Question 1

When addressing obstacles in a persuasive request, you should subordinate them.

Accepted Answer

When addressing obstacles in a persuasive request, it's important to acknowledge them but then minimize their importance or explain how they can be overcome. By subordinating the obstacles, you keep the focus on the benefits of fulfilling the request and make it more likely that the recipient will agree to it.

Question 2

The indirect organizational plan is typically appropriate when you anticipate that a reader will initially have no interest in your persuasive message.

Accepted Answer

In an indirect organizational plan, the persuasive message is not presented up front. Instead, the message is introduced gradually by building interest, identifying a problem, and presenting a solution. This is often used when the reader might be resistant to the message or not initially interested in it.

Question 3

When you write a persuasive message to your manager, you should typically use the direct organizational plan.

Accepted Answer

The direct organizational plan is the most common format for persuasive messages in the workplace. It begins with the main point or recommendation, followed by supporting details and a call to action. This helps to quickly and clearly convey the message and makes it easy for the manager to understand and act upon.

Question 4

Before you begin writing, you should always ask yourself, "What is my purpose for writing?"

Accepted Answer

It is important to have a clear purpose for writing in order to effectively communicate your message to your audience.

Question 5

When using the indirect organizational plan in a persuasive message, you avoid disclosing your purpose immediately.

Accepted Answer

In the indirect organizational plan, you typically begin with background information and build up to your main point or purpose later in the message. This is a way of getting the audience's attention and establishing credibility before making your main argument.

Question 6

Few business letters or email messages involve persuasion.

Accepted Answer

Many business letters or email messages are written with the intention of persuading the reader to take some action or change their opinion.

Question 7

Your message will be more persuasive if you put the main idea in the middle of a proposal.

Accepted Answer

The main idea should be placed at the beginning of a proposal to capture the reader's attention and persuade them to continue reading. This is known as the "inverted pyramid" approach. Putting the main idea in the middle can make it less clear and less impactful.

Question 8

Persuasion is the process of motivating people to do or believe something despite their initial resistance.

Accepted Answer

This is the definition of persuasion.

Question 9

When deciding on an organizational plan, you do not need to consider the specific action you want the reader to take.

Accepted Answer

When deciding on an organizational plan, it is important to consider the specific action you want the reader to take. This can help determine the most effective structure and flow for the document.

Question 10

In a persuasive letter, an irrelevant opening sentence can create confusion or risk losing the reader's goodwill.

Accepted Answer

An irrelevant opening sentence can create confusion or risk losing the reader's goodwill in a persuasive letter as it may make the reader lose interest or fail to see the relevance of the letter's purpose.

Question 11

The first thing a writer must do before writing is to ask: "Who is my primary audience?"

Accepted Answer

Knowing the primary audience helps the writer tailor their writing style, tone, and content to best communicate with and engage the intended readers.

Question 12

Form letters are appropriate as persuasive messages sent to thousands of readers.

Accepted Answer

Form letters are pre-written messages that can be sent to a large number of recipients to persuade them on a certain point of view or promote a particular product or service. They are appropriate as persuasive messages that can be customized to suit the specific needs of different groups.

Question 13

To attract reader interest, you should preview your recommendation in the subject line of a persuasive message when using the indirect organizational plan.

Accepted Answer

In the indirect organizational plan, the recommendation or main idea is typically revealed after the evidence and reasoning, not previewed in the subject line, to prepare the reader and build a case before presenting the main suggestion.

Question 14

By stressing the "you attitude," the writer's focus is on the writer.

Accepted Answer

By emphasizing the "you attitude," the writer's focus is on the reader or audience, not on the writer themselves.

Question 15

When you write a persuasive message, be sure to address the reader's position of "What's in it for me?"

Accepted Answer

It is important to address the reader's position of "What's in it for me?" in a persuasive message in order to show them how they will benefit from taking the desired action. Focusing on the reader's needs and interests will make your message more compelling and persuasive.

Question 16

In the content of your persuasive message, you must explain your rationale for presenting a new procedure or idea.

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is important to explain the reasoning and justification for why the new procedure or idea would be beneficial and why it should be adopted. This helps to convince the audience to accept the message and take action accordingly.

Question 17

To overcome resistance, you must show how your argument will benefit you.

Accepted Answer

To overcome resistance, it's more effective to show how your argument will benefit the person you're trying to persuade, not yourself.

Question 18

Determining whether a reader might be resistant to your message, and why, helps you prepare a more persuasive message.

Accepted Answer

Determining potential resistance to your message can help you anticipate objections and tailor your arguments more effectively, increasing your chances of persuading the reader.

Question 19

Providing credible evidence such as current statistics is a positive way to influence the reader.

Accepted Answer

Providing current statistics can help to support your argument and make your points more convincing and credible to the reader. This is particularly important in academic writing or when discussing contentious issues.

Question 20

Sales letters are considered a form of persuasive writing.

Accepted Answer

Sales letters are written to persuade the reader to take a specific action, such as making a purchase or subscribing to a service, making them a form of persuasive writing.

Quiz 8: Bad-News Messages