Rhetorical & Literary Devices — Practice · Grade 9 English

Chapter: Argument & Rhetoric

What this practice covers

By the end of Rhetorical & Literary Devices you should be able to:

11 questions, multiple choice and written answer, each with a worked explanation.

Vocabulary used: rhetorical question, parallelism, repetition, analogy, anecdote.

Problem 1

'Is this truly the kind of town we want to live in?' is an example of…
  1. an analogy
  2. a rhetorical question
  3. an anecdote
  4. a counterclaim
Answer and explanation

a rhetorical question

This question isn't asking for information — it's designed to lead the reader to agree, making it a rhetorical question.

Problem 2

Explain how parallelism (repeating a grammatical pattern) can make an argument more persuasive, even without adding new evidence.
Answer and explanation

Parallelism creates rhythm and makes ideas feel connected and inevitable, which makes the argument more memorable and confident-sounding, even though it doesn't add any new facts.

Problem 3

'Ignoring climate change is like ignoring a check-engine light until the car breaks down on the highway.' This sentence is an example of…
  1. repetition
  2. an analogy
  3. a rhetorical question
  4. direct evidence
Answer and explanation

an analogy

Comparing climate change to a check-engine light maps an abstract issue onto a familiar, relatable situation — that's an analogy.

Problem 4

Find or write one short example (2–3 sentences) of a rhetorical device being used to make a point, and name which device it is.
Answer and explanation

Answers vary; accept any original 2–3 sentence example that clearly demonstrates repetition, parallelism, a rhetorical question, or an analogy, correctly labeled.

Problem 5

A writer uses a moving three-sentence story about one struggling small business owner, then pivots to citywide statistics about small business closures. What is the MOST likely purpose of opening with the anecdote?
  1. To provide the only necessary evidence for the argument
  2. To make the statistic feel human and emotionally resonant before presenting the broader data
  3. To distract from a weak claim entirely
  4. To fulfill a formatting requirement with no persuasive purpose
Answer and explanation

To make the statistic feel human and emotionally resonant before presenting the broader data

Anecdotes are often used to humanize an issue before or alongside data, making the abstract statistic land with more emotional weight.

Problem 6

Explain the rhetorical question and the distinction it emphasizes. Give a detail and explain its relevance.
Answer and explanation

The implied no separates appearance from environmental conditions. The question encourages scrutiny of photographs, but evidence is still needed to establish the actual water quality.

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 7

A learner writes: “A rhetorical question proves its implied answer.” Explain the problem and produce a better response.
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.

Problem 8

Compare what you must inspect in these two cases. What can transfer, and what must be checked again?
Answer and explanation

Rhetorical devices shape relationships between ideas and an audience. Repetition, parallelism, antithesis, rhetorical questions, and allusion can emphasize a claim. The method transfers, but the particular detail, scope, and context must be read again. The implied no separates appearance from environmental conditions. The question encourages scrutiny of photographs, but evidence is still needed to establish the actual water quality.

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 9

Using an assigned reading or one exercise source, write a developed response applying rhetorical & literary devices. Aim for 180–250 words; name the reading or reproduce the sentence you revise.
Answer and explanation

Repeating “a record” places achievements, resources, and limitations on the same grammatical level. The structure argues for accountable reporting rather than celebration alone. A complete response supplies context, a focused claim, a brief supporting detail, explanation, and a relevant qualification. Do not simply repeat this model.

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 10

Write two specific feedback comments on a response to this unit: one on accuracy or meaning and one on evidence or language. Then state a revision priority.
Answer and explanation

Check whether the response explains rhetorical devices shape relationships between ideas and an audience. repetition, parallelism, antithesis, rhetorical questions, and allusion can emphasize a claim. Ask for a relevant detail and the reason it supports the conclusion. Prioritize the mistaken assumption shown here: “A rhetorical question proves its implied answer.”

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 11

Choose a fresh sentence or detail from the assigned selection. Explain how this unit’s method applies, and identify one uncertainty or limitation.
Answer and explanation

The archive proposal values participation, the historian asks for traceable uncertainty, and the resident asks for consent. A labeled memory layer with dates and participant approval connects these concerns without turning memory into the original map. The response must supply its own precise detail and explain it; copying the model without fresh evidence is insufficient.

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.

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