Virginia SOL 11.C.2.A.iv
The Standard
Utilizing rhetorical techniques (e.g., ethos, pathos, and logos), repetition, and figurative language to deliver a message.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English · Speaking and Presentation of Ideas
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students plan and deliver an oral report or opinion for a clear audience and purpose. They use ethos, pathos, logos, repetition, and figurative language to strengthen the message.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student presents a focused claim or explanation, supports it with accurate details, and speaks clearly. Rhetorical choices fit the audience, while repetition and figurative language highlight key ideas without distracting.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may label any fact as logos, any personal story as pathos, or confidence alone as ethos. They may repeat points without purpose, mix metaphors, or rely on emotion instead of evidence.
How to Assess It
- Give students five minutes to prepare a 90-second response to: “Should our school limit phone use during class?” Require credibility, evidence, emotional appeal, purposeful repetition, and one metaphor or simile.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups claim, evidence, and audience cards; have them arrange a 60-second pitch using ethos, pathos, logos, and purposeful repetition.
Ask students to annotate a short speech, then explain which rhetorical move best fits its audience and why.
Run a technique sort: teams label sample lines as ethos, pathos, logos, repetition, or figurative language, then revise one weak line.
Have students record a school announcement that persuades classmates to attend an event, using evidence, audience appeal, and one memorable image.
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Related Standards
- 6.C.2.A.iii
Using language, vocabulary, and style appropriate to the audience, topic, and purpose.
- 4.C.2.A.iii
Using language (formal or informal) and style as appropriate to the audience, topic, or purpose.
- 9.RI.2.C
Analyze how authors use rhetorical devices to create ethos, logos, and pathos and impact the reader.
- 12.C.2.A.iii
Incorporating various rhetorical devices to enhance purpose and strengthening clarity of ideas.
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