11. Which of the following sentences is most likely to begin a paragraph that is primarily intended to persuade?
Answer: A
The collective wisdom of the people is superior to the individual judgments of elected leaders.
This sentence is most likely to begin a paragraph intended to persuade as it presents a strong, opinionated statement that advocates for the superiority of collective wisdom over individual decision-making. This kind of assertion is characteristic of persuasive writing, aiming to influence the reader's perspective.
A) The collective wisdom of the people is superior to the individual judgments of elected leaders.
This option is correct because it expresses a clear opinion that can be expanded upon in a persuasive context. The statement implies a critique of traditional leadership and invites the reader to consider the value of public opinion, making it a strong candidate for a persuasive paragraph.
B) The African Gray Parrot is an intelligent, talkative bird from rainforests in Western and Central Africa.
This sentence is primarily informative rather than persuasive. It simply presents factual information about a specific species without attempting to convince the reader of any particular viewpoint or action, which is not aligned with the goals of persuasive writing.
C) Experts agree that the first step in refinishing furniture is the cumbersome and messy task of removing the old finish.
While this sentence mentions experts, it focuses on a procedural step rather than persuading the reader. It provides information about furniture refinishing without advocating for a specific opinion or action, thus falling short of a persuasive intent.
D) The sculptor uses a variety of materials, including hay, wax, shoe polish, and clay, to create her widely acclaimed artworks.
This option is also informative, detailing the materials used by a sculptor. It does not present an argument or attempt to sway the reader's opinion, making it unsuitable as the beginning of a persuasive paragraph.
Conclusion
In summary, option A stands out as the only choice that establishes a persuasive tone by making a definitive claim that invites debate and discussion. The other options focus on delivering factual information or procedural steps without attempting to persuade the reader, which is why they are not suitable for a persuasive paragraph.