Reading an opinion article and creating rhetorical questions
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can articulate a personal response to an opinion article. I can understand what makes an effective rhetorical question and use this understanding to create my own.
Key learning points
- Using knowledge of a writer and reading the title can help you make predictions about a text.
- Brooker uses irony and sarcasm to address a serious topic.
- Rhetorical questions can be effective as long as they are not overused.
- Rhetorical questions should be relevant to the topic and not rely on direct address or 'you'.
Keywords
Irony - something happens that is the opposite to what is expected
Sarcasm - to mock or be humorous, usually by saying the opposite of what you mean
Humorous - to be funny or entertaining
Popular culture - includes things like music, films, trends, and fashion that are popular at a given time and enjoyed by wider society
Critique - to assess or evaluate something
Common misconception
Placing ambiguous, short questions with direct address at the end of sentences is an effective rhetorical question. For example: 'Do you/don't you agree?'
Think about the purpose of a rhetorical question and why we use them. Is this the best way to challenge and provoke thought or get a reaction from your audience?
Teacher tip
Using a range of different opinion writers to model good practice is an effective way for students to see excellent writing. Encourage students to adapt and 'magpie' ideas and phrases.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of 'Bring Back Hanging?' by Charlie Brooker, which can be found in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Contains strong language
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which reading skill can help you before reading a complex text? (Non-fiction: crime and punishment)
Q2.Which of the following would not be considered useful context when reading a non-fiction text for the first time?
Q3.Which of these words is a synonym for 'credible'?
Q4."We need you to join our company!" is an example of ...
Q5.Which of these offers the best definition of the word 'tone'?
Q6.What is the purpose of considering the "form" of a piece of writing?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1."The death penalty is as old-fashioned as using a typewriter in the age of smartphones. Can we all agree it's time to move on?" Which rhetorical devices are being used here?
Q2.Which 'S' word describes the action of trying to mock or be humorous, usually by saying the opposite of what you mean?
Q3.Which word beginning with 'I' describes a writer saying something but meaning the opposite, usually for exaggeration and effect?
Q4.Which of the following is not true? Rhetorical questions …
Q5.Which of these would not be considered helpful in making predictions about a text?
Q6.What features has the following sentence used? 'Like a double-edged sword, social media can be lethal. Stay enlightened, stay safe, and ensure your online presence truly matters.'
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Reading an opinion article and creating rhetorical questions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Reading an opinion article and creating rhetorical questions, 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: crime and punishment unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.