Rhetorical devices that actually work
Devices are tools, not decoration. Each one does a job: build rhythm, create contrast, make an idea stick.
Part of your national curriculum
- Writing: Write for a wide range of purposes and audiences, selecting and organising ideas and information appropriately
- Grammar and vocabulary: Study the effectiveness and impact of the grammatical features of the texts they read
Lesson overview
What you'll learn in this lesson
Use rhetorical devices for effect
Key learning points
- • The useful few
- • Effect, not label
This lesson at a glance
- 25 minutes
- 12 parts to scroll through
- 3 quick checks
- Marked quiz at the end
- Gentle pace: short sittings with pauses
Words to know
Scroll down — the lesson carries on below
Watch & discover
Part 1 of 12
Visual introductionPicture this
Rhetorical devices that actually work
Devices are tools, not decoration. Each one does a job: build rhythm, create contrast, make an idea stick.
In a nutshell
Use rhetorical devices for effect
Explore the idea
Part 2 of 12
Learn
The useful few
Tricolon (three-part list) builds rhythm. Anaphora (repeated openings) builds pressure. Antithesis sets two ideas against each other. Direct address pulls the reader in.
Explore the idea
Part 3 of 12
Learn
Effect, not label
In analysis, never stop at naming the device. Say what it does to the reader and why the writer chose it there.
Reset break
Part 4 of 12
Pause
That's sitting 1 of 3 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Quick check
Part 5 of 12
Quick check
Part 6 of 12
Quick check
Part 7 of 12
Reset break
Part 8 of 12
Pause
That's sitting 2 of 3 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Challenge round
Part 9 of 12
Game · Sort it
Which of these are true?
Drag each card into the right column. Tap a card first if dragging is fiddly.
True
Not true
Challenge round
Part 10 of 12
Game · Recall cards
You are writing a letter to a council asking for a new crossing. Which opening best suits the audience and purpose?
Card 1 of 4
Mastery quiz
Part 11 of 12
Marked quiz
End of lesson quiz: Rhetorical devices that actually work
4 questions, marked with the reasoning shown. No timer.
1. You are writing a letter to a council asking for a new crossing. Which opening best suits the audience and purpose?
2. The strongest structure for a paragraph is…
3. Naming a counter-argument makes writing…
4. Which is evidence rather than assertion?
Lesson round-up
Part 12 of 12
Lesson round-up
Ready when you are
Quiz score
Not sat
Games
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Points this lesson
0
Best run
0 in a row
Luna: 0 out of 3 on the practice checks. Only if you feel up to it — one more?
Ask LunaPart 1 of 12 · Watch & discover
How this is going
- Not looked at yet
Write for a wide range of purposes and audiences, selecting and organising ideas and information appropriately
- Not looked at yet
Study the effectiveness and impact of the grammatical features of the texts they read