to individuals or groups in place of their names
Common misconception
A rhetorical question is never answered. It is designed to make people think.
While a rhetorical question is designed to encourage the reader or audience to consider their views on the subject matter, a writer can choose to answer the rhetorical question conveying their opinions (but they don't have to).
Teacher tip
The task slide for Task B includes a summary of the key ideas in Hoare's article (needed to write a response to it for this task) however you may wish to omit this and instead work with the class to summarise the text together. This might better support their understanding of the text.
Equipment
You will need to access to a copy of the Guardian article 'All zoos should be closed - other species have rights' by Philip Hoare. There is a link attached in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is being described here: 'speaking directly to the audience using "you" to engage and involve them in the message'?
Q2.Which of the following words are personal pronouns?
Q3.What is opinion writing?
Q4.Which punctuation mark is being described here: 'a piece of punctuation that can separate two closely related clauses'?
Q5.Which of these does not apply to opinion writing?
Q6.What should you aim to do on the first line of your opinion piece?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a rhetorical question?
Q2.Should a rhetorical question be answered?
Q3.Which of these is not a top tip for using rhetorical questions?
Q4.Which of the rhetorical questions below would be least effective in an opinion piece about the rise of technology?
Q5.It can be really effective to combine rhetorical questions with to grab the reader's attention and encourage them to consider their own views on the topic. Which two words are missing?
Q6.Which of these rhetorical questions are used incorrectly?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Considering and emulating the use of rhetorical questions in opinion writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Considering and emulating the use of rhetorical questions in opinion writing, 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 4 English lessons from the Non-fiction: changing views unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.