questions posed for effect, not requiring an answer, to emphasise a point

writing that expresses personal views on a topic, backed by reasoning, to persuade or inform readers

speaking directly to the audience using "you" to engage and involve them in the message

words like "I", "you" and "we" used to refer to individuals or groups in place of their names

Considering and emulating the use of rhetorical questions in opinion writing

English

In 'Non-Fiction: Changing Views', pupils compare language choices used in non-fiction texts. In 'Non-Fiction: Teenage Kicks', pupils evaluate how authors use language, to express similar or differing viewpoints.

In 'Non-Fiction: Crime and Punishment', pupils analyse the language choices of authors in non-fiction texts. In 'Non-Fiction: Changing Views', pupils compare language choices in non-fiction texts.

Non-fiction: changing views

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

a question that provides factual information

only when used at the end of a piece of writing

only when it is used as an opening sentence

Should a rhetorical question be answered?

It need to be structured as a question (question word(s) and a question mark).

It should used to emphasise key ideas only.

It can be answered by the writer but it doesn’t have to be.

It should be used only at the beginning or end of a paragraph.

Which of these is not a top tip for using rhetorical questions?

How has technology changed the way we communicate?

Is our dependence on smartphones making us less human?

Could the internet be widening the gap between rich and poor?

Which of the rhetorical questions below would be least effective in an opinion piece about the rise of technology?

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?

'How many of you own a smartphone? Hold up your hands and I'll count them.'

'Have you ever gone a full day with no social media?'

'Have you ever considered what technology does to your brain?'

Which of these rhetorical questions are used incorrectly?

What is being described here: 'speaking directly to the audience using "you" to engage and involve them in the message'?

Which of the following words are personal pronouns?

writing that provides factual information without any personal bias

writing that tells a fictional story for entertainment

writing that expresses a personal viewpoint supported by reasons and evidence

writing that describes a process or gives instructions

Which punctuation mark is being described here: 'a piece of punctuation that can separate two closely related clauses'?

presenting personal opinions with supporting arguments

providing factual information without personal bias

using reasoning and evidence to persuade the reader

Which of these does not apply to opinion writing?

What should you aim to do on the first line of your opinion piece?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz