ICAS Persuasive and Narrative Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In persuasive writing, what is the primary purpose of a 'call to action'?
- To summarize the main argument
- To urge the reader to do something specific (Correct answer)
- To introduce the opposing viewpoint
- To provide background information
Correct answer: To urge the reader to do something specific
A call to action urges the reader to take a specific step, such as signing a petition or changing a behavior.
Question 2: Which narrative technique is used when a story begins in the middle of the action?
- Flashback
- Foreshadowing
- In medias res (Correct answer)
- Exposition
Correct answer: In medias res
In medias res is a Latin term meaning 'in the middle of things,' used when a narrative begins mid-action.
Question 3: A student writes: 'Everyone agrees that school uniforms are beneficial.' What persuasive flaw does this sentence contain?
- Emotional appeal
- Hasty generalization (Correct answer)
- Red herring
- False analogy
Correct answer: Hasty generalization
Claiming 'everyone agrees' is a hasty generalization because it overstates consensus without evidence.
Question 4: In narrative writing, 'showing' rather than 'telling' means:
- Using diagrams to illustrate events
- Describing emotions and actions so readers can infer feelings (Correct answer)
- Telling the reader exactly what a character feels
- Using a first-person narrator throughout
Correct answer: Describing emotions and actions so readers can infer feelings
Showing uses descriptive detail and action so readers experience emotions directly, rather than being told 'she was sad.'
Question 5: Which organizational structure is MOST effective for a persuasive essay that addresses counterarguments?
- Chronological order
- Problem-solution with rebuttal (Correct answer)
- Spatial order
- Stream of consciousness
Correct answer: Problem-solution with rebuttal
A problem-solution structure with rebuttal acknowledges opposing views and refutes them, strengthening the writer's credibility.
Question 6: What is the effect of using second-person ('you') in persuasive writing?
- It distances the reader from the argument
- It makes the writing feel more objective
- It directly engages the reader and makes the message personal (Correct answer)
- It signals that the writer is unsure of their position
Correct answer: It directly engages the reader and makes the message personal
Second-person address directly involves the reader, making the persuasive message feel personal and immediate.
Question 7: In a personal narrative, a 'turning point' refers to:
- The introduction of the main character
- The moment of highest tension or change that alters the story's direction (Correct answer)
- The final paragraph summarizing events
- A flashback to earlier events
Correct answer: The moment of highest tension or change that alters the story's direction
A turning point is the pivotal moment in a narrative where the situation or character changes significantly.
ICAS Persuasive and Narrative Writing 2
In persuasive writing, what is the primary purpose of a 'call to action'?