Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 0%

Designed in 1792 by James Hoban, an Irish architect, John Adams became the first United States president to reside in the White House.

Which of the following sentences is most likely to begin a paragraph that is primarily intended to persuade?

Rationale

The collective wisdom of the people is superior to the individual judgments of elected leaders.

This statement is persuasive in nature as it appeals to the value of collective reasoning over individual authority, setting a foundation for an argument that promotes democratic ideals or critiques leadership.

A (The collective wisdom of the people is superior to the individual judgments of elected leaders.) CORRECT

This choice explicitly argues for the superiority of collective decision-making, which aims to convince the reader of the importance of public opinion and democratic processes. It is a strong opening for a persuasive paragraph as it engages the reader's beliefs and values.

B (The African Gray Parrot is an intelligent, talkative bird from rainforests in Western and Central Africa.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement is informational rather than persuasive. It provides factual information about a specific species without attempting to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or encourage action. Thus, it lacks the persuasive intent required for the prompt.

C (Experts agree that the first step in refinishing furniture is the cumbersome and messy task of removing the old finish.) YOUR ANSWER

While this statement may have some persuasive elements by citing expert opinion, it primarily serves an explanatory purpose, outlining a process rather than persuading the reader to adopt a particular stance. It focuses on a practical matter rather than a broader argument.

D (The sculptor uses a variety of materials, including hay, wax, shoe polish, and clay, to create her widely acclaimed artworks.) YOUR ANSWER

This choice describes the artistic process of a sculptor, offering insights into her methods and materials. It is descriptive and does not attempt to persuade the reader or advocate for a particular opinion, making it unsuitable as a persuasive opening.

Conclusion

In persuasive writing, the goal is to engage the reader's beliefs and encourage them to consider a specific viewpoint. The sentence about the collective wisdom of the people effectively sets the stage for a persuasive argument, making it the only choice that aligns with the intent of persuasion. The other options, while informative or descriptive, do not serve to convince or promote a particular argument, highlighting the unique role of choice A in persuading the audience.

Related Questions

View all