Considering and emulating the use of hyperbole in opinion writing
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use hyperbole in opinion writing to engage readers and craft a relatable written voice.
Key learning points
- We can use contextual information to make predictions about what we expect to see in a text.
- Forming a personal response to a text involves considering how the writer's attitude changes as a text progresses.
- Hyperbole is when writers exaggerate for dramatic effect.
- Hyperbole can help readers to empathise with and relate to a writer.
- It can also help to build suspense and maintain ready engagement.
Keywords
Hyperbole - exaggerated claims not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis
Opinion writing - writing that expresses personal views on a topic, backed by reasoning, to persuade or inform readers
Rhetorical question - questions posed for effect, not requiring an answer, to emphasise a point
Colloquial - informal language used in everyday conversation
Empathise - understanding and sharing the feelings of another person, showing emotional connection
Common misconception
Hyperbole and exaggeration are the same thing.
Exaggeration is a broad term for overstating something beyond the truth, while hyperbole is a specific type of exaggeration used deliberately for emphasis or effect, often in a dramatic or humorous way.
Teacher tip
In order to prepare for Task B, you could show students videos of past Glastonbury performances (or other music festivals). This may help those who are unfamiliar with them.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Telegraph article 'Are we having fun yet?' by Elizabeth Day (2005). A copy of it can be found in the additional materials.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is opinion writing?
Q2.What is a rhetorical question?
Q3.Which of these is an example of colloquial language?
Q4.What does it mean to form a personal response to a text?
Q5.What does subtle mean?
Q6.When responding to a text, which of the options below could be useful synonyms for 'this suggests'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is being described here: 'exaggerated claims not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis'?
Q2.Which of the following contexts is useful to consider when forming your initial response to a non-fiction text?
Q3.Elizabeth Day's article is called 'Are we there yet?'. What inferences can we make from the title?
Q4.Which of these is an example of hyperbole?
Q5.Complete this sentence: We can use contextual information to make about what we expect to see in a text.
Q6.What two effects does Day's use of hyperbole create?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Considering and emulating the use of hyperbole 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 hyperbole 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.