Exercises C1 : use The vocabulary of persuasion (answers)

These exercises will help you master the advanced vocabulary of persuasion in English, covering emotional appeals, evidence-based arguments, and rapport-building strategies explored in the course.

→ See the course : The vocabulary of persuasion in English : complete course

Exercice 1 — Vocabulary of Persuasion: Choose the Right Word

Choose the most appropriate persuasive word or phrase to complete each sentence.

1. The speaker used a powerful ___ to connect with the audience's sense of justice, describing the struggles of ordinary families.
2. To strengthen her argument, she cited ___ from three independent studies confirming the link between diet and cognitive performance.
3. He opened his speech by acknowledging the audience's concerns, a classic ___ technique designed to build trust before presenting his proposal.
4. Rather than dismissing the opposing view, she chose to ___ it, conceding a minor point before reinforcing her core position.

Correction

1. The speaker used a powerful emotional appeal to connect with the audience's sense of justice, describing the struggles of ordinary families.
2. To strengthen her argument, she cited evidence-based findings from three independent studies confirming the link between diet and cognitive performance.
3. He opened his speech by acknowledging the audience's concerns, a classic rapport-building technique designed to build trust before presenting his proposal.
4. Rather than dismissing the opposing view, she chose to acknowledge and counter it, conceding a minor point before reinforcing her core position.

Exercice 2 — Match the Persuasive Strategy to Its Example

Match each persuasive phrase or sentence (A–D) with the correct persuasive strategy it illustrates (1–4).

1. A. 'Research consistently shows that communities with green spaces report significantly lower stress levels.' — Match with: 1. Emotional appeal / 2. Evidence-based language / 3. Rapport-building / 4. Call to action
2. B. 'I know many of you have faced this same frustration, and I want you to know your concerns are completely valid.' — Match with: 1. Emotional appeal / 2. Evidence-based language / 3. Rapport-building / 4. Hedging
3. C. 'Imagine a future where your children can breathe clean air and play safely in their neighbourhoods.' — Match with: 1. Emotional appeal / 2. Logical rebuttal / 3. Rapport-building / 4. Evidence-based language
4. D. 'It is perhaps worth considering that a modest investment now could prevent far greater costs in the long run.' — Match with: 1. Emotional appeal / 2. Evidence-based language / 3. Call to action / 4. Hedging

Correction

1. 'Research consistently shows that communities with green spaces report significantly lower stress levels.' illustrates evidence-based language, as it grounds the argument in verifiable data rather than personal feeling.
2. 'I know many of you have faced this same frustration, and I want you to know your concerns are completely valid.' illustrates rapport-building, as it fosters connection and validates the audience's experience.
3. 'Imagine a future where your children can breathe clean air and play safely in their neighbourhoods.' illustrates an emotional appeal, as it uses vivid imagery to evoke hope and personal investment.
4. 'It is perhaps worth considering that a modest investment now could prevent far greater costs in the long run.' illustrates hedging, as it softens the claim with tentative language to appear measured and reasonable.

Exercice 3 — Complete the Persuasive Speech Extract

Fill in each blank with an appropriate persuasive word or phrase from the course. Each blank corresponds to a specific persuasive technique.

1. Ladies and gentlemen, I ___ that you share my deep concern for the future of our education system. (rapport-building opener)
2. The data ___ that underfunded schools produce measurably worse outcomes for students across all socioeconomic backgrounds. (evidence-based language)
3. Think of a child who arrives at school hungry, unable to concentrate, with no books of her own — this is not ___; this is the daily reality for thousands of families. (emotional appeal intensifier)
4. While some may argue that funding alone cannot solve the problem, it would be difficult to ___ that resources play no significant role in educational outcomes. (counter-argument and concession phrase)

Correction

1. Ladies and gentlemen, I trust that you share my deep concern for the future of our education system.
2. The data demonstrates that underfunded schools produce measurably worse outcomes for students across all socioeconomic backgrounds.
3. Think of a child who arrives at school hungry, unable to concentrate, with no books of her own — this is not a rare exception; this is the daily reality for thousands of families.
4. While some may argue that funding alone cannot solve the problem, it would be difficult to deny that resources play no significant role in educational outcomes.