The Word Box

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is an engaging tool designed to educate students on the rhetorical device known as aporia. It starts by asking learners to identify aporia as a rhetorical device that conveys doubt. Through a fill-in-the-blank format, students are invited to use specific terms provided in a word box to complete sentences about the concept and use of aporia. For instance, they need to recognize that in rhetoric, a speaker may pose a question for which they already know the answer, underlining the strategic use of questioning in persuasive language. The exercise also extends to more nuanced applications of aporia, such as its role in drawing attention to certain points within an argument.

The latter part of the worksheet delves into differentiating between types of aporia, such as ‘tonal’ and ‘argumentative’, encouraging learners to consider how the device can either highlight the speaker’s doubt or be employed to modify the tone of the discourse. By assigning specific characteristics to each type of aporia, the activity not only deepens the student’s understanding of rhetorical strategies but also enhances their analytical skills in dissecting and constructing effective arguments. This interactive approach aids students in grasping how aporia can subtly influence the delivery and reception of arguments across various subjects, from politics to ethics.