Writing the second paragraph of a persuasive letter to Sherlock Holmes | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

Which of the following will we not include in a persuasive paragraph of our letter to Sherlock Holmes?

• a reason why we think Holmes should investigate

• evidence to support the reason

• a summary of what has happened

• persuasive techniques

Answer explanation

A persuasive paragraph must give a reason for our viewpoint followed by evidence and mixed with a range of persuasive techniques. The summary of what has happened will have been given in the introduction.

Which of the following are persuasive techniques?

• presumption

• flattery

• rhetorical question

• semi-colon

Answer explanation

A semi-colon is a cohesive device that can connect two complete sentences; this is a cohesive device, but it is not a persuasive technique. Using a range of persuasive techniques helps us to convince our reader to help.

Which sentences include a persuasive technique?

• The local police have not been of any help.

• Surely you would not want this situation to continue, would you?

• If you do not help, the situation will continue to get worse.

• It would be really nice if you could help.

Answer explanation

In these examples, veiled threat and rhetorical questions are used. A veiled threat is designed to make the reader feel guilty for not helping and a rhetorical question is designed to make them consider the question.

After which word should the colon be placed in this sentence? 'The community is feeling very unsafe many people fear the Hound must be real.'

• unsafe

• people

• fear

• feeling

Answer explanation

What comes on either side of the colon must be capable of being a complete sentence. The colon introduces the explanation to what came before it.

Which sentence has a colon for explanation in the correct position?

• I desperately need your help if the Hound is real, I am in: serious danger.

• I desperately need your help: if the Hound is real, I am in serious danger.

• I desperately need your help if: the Hound is real, I am in serious danger.

• I desperately need your: help if the Hound is real, I am in serious danger.

Answer explanation

What comes on either side of the colon must be capable of being a complete sentence. The colon introduces the explanation to what came before it.

Which persuasive technique is used here? 'I look forward to hearing your solution to this problem very soon.'

• veiled threat

• flattery

• presumption

• rhetorical question

Answer explanation

The writer is acting as if the reader has already agreed to help by 'presuming' that they will reply with a solution.