CAEC - Canadian Adult Education Credential Persuasive Essay Writing Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the primary function of a thesis statement in a persuasive essay?

Accepted Answer

To present a clear, debatable claim that will be argued throughout the essay.

Answer

To summarize the main points of the essay in the introduction.

Answer

To provide a detailed background of the topic being discussed.

Answer

To engage the reader with a surprising fact or a compelling anecdote.

Question 2

A student is writing a persuasive essay arguing for a later start time for high schools. Which of the following pieces of evidence would most effectively support their argument using logos (appeal to logic)?

Accepted Answer

A detailed explanation of the complex biological shifts in the adolescent sleep cycle.

Answer

A heart-wrenching story from a student who fell asleep while driving to school.

Answer

A quote from a popular celebrity who supports later school start times.

Answer

A survey showing that 85% of students feel tired during their first-period class.

Question 3

In the structure of a persuasive essay, what is the purpose of addressing a counterargument?

Accepted Answer

To demonstrate credibility and show a thorough understanding of the topic by acknowledging opposing views.

Answer

To fill the required word count for the essay.

Answer

To show that the opposing viewpoint is completely wrong and without merit.

Answer

To introduce a new and unrelated topic to the essay.

Question 4

Which of the following is an essential component of the concluding paragraph in a persuasive essay?

Accepted Answer

Restating the thesis in a new way and summarizing the main points.

Answer

Introducing a new key argument to leave a lasting impression.

Answer

Ending with a question that leaves the reader in doubt.

Answer

Providing a detailed list of all sources cited in the essay.

Question 5

A writer is crafting a persuasive essay on the importance of community gardens. They begin a body paragraph with the sentence: 'Furthermore, community gardens foster social connections among neighbors.' What is the most likely function of this sentence?

Accepted Answer

To serve as a topic sentence.

Answer

To provide statistical evidence.

Answer

To act as a concluding statement.

Answer

To present a counterargument.

Question 6

When organizing a persuasive essay, a common and effective strategy is to present arguments in which order?

Accepted Answer

From the least important point to the most important.

Answer

From the most important point to the least important.

Answer

In chronological order of when the writer thought of them.

Answer

In a random order to keep the reader engaged.