Rhetorical devices are used in persuasive speech and writing to emphasize key points. The following are examples of rhetorical devices:

Question

● Restatement: repeating the same idea in a variety of ways
● Repetition: repeating an idea using the same words
● Parallelism: repeating grammatical structures
● Rhetorical questions: asking a question whose answer is self-evident
Repetition and parallelism are also often used in poetry to emphasize an idea or excite an emotion.
Read this passage below from Speech in the Virginia Convention by Patrick
A
Henry. Then, answer the questions.
And what have we to oppose them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. . . . We have petitioned, we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and the Parliament.
1. Give an example of a rhetorical question from the excerpt.
2. Give an example of restatement from the excerpt.
3. Is parallelism used in the above excerpt? Explain.
Write a short persuasive paragraph using at least one of the rhetorical devices
B
described above.

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© by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Rhetorical Devices
Assess
On the line next to each numbered rhetorical device, write the letter of the phrase
A
that best defines it.
1. repetition A. repeating an idea in different ways 2. restatement B. repeating an idea in the same way 3. parallelism C. asking an obvious question 4. rhetorical question D. repeating grammatical structures
Answer the following questions.
B
1. What rhetorical device is used in this excerpt from “The Explorer” by Gwendolyn Brooks?
There were no bournes.
There were no quiet rooms.
2. Why might a writer or speaker use repetition?
3. Write a persuasive paragraph on one of the following topics. Use at least two rhetorical devices in your paragraph.
a change that would improve your school
on attending school all year long
why school lunches should be longer

Answer 1

A. Rhetorical Devices Assessment

1. Repetition: B. repeating an idea in the same way
2. Restatement: A. repeating an idea in different ways
3. Parallelism: D. repeating grammatical structures
4. Rhetorical question: C. asking an obvious question

B. Answer the following questions.

1. In the excerpt from "The Explorer" by Gwendolyn Brooks, the rhetorical device used is repetition, as the phrase "There were no" is repeated at the beginning of each line to emphasize the absence of certain elements.

2. A writer or speaker might use repetition to reinforce a key idea, making it more memorable and impactful to the audience. Repetition can also create rhythm and emotional emphasis, helping to persuade or motivate listeners or readers.

C. Persuasive Paragraph

Imagine a school where students are not only eager to attend but excited to learn. A change that would radically improve our school is implementing longer school lunches. Longer lunch periods would allow students to relax, socialize, and recharge – after all, a hungry mind is not an effective mind. Imagine having the time to sit down with friends, enjoy a nutritious meal, and even participate in a fun activity before heading back to class. With longer lunch hours, we could reduce stress and improve concentration, ultimately leading to better academic performance. Isn't it time we prioritize not just learning, but also the holistic well-being of our students?