Cause-and-effect paragraphs and persuasion paragraphs are very similar to
a. arguments.
b. essays.
c. transitions.
d. pronouns.

The correct answer is letter a. arguments. Cause-and-effect paragraphs and persuasion paragraphs are very similar to arguments.  In an argument you are making a claim about a topic. It is also concerned with why things happen (causes) and what happens as a result (effects).