California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) English Practice Exam

Which of the following signal words is associated with persuading an audience?

1. Relate

2. Convince

3. Illustrate

4. Depict

The correct answer is: Convince

The signal word "convince" is strongly associated with persuading an audience because its primary function is to sway or influence someone's beliefs, attitudes, or opinions toward a particular perspective or action. When a writer or speaker uses the word "convince," they are typically aiming to present arguments or evidence designed to change the listener's or reader's mind. This focus on influence aligns closely with persuasive communication, which seeks not just to inform, but to motivate and encourage acceptance of a viewpoint. In contrast, the other words carry different connotations. "Relate" often refers to making connections or telling stories, which can inform or illustrate a point but is not inherently persuasive. "Illustrate" implies providing examples that clarify or explain ideas, thus serving more of an explanatory role. "Depict" is used to describe representations, particularly in visual forms, and this is more about showing rather than persuading. Each of these alternatives lacks the direct connotation of influencing or changing opinions that is intrinsic to "convince."