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.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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.
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
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).
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Considering and emulating the use of rhetorical questions in opinion writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Considering and emulating the use of rhetorical questions in opinion writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Non-fiction: changing views unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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
Lesson video
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