Analysing Rhetorical Techniques — GCSE English Language Revision
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Go to Comparing Writers' AttitudesWhat is Analysing Rhetorical Techniques?
Rhetorical techniques are the specific language devices a writer or speaker uses to persuade an audience. Analysis involves not just identifying these devices, but explaining how they work to influence the reader's thoughts and feelings and make an argument more powerful.
Board notes: Essential for analysing persuasive texts on all boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). This skill is particularly important for analysing non-fiction on Paper 2 for AQA and Edexcel.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
In a speech arguing for environmental action, a speaker might ask, 'Do we want our children to inherit a wasteland?' This rhetorical question is not meant to be answered; its purpose is to evoke a sense of guilt and responsibility in the audience, making them more receptive to the speaker's proposed solutions.
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Common mistakes
- 1Spotting a rhetorical question without explaining its intended effect. Does it make the reader feel guilty, angry, or complicit? Why?
- 2Simply listing rhetorical devices. You need to connect each device to the writer's overall argument and explain how it contributes to their persuasive purpose.
- 3Confusing rhetorical techniques with general language features. While a metaphor can be used rhetorically, you should focus on devices specifically associated with argument, such as repetition, triplets, and direct address.
Analysing Rhetorical Techniques exam questions
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Analysing Rhetorical Techniques
Core concept
Rhetorical techniques are the specific language devices a writer or speaker uses to persuade an audience. Analysis involves not just identifying these devices, but explaining how they work to influenc…
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common rhetorical devices?
Key devices include rhetorical questions, direct address ('you'), triplets (lists of three), emotive language, hyperbole (exaggeration), and repetition. These are all used to make an argument more memorable and impactful.
Where are rhetorical techniques most often used?
They are a key feature of persuasive texts such as speeches, advertisements, charity appeals, and opinion articles. You will analyse them in the non-fiction sections of your exam.