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Year 10
AQA

Reading an opinion article and creating rhetorical questions

I can articulate a personal response to an opinion article. I can understand what makes an effective rhetorical question and use this understanding to create my own.

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New
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Year 10
AQA

Reading an opinion article and creating rhetorical questions

I can articulate a personal response to an opinion article. I can understand what makes an effective rhetorical question and use this understanding to create my own.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Using knowledge of a writer and reading the title can help you make predictions about a text.
  2. Brooker uses irony and sarcasm to address a serious topic.
  3. Rhetorical questions can be effective as long as they are not overused.
  4. Rhetorical questions should be relevant to the topic and not rely on direct address or 'you'.

Keywords

  • Irony - something happens that is the opposite to what is expected

  • Sarcasm - to mock or be humorous, usually by saying the opposite of what you mean

  • Humorous - to be funny or entertaining

  • Popular culture - includes things like music, films, trends, and fashion that are popular at a given time and enjoyed by wider society

  • Critique - to assess or evaluate something

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?

Using a range of different opinion writers to model good practice is an effective way for students to see excellent writing. Encourage students to adapt and 'magpie' ideas and phrases.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of 'Bring Back Hanging?' by Charlie Brooker, which can be found in the additional materials.

Content guidance

  • Contains strong language
  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which reading skill can help you before reading a complex text? (Non-fiction: crime and punishment)
summarising
clarifying
Correct answer: prediction
analysis
Q2.
Which of the following would not be considered useful context when reading a non-fiction text for the first time?
what the text is about
when the text was written
who the text was written by
Correct answer: why the writer has made specific choices
Correct answer: how the writer uses language
Q3.
Which of these words is a synonym for 'credible'?
Correct answer: convincing
untrustworthy
false
unlikely
Q4.
"We need you to join our company!" is an example of ...
a rhetorical question.
Correct answer: direct address.
statistics.
rule of three.
Q5.
Which of these offers the best definition of the word 'tone'?
the main topic or subject of the writing, including the characters and setting
the writer's use of figurative language and poetic devices to create vivid image
Correct answer: the attitude or feeling that the writer conveys through their choice of words
the structure and organisation of the writing, including the introduction
Q6.
What is the purpose of considering the "form" of a piece of writing?
to impress readers with elaborate language
to express the writer's personality and emotions
Correct answer: to ensure language is appropriate, organised, and effectively communicated
to create a unique, unconventional writing style

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
"The death penalty is as old-fashioned as using a typewriter in the age of smartphones. Can we all agree it's time to move on?" Which rhetorical devices are being used here?
Correct answer: direct address
rule of three
Correct answer: rhetorical question
statistics
Q2.
Which 'S' word describes the action of trying to mock or be humorous, usually by saying the opposite of what you mean?
Correct Answer: sarcasm, sarcastic
Q3.
Which word beginning with 'I' describes a writer saying something but meaning the opposite, usually for exaggeration and effect?
Correct Answer: irony, ironic
Q4.
Which of the following is not true? Rhetorical questions …
can be used to create a rapport with the reader.
Correct answer: always need an answer.
are one of the most used devices in persuasive writing.
can be used to provoke thought.
Q5.
Which of these would not be considered helpful in making predictions about a text?
knowledge of a writer
the title
when the text was published
Correct answer: page numbers
Q6.
What features has the following sentence used? 'Like a double-edged sword, social media can be lethal. Stay enlightened, stay safe, and ensure your online presence truly matters.'
Correct answer: simile
Correct answer: repetition
rhetorical question
Correct answer: direct address

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