Final answer:
The author's argument is characterized as persuasive when aiming to convince the audience of a particular viewpoint, employing pathos, logos, and ethos. In contexts like the Asch experiment results and the central route to persuasion, the impact of normative social pressures and the necessity for the audience to be analytical and motivated are highlighted. Therefore, the correct option is a) Persuasive.
Step-by-step explanation:
The way an author presents their argument can typically be characterized into several distinct types. Option (a) Persuasive writing is employed when the author aims to convince the reader to accept a particular viewpoint or to take a specific action. This type of writing often uses rhetorical strategies like pathos (emotional appeal), logos (logical appeal), and ethos (ethical appeal) to effectively persuade the audience. The Asch experiment, referred to in this context, revealed that participants conformed due to normative social pressures, seeing as they wanted to fit in with the group despite knowing that the group's consensus was incorrect. Thus, this suggests the impact that social dynamics and the desire for acceptance can have on an individual's decisions and viewpoints.
In relation to persuasion efficacy, the central route to persuasion requires the audience to be analytical and motivated, as they must be willing and able to engage deeply with the argument and evidence presented for the persuasion to be successful. Consequently, evaluating the effectiveness of a persuasive text often involves considering the author's ability to engage the audience's intellect and emotions. Finally, when discussing the types of writing about art, it's clear that the author engages in persuasive writing if they are actively arguing for a particular interpretation or viewpoint, as indicated by using elements like evaluation and advocating for readers to understand their perspective.