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 answer
Correct!
IncorrectStep-by-step walkthrough
Choose a solution method
Method #1Direct reasoningStep 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 eliminationStep 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.
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 answer
Correct!
IncorrectStep-by-step walkthrough
Choose a solution method
Method #1Direct reasoningStep 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 eliminationStep 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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