Writing: Advanced Argumentation & Persuasion C1
Lesson 3: Using Rhetorical Devices for Persuasive Effect
Listen to key concepts and examples.
Before You Start: C1 Core Concepts 🧠
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
This lesson is about the *techniques* of persuasion.
Why Use Rhetorical Devices?
At a C1 level, a strong argument isn't just about good ideas; it's about good presentation. Rhetorical devices give your writing rhythm and power. They make your ideas stick in the reader's mind.
B1/B2 Argument (Clear, but "Flat")
"We need to protect the environment. It is important. Pollution is bad. We should do more to help."
C1 Argument (Persuasive & Memorable)
"Can we truly stand by while our planet suffers? We have a choice. We have a duty. We have a future to protect. This is not just a problem; it is a challenge, an opportunity, and a responsibility."
The C1 argument uses a Rhetorical Question, Anaphora (We have...), and a Tricolon (challenge, opportunity, responsibility) to create a powerful, emotional impact.
Your C1 Persuasion Toolkit 🛠️ (Click 🔊)
Master these four devices to make your writing more sophisticated.
A question you ask not for an answer, but to make the reader think and agree with you.
- Is it not time we demanded better for our city?
- How can we ignore this problem any longer?
Asking a question and then immediately answering it yourself. This guides your reader's thoughts.
- So what is the solution? The solution is...
- Why does this matter? It matters because...
Repeating a word or phrase at the beginning of clauses to build emotion and rhythm.
- We cannot accept this. We cannot be silent. We cannot fail.
- It is our hope. It is our dream. It is our future.
Listing three related items in a row. It feels complete and satisfying to the reader.
- Our plan must be fair, just, and equitable.
- We will invest in our schools, our hospitals, and our infrastructure.
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Identify the Rhetorical Device
Read the examples and choose the primary device being used. Click "Check Answers" when done.
1. Text: "This is our moment. This is our chance. This is our time."
2. Text: "What is the biggest problem facing Cambodia today? In my view, it is the lack of skilled labor available for our growing high-tech industries."
3. Text: "How can we, in good conscience, ignore the plastic waste that chokes our rivers and oceans?"
What is the *purpose* of this sentence?
Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)
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Rhetoric
The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.
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Persuasive
Good at convincing someone to do or believe something.
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Anaphora
The repetition of a word or phrase at the *beginning* of successive sentences.
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Hypophora
A figure of speech in which a writer raises a question and then immediately answers it.
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Tricolon (Rule of Three)
A series of three parallel words, phrases, or clauses.
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Parallelism
Keeping the same grammatical structure for items in a list. (e.g., "to invest, to manage, to save").
Your Writing Mission ⭐
Write a Persuasive Paragraph
Your mission is to write one short, persuasive paragraph (3-5 sentences) on a topic you care about (e.g., traffic, education, technology, the environment).
Your paragraph must use at least TWO different rhetorical devices from this lesson. Underline them in your notebook.
Example:
"Why is art education important? (Hypophora) Because it teaches us what makes us human. It teaches creativity, empathy, and critical thinking. (Tricolon) Can we really afford to graduate students who lack these skills? (Rhetorical Question)"