Which of the following is a good statement in the final paragraph that motivates the reader to take some action?

Which of the following is a good statement in the final paragraph that motivates the reader to take some action?

a. If you want to try our product, please call us today.
b. Act now! Time is running out!
c. Why not try this computer software for 15 days and let us know what you think?
d. Because quantities are limited, return the enclosed order card by September 1 to ensure that you receive this unusual poster.
e. I hope that you are interested in this product.

Answer: D

How should a product's price be handled in a persuasive sales letter?

How should a product's price be handled in a persuasive sales letter?

a. State the price after discussing the major benefits.
b. Position the price in either a complex sentence or a compound sentence.
c. Compare the price of the product with that of a familiar object, such as a newspaper or a can of soda.
d. Include the price in a sentence that mentions a reader benefit.
e. all of these

Answer: E

Which sentence is most effective in generating interest in a product?

Which sentence is most effective in generating interest in a product?

a. The XL Laser printer prints documents at 1,200 dpi.
b. The ergonomic keyboard was designed to help computer users.
c. Baking bread is easy with a BreadWinner.
d. The CD player can hold up to ten CDs at one time.
e. You can quickly solve any computer problem by using the easy-to-read online help menus built into the software.

Answer: C

What should you consider when developing a central selling theme in a persuasive sales letter?

What should you consider when developing a central selling theme in a persuasive sales letter?

a. Use position and repetition as two methods for emphasis.
b. Select one physical feature of the product to discuss.
c. Point out different benefits to different readers within the same sales letter.
d. Avoid mentioning the central selling theme until after the first paragraph.
e. Think in terms of product benefits not reader benefits.

Answer: B

Which is not a technique to use to open a sales letter?

Which is not a technique to use to open a sales letter?

a. rhetorical question
b. unexpected statement
c. unusual fact
d. statement about which reader and writer will agree
e. yes-or-no question

Answer: E

If your claim is not a routine one, your persuasive letter should

If your claim is not a routine one, your persuasive letter should

a. compliment the reader when asking for the favor.
b. let the reader decide how to resolve the problem.
c. include as much supporting evidence as possible.
d. follow the direct organizational plan.
e. begin with the action you want the reader to take.

Answer: C

The opening sentence, "Although your store policy is to offer a refund within seven days, I am seeking a refund for an item I purchased nine days ago" is ineffective for a persuasive claim because it

The opening sentence, "Although your store policy is to offer a refund within seven days, I am seeking a refund for an item I purchased nine days ago" is ineffective for a persuasive claim because it

a. depends on the credibility of the reader.
b. relies on the rhetorical attention-getting approach.
c. uses an indirect organizational plan.
d. offers a ready excuse for denying the claim.
e. does not offer sufficient supporting evidence.

Answer: D

Unlike a routine claim letter, a persuasive claim letter

Unlike a routine claim letter, a persuasive claim letter

a. mentions how the reader benefits from doing what the writer asks.
b. uses emotional or exaggerated language for emphasis.
c. is briefer and to the point.
d. presents the problem in the first paragraph.
e. uses an attention-getting opening.

Answer: E

One reason to write a persuasive claim letter is that

One reason to write a persuasive claim letter is that

a. you are selling a complex proposal.
b. the reader denied your earlier claim.
c. your reader will directly benefit from doing what you ask.
d. your reader will indirectly benefit from doing what you ask.
e. someone other than you will benefit from doing what you ask.

Answer: B

Which sentence is the most effective in a persuasive claim letter?

Which sentence is the most effective in a persuasive claim letter?

a. Your customer service representatives owe me an explanation.
b. Since the warranty expired only one month ago, I would like your company to repair my watch free of charge.
c. If you take the time to read my original letter, you will understand that I am not at fault here.
d. Having purchased five laser printer cartridges from your store before, we assumed that the last cartridge we purchased would make 15,000 copies instead of the 10,000 guaranteed.
e. Your company makes millions of dollars in profit each year, yet you refuse to replace my stolen laptop.

Answer: D

When writing a persuasive request for a favor, do all of the following except

When writing a persuasive request for a favor, do all of the following except

a. discuss one or two reader benefits before making your request.
b. compliment the reader, even if the compliment is insincere.
c. keep a positive, confident tone throughout the message.
d. keep your request reasonable.
e. make the action clear and easy to take.

Answer: B

You need persuasion when requesting a favor from someone you don't know because

You need persuasion when requesting a favor from someone you don't know because

a. expert opinion and statistical data are not enough.
b. the reader needs sufficient evidence to make an informed decision.
c. you want to make the desired action as clear and easy as possible.
d. the reader is getting no tangible benefits from granting the favor.
e. this is a routine request that is likely to be granted automatically.

Answer: D

When you want to sell an idea, your persuasive message should not

When you want to sell an idea, your persuasive message should not

a. use an indirect organizational plan if the reader is your superior.
b. present evidence logically.
c. be written in an objective style.
d. provide sufficient evidence to back up the claims you make.
e. clarify the problem and how your solution solves it.

Answer: A

Which of the following situations would not be classified as an attempt to sell an idea?

Which of the following situations would not be classified as an attempt to sell an idea?

a. An automobile manufacturer writes a letter persuading its retailers to carry more vehicles with sunroofs.
b. A construction company tries to persuade its workers to follow a new safety rule.
c. A student writes letters to homeowners to convince them to vote for a new recycling bill.
d. An employee recommends a flextime schedule so that employees can have some input about when to report to work.
e. A customer requests reimbursement for a defective product.

Answer: E

When writing a persuasive request, ask for the desired action

When writing a persuasive request, ask for the desired action

a. in the first paragraph.
b. by apologizing for the request.
c. after presenting most of the background information.
d. by closing with a statement such as, "If you agree with this proposal."
e. in the middle of the letter.

Answer: A

If you are asking a favor of an acknowledged expert, you should not

If you are asking a favor of an acknowledged expert, you should not

a. pay the reader a general compliment using a form letter.
b. maintain a positive, confident tone in your message.
c. mention any negative aspects of the request in your message.
d. use a general subject line for your message.
e. explain the background before you make your request.

Answer: C

When the reader will not directly benefit from granting the favor you request, your persuasive message should

When the reader will not directly benefit from granting the favor you request, your persuasive message should

a. adopt a less confident tone.
b. use language appealing to the reader's emotions.
c. show how someone other than you will benefit.
d. stress the objective evidence justifying your request.
e. use the first paragraph to tactfully make your request.

Answer: C

Before asking a favor in a persuasive request, you should

Before asking a favor in a persuasive request, you should

a. establish your credibility as an authority.
b. motivate the reader to take the desired action.
c. mention your specific purpose in the first paragraph.
d. ignore any obstacles or negative aspects of the request.
e. discuss at least one reader benefit .

Answer: E

You want to persuade your college administration to adopt a new plan for on-campus parking. Which of the following would be most persuasive?

You want to persuade your college administration to adopt a new plan for on-campus parking. Which of the following would be most persuasive?

a. Every car would have to display a valid parking sticker after the new plan goes into effect.
b. Congestion in lots A and B would be reduced under the new plan.
c. Other colleges allow students to park in any open space, regardless of residence.
d. The college would need two security guards to patrol the parking areas.
e. As president of the junior class, I request more parking for my peers.

Answer: B

When writing a persuasive request in which you anticipate an obstacle, you should

When writing a persuasive request in which you anticipate an obstacle, you should

a. avoid mentioning the obstacle because the reader may not even realize that an obstacle exists.
b. mention the obstacle in the first sentence of the first paragraph to get it over with.
c. show that you are aware of the obstacle and convince the reader that the request still has merit.
d. devote a lot of space to the obstacle.
e. stress the importance of the obstacle and devote a majority of the letter to promoting your ability to overcome it.

Answer: C