Question

First, the cost of private institutions climbed higher and higher. Now, public institutions have fallen in line. Over the past 10 years, the cost of an education at a public university has risen 42 percent. Imagine if your salary, or your bank account, grew by 42 percent the past 10 years. Maybe then you could pay for your education!

Which does the candidate’s opening statement use?

a plan of action
persuasive language
a main claim
professional language

Answer 1

Persuasive language.

The passage uses emotional appeal and a rhetorical prompt ("Imagine if...") to persuade the audience about rising costs, rather than laying out a plan, strictly stating a neutral main claim, or using formal professional language.