1.

Question

Suppose an author wanted to persuade readers that animals have a right to be treated kindly. Which short story plot would best achieve this purpose?

In a story about horse racing, a jockey develops an especially close bond with his horse. Tragically, the horse becomes badly injured and has to be put down at the end.

Dogs take revenge on the cruel, abusive owner of a puppy mill. When he is found, there is nothing left of him except his shoes and the stick with which he would beat the dogs.

A teen finds a puppy that has been badly injured in illegal dog fights. He and his family nurse the dog back to health, and he and the dog become inseparable.

A woman discovers to her amazement that her cat can talk. The cat begins to reveal secrets about all of her neighbors.

2. Re-read this passage from the story “Julia’s Garden.”

They served her notice. In three days they would come to clear it away. It was dangerous, they said. A public nuisance, they said. People could trip and fall, they said.It had to go. More than once they said that.But she had watched them, these hapless pedestrians. Ambling down the street, minding their own business.They always appeared lost in their own little worlds until they reached her garden.And there they always stopped. No-one ever fell. No-one ever tripped. No-one was ever bothered by the nuisance of it all.She sat by the window and watched as they bent over her colorful pots, inhaling the perfume of lavender and roses.Often she heard laughter or caught snatches of cheery conversation as they stood there admiring the flowers or following the flight of a bee as it skittered from petal to petal.This is happiness, she thought. Why pull it apart? Why throw it away?

How does the author create sympathy for Julia’s situation?

She uses language that helps the reader understand the town’s position on Julia’s garden.

She shows the joyful effect of Julia’s garden on others, in contrast to the grim official verdict.

She suggests that Julia is crazy but well-meaning because of her attempt to beautify the neighborhood.

She suggests that the town’s officials would appreciate the garden if only they talked to the passersby who enjoyed it.

3.
What is the most powerful advantage of using literature as a persuasive tool?

Persuasive literature rarely seems persuasive on the surface, so readers may be less guarded.

Compelling plot events can make literature seem more realistic and therefore harder to argue against.

It’s easier to place logical fallacies within stories and poems, and readers are less likely to notice them.

Engaging characters in a persuasive story can trick readers into changing their minds about an issue.

4.
In “The Machine Stops,” which character serves as a mouthpiece or spokesperson for the author’s point of view about a mechanized society?

Vashti

the Book

the Machine

Kuno

5.
If a fiction writer aims to persuade, why might it be important to inspire sympathy or empathy for a character?

If a reader sympathizes or identifies with a character, then the effect of events on the character will have more meaning and impact.

An author’s opinions will be more persuasive to the reader if the reader feels that the author has the same kind of background.

If a reader identifies with a character, then the reader will believe anything that the character says.

It’s important for the reader to feel sorry for the main character so that the reader will accept the author’s point of view.

Answer 1

Sure! Here are the best responses to each of your questions:

1. Persuading Readers About Animal Rights:
   The plot that would best achieve the purpose of persuading readers that animals have a right to be treated kindly is:
   "A teen finds a puppy that has been badly injured in illegal dog fights. He and his family nurse the dog back to health, and he and the dog become inseparable."
   This story highlights the bond between humans and animals and emphasizes the theme of kindness and rehabilitation.

2. Creating Sympathy for Julia:
   The author creates sympathy for Julia’s situation by:
   "She shows the joyful effect of Julia’s garden on others, in contrast to the grim official verdict."
   By illustrating how the garden brings happiness to passersby, the author emphasizes the value of Julia's work against the negative perspective of the authorities.

3. Advantage of Literature as Persuasive Tool:
   The most powerful advantage of using literature as a persuasive tool is:
   "Persuasive literature rarely seems persuasive on the surface, so readers may be less guarded."
   This allows readers to engage with the material more openly, making them more receptive to the underlying messages.

4. Mouthpiece for Author's View in "The Machine Stops":
   The character that serves as a mouthpiece or spokesperson for the author’s point of view about a mechanized society is:
   Kuno.
   Kuno articulates the concerns and critiques of the mechanized society, representing the author's perspective.

5. Importance of Sympathy or Empathy in Persuasion:
   If a fiction writer aims to persuade, it is important to inspire sympathy or empathy for a character because:
   "If a reader sympathizes or identifies with a character, then the effect of events on the character will have more meaning and impact."
   This emotional connection can deepen the reader's understanding and receptivity to the author’s message.