Persuasive Language & Techniques Quiz

What is the purpose of alliteration in persuasive language?

• To provide statistical evidence

• To repeat consonants at the start of words to add humour, create a dramatic effect, or help an idea stay in the audience's mind

• To ask questions that do not require an answer

• To divert attention away from the main issue

Answer explanation

The purpose of alliteration in persuasive language is to repeat consonants at the start of words to add humour, create a dramatic effect, or help an idea stay in the audience's mind.

What is the effect of using emotive words and phrases in persuasive language?

• To make the audience feel some emotion

• To present information in a sequence

• To compare two unlike things directly

• To repeat words for emphasis

Answer explanation

Using emotive words and phrases in persuasive language is intended to make the audience feel some emotion, which is the effect of using such language.

What is the role of rhetorical questions in persuasive language?

• To require an answer from the audience

• To make the audience laugh

• To plant ideas in the audience's mind and suggest a point of view subtly

• To present information in a particular sequence

Answer explanation

Rhetorical questions in persuasive language are used to plant ideas in the audience's mind and suggest a point of view subtly.

How does presenting information in a particular sequence affect persuasion?

• It makes the audience ask questions

• It uses humour to divert attention

• It has a greater impact when information is presented first

• It repeats words and phrases for emphasis

Answer explanation

Presenting information in a particular sequence has a greater impact when information is presented first, which affects persuasion.

What is the effect on the reader when a persuasive technique appeals to togetherness or patriotism?

• It makes the reader question the credibility of the argument.

• It is designed to make the reader feel guilty if they don't become involved or fearful of being left out.

• It provides the reader with a sense of humor about the topic.

• It encourages the reader to disregard the argument.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is designed to make the reader feel guilty if they don't become involved or fearful of being left out, which is a common persuasive technique to appeal to togetherness or patriotism.

What is the purpose of quoting experts in a persuasive argument?

• To confuse the reader with complex terminology.

• To weaken the argument by introducing doubt.

• To impress the audience and suggest that experts agree with the speaker.

• To provide a distraction from the main argument.

Answer explanation

Quoting experts in a persuasive argument is done to impress the audience and suggest that experts agree with the speaker, strengthening the argument.

How does mentioning children or pets in a persuasive argument affect the reader?

• It makes the reader focus on the financial aspects of the argument.

• It appeals to the reader's logical reasoning.

• It appeals to the reader's love of children and pets and desire to protect them.

• It causes the reader to lose interest in the argument.

Answer explanation

Mentioning children or pets in a persuasive argument appeals to the reader's love of children and pets and desire to protect them.

What is the effect of using anecdotes in a persuasive argument?

• They provide statistical evidence to support the argument.

• They make the argument less personal and more formal.

• They provoke the reader to feel sympathy and give the writer more authority.

• They distract the reader from the main points of the argument.

Answer explanation

Anecdotes provoke the reader to feel sympathy and give the writer more authority, making them effective in a persuasive argument.

What does hyperbole or exaggeration do in a persuasive argument?

• It clarifies the argument by providing specific details.

• It undermines the argument by making it less believable.

• It emphasizes the argument.

• It provides a factual basis for the argument.

Answer explanation

Hyperbole or exaggeration emphasizes the argument by making it more impactful and memorable.