Lewis’s Voice and Vision

This rhetorical analysis worksheet is designed for students in Grades 8, 9, and 10 to deepen understanding of C.S. Lewis’s authorial style, persuasive strategies, and philosophical purpose in The Abolition of Man. Learners respond to guided short-answer prompts that examine Lewis’s tone, use of logic versus emotion, and overall intent, then reflect on how his arguments might be adapted for a modern audience. The activity strengthens critical reading, argument interpretation, and reflective thinking in literary nonfiction.

Learning Goals

• Analyzing Author’s Purpose & Perspective (Grades 8-10)
  Students identify what Lewis aims to accomplish and how his worldview shapes his writing.
• Understanding Rhetorical Strategies
  Learners examine Lewis’s reliance on reason, examples, and moral appeals rather than emotional manipulation.
• Interpreting Argument & Style
  Activities focus on tone, clarity, and structure in philosophical nonfiction.
• Modern Application & Reflection
  Students consider how Lewis’s voice and ideas would translate to today’s audience and issues.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource
  Designed by educators to align with secondary ELA, philosophy, and nonfiction standards.
• Structured Short-Response Format
  Encourages focused, thoughtful analysis without overwhelming students.
• Builds Rhetorical Awareness
  Helps students recognize how effective persuasion depends on integrity and reasoning.
• Supports Writing Development
  Analysis of Lewis’s techniques strengthens students’ own argumentative writing.
• Discussion-Ready Content
  Responses can be shared to spark conversation about rhetoric and ethics.
• Printable & No-Prep
  Easy to implement in classroom or homeschool settings.

This Lewis’s Voice and Vision worksheet helps students understand not just what C.S. Lewis argues in The Abolition of Man, but how and why he argues it. By analyzing tone, rhetoric, and purpose-and reflecting on modern relevance-learners strengthen critical thinking, rhetorical literacy, and appreciation for ethical persuasion in nonfiction writing.

This worksheet is part of our Abolition of Man collection.