Empowering Youth Voice: Analyzing Greta Thunberg’s “How Dare You” Speech in the ELA Classroom By Laura Swilley
- Laura Swilley
- Mar 25, 2025
- 2 min read
When I teach persuasive writing and rhetorical analysis to my eighth graders, I want more than just academic understanding—I want them to feel the power of words. That’s why Greta Thunberg’s “How Dare You” speech has become one of my favorite anchor texts for teaching argument and the real-world impact of youth voices.
In just four minutes, Thunberg does what we hope all our students will learn to do: speak boldly, back up their claims with evidence, and deliver their message with unshakable conviction. Her speech to the United Nations in 2019 isn’t just an example of effective rhetoric—it’s a challenge to the next generation to speak up, take action, and believe in their power to make change.
Why This Speech Works in the Middle School ELA Classroom
Thunberg’s youth, urgency, and unapologetic tone resonate with middle schoolers. At a time when students are developing their sense of identity and justice, this speech gives them a model for channeling passion into purpose.
It’s also rich with rhetorical strategies: ethos, pathos, logos, repetition, and tone—all in a compact, powerful package. It’s accessible without being watered down. And it invites conversation about climate change, activism, and how students can use their voices for something bigger than a grade.
How I Teach It: A Snapshot
The lesson begins with a simple question: Can young people change the world? After a short video clip of Greta’s speech, we read the full transcript aloud, annotating as we go.
Then students work in small groups to analyze rhetorical strategies using a graphic organizer. They find examples of ethos, pathos, and logos, highlight Thunberg’s strategic repetition (“How dare you”), and discuss the tone—angry, urgent, unapologetic.
Finally, they write short responses analyzing one strategy or reflecting on whether they believe youth can make real change.
The Best Moments?
• When students realize how much power Greta packs into a single sentence.
• When they start debating whether her emotional tone is effective—or “too much.”
• When quiet students speak up in defense of activism.
• And especially when a student says, “Wait, she was only 16?”
Want to Try It?
You can use this lesson over one or two class periods. I’ve included a student worksheet with a rhetorical analysis chart, discussion prompts, and writing responses. It’s perfect for a nonfiction unit, Earth Day, persuasive writing practice, or anytime you want to connect literacy to real life.
⸻
Ready to empower your students?
Download the free lesson plan and materials now!
Because when students hear the voice of someone their age challenging the world, it just might inspire them to raise their own.
Comments