Considering and emulating the use of rhetorical questions in opinion writing
I can understand and emulate how opinion writers use rhetorical questions for effect.
Considering and emulating the use of rhetorical questions in opinion writing
I can understand and emulate how opinion writers use rhetorical questions for effect.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Rhetorical questions engage the reader by encouraging them to consider their own opinions.
- They are structured in the same way as a normal question.
- They can be answered by the writer or left unanswered - both create different effects.
- They can be combined with direct address to effectively grab the reader’s attention.
Common misconception
A rhetorical question is never answered. It is designed to make people think.
While a rhetorical question is designed to encourage the reader or audience to consider their views on the subject matter, a writer can choose to answer the rhetorical question conveying their opinions (but they don't have to).
Keywords
Rhetorical questions - questions posed for effect, not requiring an answer, to emphasise a point
Opinion writing - writing that expresses personal views on a topic, backed by reasoning, to persuade or inform readers
Direct address - speaking directly to the audience using "you" to engage and involve them in the message
Personal pronouns - words like "I", "you" and "we" used to refer to individuals or groups in place of their names
Equipment
You will need to access to a copy of the Guardian article 'All zoos should be closed - other species have rights' by Philip Hoare. There is a link attached in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
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).
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