Web Quest: The Power of Persuasion - Spanish Armada and Rhetorical Devices

Objectives:

 Analyse rhetorical devices and their impact on historical events.

 Conduct research about the Spanish Armada and its historical context.
 Craft a persuasive speech using rhetorical devices.
 Deliver an effective oral presentation.
 Enhance vocabulary and spelling skills.
 Understand the persuasive techniques employed in speeches.
 Compare and contrast the 2 speeches.
Introduction:

In 1588, England faced a grave threat from the Spanish Armada, a mighty fleet of warships
amassed by King Philip II of Spain. In the face of this impending invasion, Queen Elizabeth I
delivered a stirring speech to her troops at Tilbury, inspiring them to defend their nation
with courage and determination. Her speech, filled with powerful rhetorical devices, became
a rallying cry for the English people and a testament to the power of words to shape history.

Tasks1:

Analyze the Rhetorical Devices in Queen Elizabeth's Speech:

a. Read Queen Elizabeth's Speech to the Troops at Tilbury.

b. While reading, copy below the reasons why Queen Elizabeth ignored the warnings
about her safety
c. Why were some people worried about her giving this speech?

d. Explain how these devices contribute to the persuasive power of the speech.
e. What difference does Queen Elizabeth point out between herself and a tyrant in lines
2–8?
f. How does she use this contrast to appeal to her audience’s sense of patriotism?
g. What rhetorical device does Elizabeth use to describe herself in lines 12–14? How
does this device help her address doubts the soldiers may have had about her ability
to lead them?
h. In lines 16–18, Elizabeth says that to avoid dishonour, she would take up arms and
lead the soldiers into battle. Traditionally, women were not allowed to have
professions in this time period, including military roles. Why might she have made
this declaration?

i. Evidence Which details in lines 19–23 reveal that in addition to being inspirational,
Elizabeth was a practical leader?

j. Identify and analyze the rhetorical devices used in the speech lines 16-26

k. Evaluate Given the historical circumstances, do you consider this to be an effective

speech? Explain why or why not.
Task 2:
Analyze the Rhetorical Devices in “For Army Infantry First Women, Heavy Packs and the
Weight of History”
1. What are two reasons offered in the text that explain why women want to join the
infantry?
2. Why has there been resistance to having women serve in the infantry?
3. What has the U.S. Army done to overcome that resistance?
4. What is the historical significance of the infantry graduation described in the article’s
final section?
5. The article’s subheadings consist of quotations from people noted by the author.
Does this approach communicate the organization and key ideas effectively? Explain
why or why not.
6. How do the women’s attitudes about their success in infantry training compare with
the Army’s official position about them?
7. Summarise the passage of the text (paragraphs 3-8)
8. Under the subheading “She’s a Hoss” write the details that support the key idea of
this section
9. Evaluate how well the subheading help you predict the details and key idea of this
section?
10. In paragraph 21, what is the mark between male and female called and why is it used
here?
11. What does the speaker mean by “Forget male – female”?
12. Mark the key details in paragraph 32 and write 3 sentences to paraphrase this
paragraph
13. Mark the key details in paragraph 42-43 that indicate Private Donovan’s feelings.
14. Why does she respond this way to her mother’s gift?

Task 3: Compare and Contrast

15. How does each author portray the ability of women to demonstrate courage and
leadership?
16. Which author has the more traditional view of differences between men and
women? And why?
17. What motivates the women in each text to overcome stereotypes about their
gender?

18. How do these texts support the right of women to serve in traditionally male roles?

Task 4: Craft a Persuasive Speech

a. Choose a topic or issue that you are passionate about.

b. Write a persuasive speech using rhetorical devices.
c. Incorporate examples from history or current events to support your arguments.

Deliver an Effective Oral Presentation:

a. Practice your speech aloud to improve your delivery.

b. Use vocal variety, pacing, and gestures to engage your audience.
c. Visual aids can enhance your presentation.

Conclusion:

Through this web quest, you have explored the power of persuasion and the impact that
words can have on history. You have learned to analyze rhetorical devices, conduct research,
craft persuasive speeches, and deliver effective oral presentations. You have also enhanced
your vocabulary and spelling skills and gained a deeper understanding of persuasive
techniques in language.