College Composition CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What is an effective way to hold a reader’s attention?

1. Offer a clear introduction

2. Add an emotional appeal

3. Include a thesis statement

4. Analyze the structure

The correct answer is: Offer a clear introduction

Offering a clear introduction is an effective way to hold a reader's attention because it allows the reader to understand what the overall topic or theme of the text will be. This helps to create a sense of direction and keeps the reader engaged as they know what to expect. Option B, adding an emotional appeal, may work in certain cases, but it can also be seen as manipulative or too biased which may turn the reader off. Option C, including a thesis statement, is essential in academic writing but it may not be as attention-grabbing for a general audience. Option D, analyzing the structure, is important for understanding the text but it may not necessarily capture and hold a reader's attention.