Polemic Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: SL.9-10.1.D and SL.11-12.1.D

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Polemic is a form of language that often generates a tremendous push against something or at the very least an oppositional statement in the reverse direction of it. For the most part these types of communications are pushed only at very controversial subjects or something that is rooted in politics. While many people may not be happy taking in this form of a message, they do help us to see things differently and possibly bring about change. The best way to make any decision is to find the most vocal people about both sides of an issue and then weigh all of their points against one another. Below you will find a series of worksheets that helps students understand the concept of polemic language and when it should be included in their writing and once again, when it should not.

Polemic Worksheets To Print:

Complete the Statement - Use all of the terms that are available to you for all of these sentences.

Put It To Use - Stduents will begin to understand where these things apply.

A Modest Proposal - This is a famously written letter that offered a solution to Ireland's economic crisis. Guess what it features?

The Communist Manifesto - At a high level, summarize the argument made in this text and how it fits this concept.

Graphic Organizer - This is a super helpful tool for exploring this topic as a group.

The Hunger Games - In The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Katniss Everdeen delivers the speech "stand with us".

Any Topic - You will grab a topic of your choice and use this technique.

The Problem Is... - What is something that you see as a really big problem in the world today? Describe what the problem is and why it is a problem.

Diatribe - How do these concepts relate and differ.

Technique in Use - We start to understand that you can use this technique to support or oppose something. It goes both ways.

Political Uses - This type of language is often seen surrounding political issues.

Putting It Together - Identify a controversial issue that interests you. Identify two opposing viewpoints on an issue.

In Practice - Get a feel for this rhetorical device by writing a short message, while using this technique, about each object pictured.

Is That One? - See if these statements meet the criteria that we have discussed.

Plan It - This is really helpful when you are write using this technique.

What Does the Literary Term Polemic Mean?

Polemic is described in literature as a mode of speaking or writing expressed as a strong argument or attack in relation to a specific topic. It is a rhetorical device.


The word itself stems from Greek, specifically the Greek word polemikos, which means “war.” Furthermore, individuals skilled in debates and inclined to argue vehemently against others are called polemists.


Polemics are common among people with strong opinions on controversial or anodyne topics, from talk shows hosts to social media influencers. Polemics are found to be extremely useful in formal debates. While the use of aggressive rhetoric might sound unconventional in in organized formal discussions, but this language is not to intended to insult or attack other individuals.


There's a thin line between attacking an individual's opinion on a particular subject and assaulting their character, a polemic has the potential to do both, in debates it generally clings to the former. Which enables individuals to use them as an essential tool to make a strong argument that challenges the opposition to defend their position.


Examples


The use of raw tomatoes as an ingredient in food might not be palatable for many and it's the bane of good dishes. The people that advocate tomatoes as healthy and nutritious are completely wrong. Raw tomatoes should be banned from all food items sold everywhere. Once we get rid of this devil fruit we will finally be able to cleanse the world from all evil.


The above short polemic clearly describes a clear opinion about tomatoes and disregards the idea that tomatoes can be a likeable food.


The Importance


Polemics generally arise from genuine dissatisfaction with the objectivity of rational argument. This is common with matters that rile up, enrage and agitate people rather than be contemplated calmly. Some societal issues and shortcomings need to be addressed with certain aggression.


They help express an individual's emotions about such subjects and possibly transfer to its audience. Polemics are needed for change, as emotion is one of the most driving factors that can succeed in transforming behavior or call individuals to action.


They are also perfect for delivering ideologies with vigor. Hence, polemics enable individuals to advocate for a certain cause or the express their opinion freely and confidently without the fear of ambiguity.


Why They Are Not Favored


The issue of polemics is that they venture out of the rational methods of critique. Polemicists that propose arguments just for the sake of argument with the absence of sound justification cause suspicion to arise.


Ideally, polemics are supposed to be rational and thoroughly thought-out despite their aggressive tone and verbal assault, but this necessarily isn't the case. Because the interpretation of of this type of language lies in the hand of the listeners and readers to decide if the it is logical, sound and worth listening to.