FAST Practice Quiz

Rhetoric & Propaganda Analysis
Grade 8 Reading
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.8.R.3.1
10 Questions
/10
Directions: Read each passage carefully. Analyze the rhetorical techniques and propaganda methods used, then answer the questions.
Text A: Mayor's Address on Youth Programs
[Political Speech]

Fellow citizens, as your mayor for the past eight years and a lifelong resident of this community, I've watched our city grow and change. Today, I'm asking for your support on an issue close to my heart: funding for youth recreation programs.

The numbers don't lie. Since we cut youth program funding five years ago, juvenile crime has increased by 34%. Teen unemployment has risen to 22%. And our community centers sit empty while young people look for something to do.

I've spoken with parents who fear for their children's futures. I've met teenagers who want opportunities but find none. One young man told me, "There's nothing for us here. We're invisible."

We can change this. For the cost of one police patrol car, we can reopen three community centers. We can give our young people hope instead of handcuffs. The choice is ours: invest in our youth now, or pay the price later.

1
Which phrase BEST demonstrates the mayor's use of ethos (credibility)?
A
"juvenile crime has increased by 34%"
B
"as your mayor for the past eight years and a lifelong resident"
C
"parents who fear for their children's futures"
D
"give our young people hope instead of handcuffs"
2
The quote "There's nothing for us here. We're invisible" primarily appeals to which element?
A
Logos - it provides statistical evidence
B
Ethos - it establishes the mayor's credibility
C
Pathos - it creates an emotional connection to young people's struggles
D
Bandwagon - it suggests everyone supports the program
3
"Invest in our youth now, or pay the price later" is an example of which rhetorical technique?
A
Testimonial - using expert endorsement
B
False dilemma - presenting only two options
C
Plain folks - appealing to ordinary people
D
Bandwagon - suggesting everyone agrees
Text B: Fitness Supplement Advertisement
[Commercial Script]

TIRED of being tired? SICK of looking in the mirror and feeling disappointed?

Introducing MegaBoost Pro - the revolutionary supplement taking the fitness world by STORM! Professional athletes and fitness experts agree: MegaBoost Pro delivers REAL results!

"I've tried everything, but nothing worked until MegaBoost Pro. Now I have the body I've always dreamed of!" - Satisfied Customer

Don't be the only one left behind at the gym! Over 2 MILLION bottles sold! Join the MegaBoost revolution TODAY!

*Results not typical. Individual results may vary. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

4
Which propaganda technique does "Don't be the only one left behind at the gym!" PRIMARILY use?
A
Testimonial
B
Plain Folks
C
Bandwagon combined with Fear Appeal
D
Glittering Generalities
5
How does the disclaimer at the end ("Results not typical...") affect the credibility of this advertisement?
A
It strengthens the ad by showing the company is honest
B
It undermines the bold claims made throughout the advertisement
C
It has no effect on the advertisement's persuasiveness
D
It proves the product works for most customers
6
Compare Text A (Mayor's Speech) and Text B (Supplement Ad). Which uses MORE ethical persuasion techniques, and why?
A
Text B, because it includes a disclaimer about results
B
Text A, because it uses verifiable statistics and acknowledges complexity
C
Text B, because it quotes a satisfied customer
D
Both use equally ethical persuasion techniques
Text C: Editorial on School Start Times
[Newspaper Opinion Piece]

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that middle and high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. Currently, our district starts at 7:15 a.m. - one of the earliest in the state.

Research published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine shows that teenagers have biologically different sleep patterns than adults. Their bodies naturally want to fall asleep later and wake later. When we force them into early schedules, we're fighting against biology.

Some argue that later start times would disrupt bus schedules and after-school activities. These are valid concerns that deserve consideration. However, districts across the country have successfully transitioned to later starts with creative scheduling solutions.

Our students' health and academic success should come first. Let's follow the science and give our teenagers the sleep they need to thrive.

7
What makes Text C's argument MORE credible than typical propaganda?
A
It uses emotional language about children's health
B
It cites specific sources and acknowledges counterarguments
C
It tells readers what to think without evidence
D
It uses bandwagon techniques ("districts across the country")
8
The author's acknowledgment that concerns about schedules "deserve consideration" demonstrates which characteristic of ethical rhetoric?
A
Name-calling against opponents
B
Fair treatment of opposing viewpoints
C
Appeal to fear about student health
D
Glittering generalities about success
9
Using evidence from Text A (Mayor's Speech), explain how the author uses BOTH logos and pathos to support the argument for youth programs. Cite at least one example of each.
10
Compare the persuasive techniques in Text B (Supplement Ad) and Text C (Editorial). Which is more likely to be propaganda and which is more likely to be ethical persuasion? Use specific evidence from both texts to support your analysis.
___Multiple Choice (8)
___Written Response (2)
___Total (10)
FAST Success Kit | Grade 8 | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.8.R.3.1
Practice quiz format mirrors Florida FAST assessment style