Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Back to Study HubBrowse Year 10 English Guides

Year 10 - English

Using rhetorical devices to write an effective speech

Non-fiction: changing views

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils develop their non-fiction reading and writing skills. They look at a range of nineteenth century and modern texts in tandem, and practise comparing viewpoints. They then practise emulating different techniques from the texts in order to develop their speech and opinion writing.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to write an effective speech that uses a range of rhetorical devices to persuade your audience.

Key Notes

  • The status of the recipient defined in your task will indicate the level of formality required in the speech.
  • Take a clear stance for or against the statement; alternative arguments should be refuted at least once in the piece.
  • We can employ rhetorical devices to seem relatable to the audience, grab their attention and emphasise key messages.
  • Your conclusion is your final chance to persuade the audience so use as many relevant rhetorical devices as you can.
  • A great way to end your speech is to consider what the consequences would be if people don't take action.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • refute: to prove something wrong or untrue
  • rhetorical devices: techniques used in writing or speaking to persuade or impact the audience
  • conclusion: the final part of a text, summarising key ideas and reinforcing the central message
  • authorial voice: the distinct style or tone that reflects the writer's personality or perspective
  • emphasise: to give special importance or prominence to something in writing or speech

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • In the conclusion of your speech, you should introduce one final point that helps to persuade any audience members who haven't been convinced throughout your speech.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

The status of the recipient defined in your task will indicate the level of formality required in the speech. Take a clear stance for or against the statement; alternative arguments should be refuted at least once in the piece.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'refute'

to prove something wrong or untrue.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: In the conclusion of your speech, you should introduce one final point that helps to persuade any audience members who haven't been convinced throughout your speech. Correction: Your conclusion isn't really the place to introduce new ideas as it will be tricky for you to fully develop them before you finish speaking. Instead, use the conclusion to summarise your key ideas and reinforce your central message.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 English guide library.