ICAS Persuasive and Narrative Writing Questions and Answers

Question 1

A character in a story is torn between reporting their best friend for breaking a school rule and staying silent to protect the friendship.
This dilemma causes the character significant stress and worry.
Which type of narrative conflict does this situation primarily represent?

Accepted Answer

Character vs. Self

Answer

Character vs. Nature

Answer

Character vs. Society

Answer

Character vs. Character

Question 2

Which of the following sentences best demonstrates the narrative technique of 'showing, not telling'?

Accepted Answer

His shoulders slumped and he stared at the floor, avoiding everyone's eyes.

Answer

The room was very cold.

Answer

She was incredibly happy to see him.

Answer

The test was extremely difficult.

Question 3

An advertisement for a new sports drink includes the line: 'Don't you deserve the best hydration to achieve your peak performance?' What persuasive technique is being used here?

Accepted Answer

Rhetorical question

Answer

Appeal to authority

Answer

Use of statistics

Answer

Repetition

Question 4

A student is writing a persuasive letter to the principal arguing for a new recycling program at school. Which piece of evidence would be the MOST credible and effective to include?

Accepted Answer

Data from a national environmental agency showing that schools with recycling programs reduce waste by 40%.

Answer

A quote from a popular celebrity about loving the planet.

Answer

A personal story about how much the student dislikes seeing waste.

Answer

An opinion from a parent who thinks recycling is a good idea.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of a 'call to action' at the end of a persuasive text?

Accepted Answer

To tell the reader what specific action they should take next.

Answer

To introduce the main topic for the first time.

Answer

To present an opposing viewpoint for balance.

Answer

To summarize all the evidence that was presented.

Question 6

While both persuasive and narrative writing can be engaging, what is the fundamental difference in their primary goals?

Accepted Answer

Persuasive writing aims to convince the reader of a viewpoint, while narrative writing aims to tell a story.

Answer

Narrative writing uses characters, while persuasive writing only uses facts.

Answer

Narrative writing must be fictional, while persuasive writing must be non-fiction.

Answer

Persuasive writing uses emotional language, while narrative writing is always objective.