Understanding Arguments in Persuasive Texts
Persuasive texts—like speeches, opinion pieces, or editorials—are written to convince the audience to believe or do something. On the GED® test, you’ll be expected to identify the argument, evaluate its strength, and recognize if it’s based on facts, logic, or just opinion.
A good argument is supported by clear reasoning or evidence. Weak arguments often rely on emotion, exaggeration, or opinions without support.
Practice Example: FDR’s First Inaugural Address
Excerpt:
“This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life, a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory.”
Sample GED Questions:
1. What argument is President Roosevelt making?
A. Americans have never faced such serious problems before.
B. The people are too afraid to take action.
C. The U.S. will overcome its current problems.
D. The people don’t want him to be honest about the issues.
✔ Correct Answer: C
President Roosevelt is giving hope by stating that, just like in past hard times, the country will overcome the Great Depression. He says America will “revive and prosper.”
2. Which quote best supports Roosevelt’s main argument?
A. “I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction…”
B. “This is preeminently the time to speak the truth…”
C. “This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper.”
D. “In every dark hour… leadership of frankness and vigor…”
✔ Correct Answer: C
This sentence clearly states his belief that the country will survive and improve—supporting the argument that the U.S. will rise again.
QUESTIONS
Directions: Read the following passages, and then answer the questions.
PASSAGE A
The following text is excerpted from the speech given by Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Native American tribe upon surrendering to the U.S. federal government in 1877.
Tell General Howard I know his heart. What he told me before, I have it in my heart. I am tired of fighting. Our Chiefs are killed; Looking Glass is dead, Ta Hool Hool Shute is dead. The old men are all dead. It is the young men who say yes or no. He who led on the young men is dead. It is cold, and we have no blankets; the little children are freezing to death. My people, some of them, have run away to the hills, and have no blankets, no food. No one knows where they are—perhaps freezing to death. I want to have time to look for my children, and see how many of them I can find. Maybe I shall find them among the dead. Hear me, my Chiefs! I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever.
PASSAGE B
The following text is excerpted from a speech given by Chief Seattle of the Suquamish Native American tribe to Governor Isaac Stevens in the Washington Territory in 1854.
White Chief says the Big Chief at Washington sends us greetings of friendship and good will. This is kind of him for we know he has little need of our friendship in return. His people are many. They are like the grass that covers vast prairies. My people are few. They resemble the scattering trees of a storm-swept plain. The Great—and I presume—good White Chief sends us word that he wishes to buy our lands but is willing to allow us enough land to live comfortably. This indeed appears just, even generous, for the Red Man no longer has rights that he need respect, and the offer may be wise also, as we are no longer in need of an extensive country. . . .
To us the ashes of our ancestors are sacred and their resting place is hallowed ground. You wander far from the graves of your ancestors and seemingly without regret. Your religion was written upon tables of stone by the iron finger of your God so that you could not forget. The Red Man could never comprehend nor remember it. Our religion is the tradition of our ancestors—the dreams of our old men, given in solemn hours of night by the Great Spirit; and the visions of our sachems; and it is written in the hearts of our people. . . .
However, your proposition seems fair, and I think that my people will accept it and will retire to the reservation you offer them. . . . But should we accept it, I here and now make this condition—that we will not be denied the privilege of visiting at any time the tombs of our ancestors, friends and children. Every part of this soil is sacred in the estimation of my people. Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove, has been hallowed by some sad or happy event in days long vanished. The very dust upon which you stand responds more lovingly to my people’s footsteps than to yours, because it is rich with the dust of their ancestors, and our feet are conscious of their sympathetic touch.
5. In Passage A, what is Chief Joseph’s viewpoint on war?
A. He has been fighting in war long enough.
B. He has never waged war against anyone.
C. He believes that war is his only alternative.
D. He wants the young men of his tribe to wage war.
6. In Passage B, what is Chief Seattle’s view of the relations between whites and Native Americans at the time when he spoke?
A. Native Americans had little power and were few in number compared to whites.
B. Native Americans and whites were on friendly terms and trusted one another.
C. Native Americans were used to being treated with respect by white Americans.
D. Native Americans would never surrender their land to whites and live on reservations.
7. How is the purpose of Chief Joseph’s speech different from the purpose of Chief Seattle’s speech?
A. Chief Joseph wants to fight for more land, but Chief Seattle is willing to settle for less land.
B. Chief Joseph wants to ensure that his people are safe, but Chief Seattle wants to please the federal government.
C. Chief Joseph is trying to provoke the federal government, but Chief Seattle wants to reach a settlement with the federal government.
D. Chief Joseph is surrendering after being beaten in war, but Chief Seattle is agreeing to go willingly into a reservation.
8. In what way is the perspective of Chief Joseph similar to the perspective of Chief Seattle? They both
A. are concerned about their people’s future welfare.
B. want to thank the federal government for its help.
C. are angry with the federal government regarding its treatment of their people.
D. believe they need more land than what the federal government will give them.
ANSWERS
Passage A & B: Speeches by Chief Joseph and Chief Seattle
5. In Passage A, what is Chief Joseph’s viewpoint on war?
✅ Answer: A. He has been fighting in war long enough.
Explanation: Chief Joseph says, “I am tired of fighting,” and “I will fight no more forever,” indicating a desire to end the conflict.
6. In Passage B, what is Chief Seattle’s view of relations between whites and Native Americans?
✅ Answer: A. Native Americans had little power and were few in number compared to whites.
Explanation: He says, “His people are many…My people are few,” showing that he sees an imbalance of power and numbers.
7. How is the purpose of Chief Joseph’s speech different from Chief Seattle’s?
✅ Answer: D. Chief Joseph is surrendering after being beaten in war, but Chief Seattle is agreeing to go willingly into a reservation.
Explanation: Chief Joseph’s tone is mournful and final, due to military defeat. Chief Seattle’s speech is about accepting terms (though reluctantly), with conditions.
8. In what way is the perspective of Chief Joseph similar to Chief Seattle’s?
✅ Answer: A. They both are concerned about their people’s future welfare.
Explanation: Chief Joseph mentions freezing children; Chief Seattle discusses honoring ancestors and ensuring respectful treatment of his people’s burial sites.