Rhetoric in Persuasion, Used Sparingly · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Persuasion with rhetoric spared

English · Writing Composition · ages 15-16
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. How should repetition be used?

    • In every paragraph for safety
    • As often as possible
    • Once, at the point of most pressure

  2. Which opening earns its place?

    • A concrete case that pulls readers in
    • A broad claim about everything
    • A list of every device to come

  3. A rhetorical question that adds nothing should be cut.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. A draft uses three fine devices and two showy ones. What stays?

    • Only the moves that carry the argument
    • All five, since more persuades more
    • Only the showy ones

  5. Two openings: Fresh food matters versus a morning in a fresh market. Which works?

    • The general claim, since it is shorter
    • The market moment, since a case earns the claim
    • Neither, since food bores readers

  6. Scattering five weak examples beats one well-chosen example.

    Circle one:   True   False

  7. One rhetorical question sharpens the turning point; another decorates the close. What do you do?

    • Cut both for safety
    • Keep the sharp one, cut the decoration
    • Move both to the opening

  8. A piece ticks off every device from a list. What is the fault?

    • The devices lack quotation marks
    • The argument is too short
    • Each device is displayed, not fitted to a moment
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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Persuasion with rhetoric spared W1-mt_QFPbIBjdzu-s1

  1. Once, at the point of most pressure · One placed repeat presses. Many repeats only decorate.
  2. A concrete case that pulls readers in · A case earns the claim. General statements ask for trust upfront.
  3. True · Cleverness is not a reason. Only arguing moves stay.
  4. Only the moves that carry the argument · Fit decides, not count. Showy extras leave the page.
  5. The market moment, since a case earns the claim · The market scene pulls readers in. The claim alone only announces.
  6. False · One placed example does more. Weak piles dilute the pressure.
  7. Keep the sharp one, cut the decoration · Judge each device alone. The sharp one argues, so it stays.
  8. Each device is displayed, not fitted to a moment · Lists decorate. Each tool must fit the moment it serves.
Worksheet · LightMySky