MYP 1 Language and Literature · Speak to be Heard

Building a persuasive argument

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  1. Question 1

    A student writes a persuasive speech that opens with a surprising fact, then lists three reasons, then ends by saying 'so lunches really should change.' Which part of the four-part shape is missing entirely?
    No clue? Show me the answer
    Correct answerCorrect!Incorrect
    AA specific call to action telling the audience what to do next

    Step-by-step walkthrough

    Choose a solution method

    Method #1Direct reasoning

    Step 1: Identify the four parts

    The structure requires a hook, a point, reasons, and a call to action, each doing a different job in the argument.

    Step 2: Check what the speech contains

    The speech has a surprising fact (hook), reasons, and ends only with agreement, not action.

    Step 3: Compare the ending to the model

    'Lunches really should change' only asks for agreement, whereas a call to action tells the audience exactly what to do next.

    Step 4: Select the missing part

    Since agreement-only endings are weaker than action endings, the missing part is the call to action.

    Method #2Process of elimination

    Step 1: Eliminate the hook option

    A surprising fact is explicitly named as a valid way to open a hook, so this option is wrong.

    Step 2: Eliminate the point option

    The question doesn't say a point is missing; the speech could still contain an implied point before the reasons.

    Step 3: Eliminate the reasons option

    The scenario states three reasons are listed, so reasons are clearly present.

    Step 4: Confirm the call to action

    Only the ending lacks a specific instruction, confirming the call to action is missing.

  2. Question 2

    A speaker says: 'Our classroom recycling bin is always full of paper that could be reused. Recycling saves trees, reduces waste, and teaches responsibility. Start sorting your paper into the blue bin from tomorrow.' Which sentence functions as the call to action?
    No clue? Show me the answer
    Correct answerCorrect!Incorrect
    BStart sorting your paper into the blue bin from tomorrow onwards

    Step-by-step walkthrough

    Choose a solution method

    Method #1Direct reasoning

    Step 1: Define call to action

    A call to action tells the audience exactly what to do next after being persuaded.

    Step 2: Scan the sentences

    The first sentence is a hook-like observation, the second lists reasons, and the third gives an instruction.

    Step 3: Match function to sentence

    'Start sorting your paper' is a direct instruction telling the audience what action to take.

    Step 4: Confirm the answer

    This matches the definition of a call to action exactly, so it is the correct sentence.

    Method #2Process of elimination

    Step 1: Eliminate the bin observation

    This sentence describes a problem, functioning more like a hook than an instruction.

    Step 2: Eliminate the reasons sentence

    This sentence lists benefits, which are reasons supporting the point, not an action.

    Step 3: Eliminate the responsibility sentence

    This restates a reason about values rather than telling the audience to do something specific.

    Step 4: Confirm the instruction

    Only the sentence telling students to start sorting paper is a real call to action.

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