Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 53%

You must vote for Torrance Knight for mayor! Five of the previous town mayors and four major labor unions have already endorsed him. Additionally, a poll of town residents shows that the majority will vote for Knight. Don't you want to join them? Vote for Torrance Knight for town mayor.

The author of the passage uses which of the following propaganda techniques?

Rationale

Bandwagon

The author employs the bandwagon technique by suggesting that because many people, including previous mayors and labor unions, support Torrance Knight, the reader should also join in and vote for him. This technique aims to persuade by appealing to the idea of popular support and the desire to be part of a majority.

A (Bandwagon) CORRECT

This choice accurately identifies the technique used, as the author highlights endorsements from influential figures and a poll indicating majority support for Knight. By framing the vote as a collective action, the passage encourages readers to conform to the perceived popularity of Knight's candidacy.

B (Glittering generalities) YOUR ANSWER

While this technique involves using vague, positive phrases to evoke emotional responses, the passage does not employ such language. Instead, it focuses on concrete endorsements and polling data, making it less about emotionally charged language and more about social proof.

C (Faulty cause and effect) YOUR ANSWER

This choice refers to a logical fallacy where a conclusion is drawn from an incorrect assumption of causality. The passage does not imply that Knight's endorsements or poll results directly cause him to be a good candidate; rather, it presents these as reasons to support him. Therefore, this technique is not applicable.

D (Testimonial) YOUR ANSWER

The testimonial technique involves endorsements from individuals to promote a product or candidate. Although the passage mentions endorsements, it does not feature personal testimonials or stories from those endorsing Knight. Instead, it highlights the collective support without individual narratives.

Conclusion

The bandwagon approach effectively persuades readers by leveraging the idea of joining a popular movement in support of Torrance Knight. By emphasizing endorsements and polling results, the author creates an impression of widespread approval, encouraging readers to vote in alignment with the majority. Other techniques, such as glittering generalities, faulty cause and effect, and testimonials, are either absent or not utilized effectively in this context, making bandwagon the main strategy employed.

The author of the passage uses which of the following propaganda techniques?

Bandwagon

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