Rhetoric Case File: Free Printable Quiz for Year 9

Rhetoric Case File is a free printable quiz for Year 9 (ages 13 to 14), in Key Stage 3. Children name each device, judge each claim, then unscramble the evidence. It is two A4 pages, and page 2 gives the grown-up notes, help for children who find it hard, a stretch idea and the answers.

It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to the learner and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.

What is on the sheet

The sheet works like a case file. It has multiple choice questions with three answers each. Children name each device, judge each claim, then unscramble the evidence. Along the way they practise identifying rhetorical and persuasive devices in short quotations, and using the correct English terms. They choose an answer, think about why it fits, and check it against page 2 afterwards.

• The classroom was a zoo at lunchtime.
• I have told you a million times to tidy your room.
• Do you really want to waste another year?

What is rhetoric?

Quick facts about persuasion

• The word rhetoric comes from a Greek word connected with public speaking.
• The ancient Greek thinker Aristotle wrote about how speakers persuade an audience.
• Aristotle described three kinds of appeal: to character, to emotion and to logic.
• Adverts, speeches and campaign posters all use persuasive language.
• A persuasive text can be well written and still make a weak argument.

Skills and curriculum link

• Identifying devices
• Using technical terms
• Analysing persuasive writing
• Judging claims
• Close reading

Ideas that help with rhetoric

• Writers choosePersuasive writers make deliberate choices about words. Asking why a writer chose a particular phrase is the first step in analysis.
• Audience mattersPersuasion is aimed at someone. The same message can sound very different to a friend, a teacher or a crowd.
• Claims need supportA claim is a statement someone wants you to accept. Strong writing backs it up. Weak writing just sounds confident.
• Sound and meaningSome devices work through how words sound when spoken. Others work through the pictures or feelings they create. Reading aloud helps you notice both.

Key words

• RhetoricThe art of using language to persuade or influence people.
• PersuasiveWritten or spoken to make someone agree or act.
• DeviceA technique a writer uses on purpose to create an effect.
• ClaimA statement that someone wants you to accept as true.
• EvidenceFacts or details that support a claim.
• AudienceThe people a text is written or spoken for.

How to use it

1. Print both pages. Page 1 is for the learner. Keep page 2, which has the notes and answers.
2. Read each quotation aloud first. Tap out the beat of any repeated words before choosing a device.
3. Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice, including the ones you reject.
4. Check against the notes and answers on page 2. Cover them until everyone has finished.
5. Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.

Help, stretch and game ideas

Mistakes to watch for

Talk about it

• Which advert or speech has ever persuaded you, and what did it do?
• Why might a writer repeat words rather than say something once?
• Is a confident claim always a true one? How can you tell?
• How does reading aloud change the way you hear a sentence?
• Which device would you use to persuade your family about something, and why?
• Can a persuasive text be unfair? Where would you draw the line?

Take it off the page

Who it is for

Where this fits

Before this sheet, learners in Key Stage 3 meet persuasive writing in simple forms, such as letters, leaflets and speeches. They learn to spot a writer's purpose and audience. Reading widely and talking about texts helps them reach the point where they can name individual techniques.

After this, learners move towards writing about how language works, using the right terms and short, well chosen quotations. This is central to English at Key Stage 4. They also begin to write their own persuasive pieces, choosing devices on purpose rather than by instinct.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What age is Rhetoric Case File for?

It is written for Year 9 (ages 13 to 14), in Key Stage 3. Older Year 8 learners who enjoy language may manage it too. Younger or less confident learners can use the support idea on page 2 and work with an adult.

What will children practise?

Children practise identifying rhetorical and persuasive devices in short quotations, and using the correct terms in English. They name each device, judge each claim and unscramble the evidence. The aim is to explain how persuasive writing works, not just to spot it.

How do I use it?

Print both pages and give page 1 to the learner. Read each quotation aloud first, and tap out the beat of any repeated words before choosing a device. Check answers on page 2 once everyone has finished. Talk about any wrong answers.

What if it feels too hard?

Give a glossary card with one example for each device before starting. Write your own examples rather than using any from the sheet. Suggest ruling out one answer first. Work through the first few together, then let the learner try alone.

Is it free?

Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers and sisters, other classes or later revision. Black and white printing works well on plain A4 paper.

Is this a screen free activity?

Yes. It needs only paper and a pencil, so it suits quiet time, rainy days and school holidays. Learners read carefully, think before they answer and talk about their choices without a device in the way.

Can teachers and home educators use it?

Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task or homework. Home educators and tutors can use it alone or within a wider plan. It supports classroom learning and does not replace it.