SATs Analytical Writing & Argumentation 3

Question 1

An author opens an essay by describing a child's tearful first day without school lunch due to debt. Which rhetorical appeal does this primarily use?

Accepted Answer

Pathos

Answer

Appealing to the reader's emotions through a vivid personal scenario is an appeal to pathos.

Question 2

A nutritionist writes: 'As a registered dietitian with 20 years of clinical experience, I can confirm that ultra-processed foods elevate disease risk.' This primarily establishes:

Accepted Answer

Ethos

Answer

Citing credentials and experience is an appeal to ethos, building the author's trustworthiness.

Question 3

Which of the following is the best example of an analogy used to support an argument?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring students' mental health needs is like ignoring a leaking roof—small problems compound into structural collapse.

Answer

An analogy maps a less-familiar concept onto a relatable parallel to clarify and persuade.

Question 4

A passage repeats the phrase 'We cannot wait' at the start of three consecutive sentences. This rhetorical device is called:

Accepted Answer

Anaphora

Answer

Anaphora is the deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses to create emphasis.

Question 5

What is the primary effect of ending an argumentative paragraph with a rhetorical question?

Accepted Answer

It invites the reader to reflect and implicitly accept the argument's conclusion

Answer

Rhetorical questions engage readers by prompting reflection rather than requesting a literal answer.

SATs (Standard Assessment Test) Practice Test

SATs (Standard Assessment Test) Practice Test

SATs Analytical Writing & Argumentation 3