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Year 9

Persuasive writing: using credible and effective rhetorical devices

I can create credible and effective rhetorical devices.

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Year 9

Persuasive writing: using credible and effective rhetorical devices

I can create credible and effective rhetorical devices.

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Share activities with pupils
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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Statistics and facts can be used to make your speeches sound authoritative.
  2. Statistics and facts need to be realistic in order to add credibility to your writing.
  3. Statistics should not be overused or they risk losing their impact.
  4. Creating and using experts in your persuasive writing can add interest and help to support your argument.
  5. Using both direct and indirect quotations can help to develop your argument.

Keywords

  • Credible - to be believable, trustworthy and reliable

  • Authoritative - having reliable knowledge or expertise which makes you appear trustworthy and believable

  • Illustrate - to clarify or support a presented argument

  • Realistic - accurate and truthful

Common misconception

When writing persuasively you should use as many rhetorical devices as possible.

Whilst using rhetorical devices is a great way to engage your audience, they need to be used sparingly and crafted carefully to ensure they don't lose their impact.


To help you plan your year 9 english lesson on: Persuasive writing: using credible and effective rhetorical devices, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You may wish to give your pupils some time to find their own expert quotations or provide them with some. They can then be adapted and used for future transactional pieces of writing.
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Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
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Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is an important aspect when expressing a viewpoint in persuasive writing?
using a passive tone
Correct answer: establishing rapport with the audience
ignoring the audience's perspective
using complex language to impress the audience
Q2.
Which of the following is a characteristic of an effective anecdote?
being lengthy and detailed
having no connection to the main theme
being boring and uninteresting
Correct answer: linking to the central theme and illustrating the issue
Q3.
Which answer presents the most effective way to create an inclusive tone?
repeatedly using direct address and the pronoun "you"
using confrontational language
Correct answer: using pronouns like "we" and "us"
using words that provoke strong emotions like anger
Q4.
Which of these sentence types is usually posed as a question?
declarative
Correct answer: interrogative
imperative
Q5.
Which of these sentences would be considered an imperative sentence?
Are you going to take action?
Correct answer: Take action now!
For change to happen, action is needed.
Q6.
Which of the following statements about the tone of persuasive writing is accurate?
A confrontational tone is always the most effective.
A passive tone is the best way to engage the audience.
Using humour can be engaging, but it should never be used in serious topics.
Correct answer: Creating a convincing and inclusive tone is much more effective.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these should a fact or statistic not be:
realistic
Correct answer: exaggerated
credible
probable
Q2.
Which word beginning with 'c' means to be believable, trustworthy and reliable?
Correct Answer: credible, credibility
Q3.
Which of these is the most realistic and credible use of statistics?
Correct answer: Women make up 15% of the RAF.
The gender pay gap has increased by 10,000%.
This week 6000 young women were denied access to social gaming circles.
2 million women have signed up to join the British Army this year.
Q4.
'Uses own words to paraphrase or express ideas from another source.' What type of quotation is being described here?
Correct Answer: indirect, indirect quotation , an indirect quote, an indirect quotation , indirect quote
Q5.
Which of these answers is an example of a direct quotation?
Dr. Butterworth suggests that only 24% percent of STEM graduates are women.
Like Emma Watson, I too am highlighting the importance of unity and solidarity.
Correct answer: As Emmeline Pankhurst surmises: "women are human beings".
Q6.
When writing persuasively, it can be effective to create an authoritative tone. Which definition best matches the word 'authoritative'?
warm and inviting in tone
Correct answer: commanding or confident in manner
uncertain or hesitant in approach
humorous or lighthearted in style