Using rhetorical devices effectively
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create and use effective rhetorical devices.
Key learning points
- Rhetorical questions and statistics are the most used persuasive devices, they need to be crafted carefully.
- Statistics and facts need to be realistic and probable in order to add credibility to your writing.
- Rhetorical questions should be used sparingly and not in succession.
- Rhetorical questions should avoid overusing the pronoun “you”.
- A realistic fact or statistic can be combined with a rhetorical question to make it even more impactful.
Keywords
Realistic - accurate and truthful
Authoritative - having reliable knowledge or expertise which makes you appear trustworthy and believable
Probable - something that is likely or true, based on available evidence
Plausible - something that seems reasonable or believable
Credibility - to be believable, trustworthy and reliable
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
Use your knowledge of your pupils to adapt the statements in Task A. You may wish to choose topics that are more relevant or interesting to your pupils.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is an example of a persuasive speech topic?
Q2.What device is being used in this sentence: "more than 300 million [people] do not have access to the internet"?
Q3.Which rhetorical device involves using a question to make a point, rather than to elicit an answer?
Q4.Match the sentence type to the example.
It will end in our life time.
What have any of them done to deserve this?
We have to find it, stop it, and end it.
Q5.How does the use of personal anecdote contribute to persuasive writing?
Q6.When writers use personal anecdotes it can create a with the audience. What word beginning with 'r' could complete this sentence?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following best describes the impact of using facts and statistics in a speech?
Q2.When using statistics, they should be realistic and . Which word beginning with 'p' could complete this sentence?
Q3.Which of these is the most realistic and credible use of statistics?
Q4.Which one of these answers does not contribute to an effective use of rhetorical questions?
Q5.Which one of these rhetorical questions uses a subordinate clause to address the audience?
Q6.What makes this rhetorical question less effective: "58% of teens have experienced cyberbullying. Can you believe it? Don’t you want to act."?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Using rhetorical devices effectively, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Using rhetorical devices effectively, 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 Spoken language: the language of change unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.