Rhetorical & Literary Devices — Drills · Grade 9 English
Chapter: Argument & RhetoricWhat these drills covers
By the end of Rhetorical & Literary Devices you should be able to:
- I can identify rhetorical devices such as repetition, rhetorical questions, parallelism, and analogy in persuasive writing.
- I can explain how a specific rhetorical device strengthens a writer's argument.
2 questions, written answer, each with a worked explanation.
Vocabulary used: rhetorical question, parallelism, repetition, analogy, anecdote.
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
Rhetorical devices shape relationships between ideas and an audience. Repetition, parallelism, antithesis, rhetorical questions, and allusion can emphasize a claim. Show an actual application before considering the method recalled.
Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.
Response criteria
- Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
- Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
- Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
A device frames a claim; it does not supply independent evidence. State the implied answer and test it against the available information.
Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.
Response criteria
- Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
- Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
- Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.