MYP 1 Language and Literature · Speak to be Heard

Devices for speakers

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  1. Question 1

    A speaker says, "We will not give up. We will not back down. We will not be silenced." What device is this, and what effect does it create?
    No clue? Show me the answer
    Correct answerCorrect!Incorrect
    AAnaphora, which builds energy and makes the message stick through repeated opening words

    Step-by-step walkthrough

    Choose a solution method

    Method #1Direct reasoning

    Step 1: Spot the pattern

    The phrase "We will not" is repeated at the start of three sentences in a row.

    Step 2: Name the device

    Repeating the same words at the beginning of successive sentences is the definition of anaphora.

    Step 3: Consider the effect

    This kind of repetition builds rhythm and energy, making the message more memorable for the audience.

    Step 4: Confirm the answer

    The correct option names anaphora and correctly links it to building energy and memorability.

    Method #2Process of elimination

    Step 1: Rule out rhetorical question

    There is no question mark or questioning structure here, so it cannot be a rhetorical question.

    Step 2: Rule out call to action

    The lines describe resistance, not a direct instruction telling the audience what to do next.

    Step 3: Rule out tone alone

    Tone is the overall attitude, not the specific repeated structure shown in this example.

    Step 4: Confirm anaphora

    Only anaphora correctly identifies the repeated opening words and their energising effect.

  2. Question 2

    In a speech about climate change, the speaker asks, "How many more storms must destroy our homes before we act?" What is the most likely purpose of this rhetorical question?
    No clue? Show me the answer
    Correct answerCorrect!Incorrect
    BTo make the audience reflect on the urgency of the problem without expecting a spoken reply

    Step-by-step walkthrough

    Choose a solution method

    Method #1Direct reasoning

    Step 1: Notice the question form

    The sentence is phrased as a question but is not meant to get a literal spoken answer.

    Step 2: Recall the purpose

    Rhetorical questions are used to make an audience think and feel something, not to gather information.

    Step 3: Match to the example

    Here the question pushes listeners to feel urgency about acting on climate change.

    Step 4: Confirm the answer

    The option describing reflection on urgency best matches the purpose of this rhetorical question.

    Method #2Process of elimination

    Step 1: Rule out factual request

    The speaker is not genuinely asking for statistics, so this option misreads the device's purpose.

    Step 2: Rule out call to action

    There is no direct instruction here, only a question meant to provoke thought.

    Step 3: Rule out anaphora

    This is a single question, not repeated opening words across multiple sentences.

    Step 4: Confirm reflection on urgency

    The rhetorical question works by prompting silent reflection, matching the correct option.

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