Create Rhetorical Device Examples Based on a Topic

Once your students have an understanding of what rhetorical devices are, they’ll need practice creating their own examples of these handy tools of persuasion! This engaging set of worksheets encourages students to explore various rhetorical devices while expressing their opinions on topics of their choosing.

Here’s how it works:

1. Choose a Topic – Students must select one of the thought-provoking topics from the options provided. There are nine topics to choose from.
2. Pick a Side – Students must decide whether they stand for or against their chosen topic. This decision sets the stage for students to build persuasive device examples.
3. Compose Rhetorical Devices – Students will craft sentences using a variety of rhetorical devices in order to convince others of their viewpoint. 
4. Share and Evaluate – Students will share their sentences with a peer, who will evaluate the level of persuasiveness of the arguments presented.

The rhetorical devices explored in this worksheet are:

• Rhetorical question
• Emotive language
• High modality
• Repetition
• Inclusive language
• Alliteration
• Simile or metaphor
• The rule of three
• Exaggeration
• Opinion
• Facts/evidence

This rhetorical devices worksheet downloads as a black-and-white PDF or an editable Google Slide. The Google Slide is a great option should you wish your students to type their sentences directly into the worksheet.

By engaging in this activity, students will not only deepen their understanding of what rhetorical devices are but also gain experience in crafting these devices in order to support a specific viewpoint.

How to Differentiate This Rhetorical Devices Worksheet

As teachers, we’re always looking for ways to cater to the different learning styles, interests and ability levels of our students. Here’s some suggestions as to how you might differentiate this rhetorical devices worksheet in your elementary school classroom:

1. Consider Pair or Group Work – While some students may be best suited to completing this task independently, others may find the task more engaging if completed with a partner or small group. Foster teamwork by having students collaborate on a chosen topic, sharing ideas and combining rhetorical devices for a well-rounded argument.
2. Topic Options to Enhance Interest – Topic options enable your students to pinpoint the argument that best aligns with their personal interests. Help direct your students to the topics they may be most knowledgeable or passionate about to ensure they can think of some great rhetorical device examples to support their argument!
3. Vary the Task Requirements – Looking for ways to extend your more-capable learners? Instead of writing separate sentences for each rhetorical device, why not have them incorporate these into one extended paragraph response? With fewer restrictions on their work, your confident writers can really show what they are capable of!

Download to Explore Rhetorical Devices

As mentioned above, this rhetorical devices worksheet downloads as either an easy-print PDF or an editable Google Slides version. Use the Download button to access your preferred file format. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template on your personal drive before accessing it.)

Please consider printing this worksheet double-sided for sustainability purposes.

More Great Rhetorical Devices Resources

Looking for more teacher-created resources to facilitate your teaching of rhetorical devices? Teach Starter has many great curriculum-aligned options for you to explore!

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