New
New
Year 7

Using rhetorical devices in newspaper articles

I can use a range of rhetorical devices in newspaper articles.

New
New
Year 7

Using rhetorical devices in newspaper articles

I can use a range of rhetorical devices in newspaper articles.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Rhetorical devices are used to evoke an emotion in the reader or to persuade them of something
  2. Newspaper articles typically use a range of rhetorical devices
  3. Each rhetorical device will serve a different purpose depending on the context
  4. You should create your own rhetorical devices with an intended purpose in mind

Keywords

  • Rhetorical devices - A rhetorical device is designed to have an impact on the reader, usually to evoke an emotion or to persuade.

  • Vigilant - If you are vigilant, you keep careful watch in case of danger or difficulty.

  • Credibility - If you are credible, you are trusted or believed in.

Common misconception

Rhetorical devices can be used randomly throughout work with little thought.

Show that rhetorical devices have to be used for precise effect otherwise there is no point in using them.

Investigate how different types of articles e.g. opinion articles may contain more flamboyant use of rhetorical devices than news articles. Discuss why this may be.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need a copy of the article 'A Roaring Mistake' which can be found in the additional materials.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Starting with the first, put the sections of a newspaper article in chronological order.
1 - Headline.
2 - Subheading.
3 - Opening.
4 - Main body.
5 - Tail.
Q2.
What is a language device?
A sophisticated piece of punctuation.
A sentence type.
Correct answer: A technique to help the writer meet their purpose.
Q3.
Which of the below is a language device?
A compound sentence.
An exclamation mark.
Correct answer: A simile.
Q4.
Which language device is often found in headlines?
A metaphor.
Correct answer: A pun.
Anaphora.
Q5.
Which language device is used in the headline: "Slippery Snake Escape!"
A pun.
Correct answer: Alliteration.
A simile.
Q6.
"A savage and brutal tiger attack left an innocent, well-loved zookeeper in the most desperate fight for her life." Which technique is used here?
Alliteration.
A triplet.
Correct answer: Emotive language.

6 Questions

Q1.
What is a rhetorical device?
A figure of speech.
Correct answer: A device used to have an effect on the audience.
A type of question.
Q2.
What is an anecdote?
When two words near each other start with the same sound.
When three words or phrases are used consecutively.
Correct answer: A short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.
Q3.
Which sentence uses alliteration successfully?
Beautiful gems for sale.
Correct answer: Wondrous winter is here.
A roaring mistake.
Q4.
"Winter is a cold, dark and anti-social time of year." Which rhetorical device is used here?
Direct address.
A rhetorical question.
Correct answer: A triplet.
Q5.
Which of the sentences below uses direct address?
Correct answer: The planet needs you.
The planet is in horrific condition.
The planet is calling out for help.
Q6.
What is the likely purpose of the following rhetorical device? "Do you want to prevent your grandchildren experiencing the beauty of the world?"
Correct answer: Makes the reader feel guilty.
Makes the reader feel excitement.
Makes the reader feel joy.

Additional material

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