In the first sentence of the passage, the author refers to “antisocial gamers” primarily to

In the first sentence of the passage, the author refers to “antisocial gamers” primarily to

A. suggest that gamers could benefit from instruction in interpersonal communication

B. acknowledge a belief that is likely to be held by some of her audience

C. characterize her audience as thoughtful people who would be unlikely to stereotype others

D. argue that too much engagement with computers can erode social skills

E. encourage her audience to reconsider the connection between creativity and sociability

Answer: B. acknowledge a belief that is likely to be held by some of her audience

When the author uses the phrase ‘antisocial gamers’ in the first sentence, she might be linking with the knowledge that her intended readers may have. The strategy of contrast achieves several goals in the textual manipulation meant to build the author’s thesis. This stereotype is assumed by the author to be aware of the general attitudes toward gamers, which could be a matter of social outcasts or the absence of social skills, for instance.

For instance, many people who have little to no knowledge about the gaming culture may have the notion that gamers are more often than not loners which results in their poor social life. Thus, by agreeing with this view, the author introduces herself to those readers who might share this opinion and establish a common ground with them. This also facilitates the author to possibly dismiss or even discuss the validity of this stereotype in the rest of the passage. It provides the foundation for a much broader and constructive debate about the role and characteristics of gaming and its effects on people’s actions. These stereotypical views might be followed by arguments or evidence that would state the opposite of what readers want to believe, thus first appealing to the readers’ biases and then making them reconsider their stance. The use of this technique is done especially in persuasive writing to make a connection and in a way gain the trust of the reader before presenting fresh or opposed information.