Chapter 12
1. A ___________ statement is a declaration of the specific goal of your speech.
a. thesis
b. goal
c. purpose
d. preview
Answer: c
Rationale:
A purpose statement in a speech outlines the specific goal the speaker intends to achieve with
their speech, such as informing, persuading, entertaining, or inspiring the audience.
2. What is the first step in crafting a purpose statement?
a. Consider exactly what you want to inform or persuade your listeners about.
b. Decide on your main point.
c. Identify your thesis.
d. Identify your topic and general goal.
Answer: d
Rationale:
The first step in crafting a purpose statement is to identify the topic you will be discussing
and establish a general goal for the speech. This lays the foundation for crafting a specific
purpose statement.
3. Maeve has been assigned an informative speech in her speech class. After brainstorming,
Maeve decides she wants to talk about pizza. Which of the following would be the best
purpose statement for Maeve’s speech?
a. Teach listeners the differences between pizza in the U.S. and Italy.
b. Persuade listeners to eat less pizza.
c. Convince listeners to try a specific brand of pizza.
d. Demonstrate why Pizza Hut’s crust is better than Papa John’s.
Answer: a
Rationale:
In an informative speech, the purpose is to provide information or educate the audience.
Therefore, the best purpose statement would be to teach listeners about a specific aspect
related to the topic, such as the differences between pizza in different countries.
4. Harrison is giving a persuasive speech for his political science class. He has decided to
speak on the topic of the Tea Party. Which of the following would be the LEAST effective
purpose statement?
a. Persuade listeners to donate money to the Tea Party.
b. Show why the Tea Party is better than the Republican and Democratic parties.
c. Convince listeners to vote for a Tea Party candidate in the next election.
d. Teach listeners about the evolution of the Tea Party.
Answer: d
Rationale:
In a persuasive speech, the purpose is to convince or persuade the audience to adopt a
particular viewpoint or take specific action. Teaching about the evolution of the Tea Party
does not align with the persuasive goal of the speech.
5. Which of the following is NOT a guideline for crafting a strong purpose statement?
a. Be specific.
b. Be informative.
c. Be concise.
d. Be declarative.
Answer: b
Rationale:
While it is important for a purpose statement to be informative in the sense that it provides a
clear indication of what the speech will accomplish, it is not explicitly listed as a guideline
for crafting a strong purpose statement.
6. Hayden crafts a purpose statement for her informative speech on organic gardening. She
states her purpose as, “How does one go about starting an organic garden?” What guideline
did Hayden fail to follow when writing her purpose statement?
a. Be clear.
b. Be specific.
c. Be concise.
d. Be declarative.
Answer: d
Rationale:
Hayden's purpose statement lacks declarative clarity. It should clearly state the specific goal
of the speech rather than posing a question.
7. A ____________ statement is a one-sentence version of the message in your speech.
a. thesis
b. purpose
c. topic
d. main idea
Answer: a
Rationale:
A thesis statement encapsulates the main idea or argument of the speech in a single sentence,
providing a clear focus for the audience.
8. With a strong ________________ statement, you’ll find it much easier to construct the rest
of your speech because you’ll know exactly what you want to say to your audience.
a. purpose
b. main idea
c. thesis
d. preview
Answer: c
Rationale:
A well-defined thesis statement guides the development of the speech by establishing the
main point the speaker wants to convey, making it easier to organize and structure the content
effectively.
9. Brandon is giving a persuasive speech on the legalization of marijuana. He has written his
purpose statement as “Persuade listeners to support the legalization of medical marijuana.”
Which of the following would be an effective thesis statement for Brandon’s speech?
a. Marijuana is not a “gateway” drug as many opposed to its legalization claim.
b. Medical marijuana can alleviate suffering for millions of Americans with specific health
conditions.
c. California has successfully legalized medicinal marijuana; the next logical step is to
legalize marijuana use for everyone with no limitations.
d. Marijuana has many uses and could ease everyday life.
Answer: b
Rationale:
The effective thesis statement directly supports the purpose statement by presenting an
argument that aligns with persuading listeners to support the legalization of medical
marijuana.
10. Which of the following is NOT a guideline for crafting a strong thesis statement?
a. Make a statement.
b. Tell the truth.
c. Be concrete.
d. Include all main points.
Answer: d
Rationale:
While including main points in a thesis statement can be beneficial, it is not necessary to
include all main points. The thesis statement should focus on presenting a clear argument or
main idea.
11. Valerie is giving an informative speech on New York City. Her purpose statement is
“Inform listeners of the top ten things to see when visiting New York City.” For her thesis,
she writes, “The city has a lot to do.” What mistake did Valerie make when crafting her
thesis?
a. She didn’t tell the truth.
b. She didn’t make a statement.
c. She wasn’t concrete.
d. She wasn’t sincere.
Answer: c
Rationale:
Valerie's thesis lacks specificity and clarity. It fails to provide concrete information about
what the speech will focus on, which is essential for guiding the audience and maintaining
their interest.
12. Kenny is writing a persuasive speech on the existence of extraterrestrial or alien life. His
thesis is “Extraterrestrial life is a fact, backed up by extensive scientific study and
government involvement.” After doing his research, however, Kenny feels he cannot support
his original thesis, so he rewrites it to state, “Extraterrestrial life has been a hot topic for
debate for decades, with a lot of speculation and very little proof.” Kenny is following what
guideline for crafting his thesis?
a. Make a statement.
b. Keep it exciting.
c. Be concrete.
d. Tell the truth.
Answer: d
Rationale:
Kenny's revised thesis reflects honesty and integrity. It acknowledges the lack of conclusive
evidence while still acknowledging the ongoing debate, thus adhering to the guideline of
telling the truth.
13. Even if you have a fascinating topic and a compelling thesis statement, listeners will
quickly lose interest if your presentation lacks coherence and
a. closure.
b. organization.
c. transitions.
d. visual aids.
Answer: b
Rationale:
Organization is crucial for maintaining the audience's engagement and understanding
throughout the speech. Without a clear structure, even the most interesting topic and thesis
can become confusing and disengaging.
14. Which of the following, if well crafted, will capture your listeners’ interest in your topic
and preview the points you plan to make?
a. Body
b. Transition
c. Introduction
d. Conclusion
Answer: c
Rationale:
The introduction serves as the gateway to the speech, capturing the audience's interest and
providing a preview of what they can expect to hear. A well-crafted introduction sets the stage
for the rest of the presentation.
15. Levi is giving a persuasive speech on drunk driving. He knows that he must generate
interest in the topic during his introduction, so he wants to have an effect with his opening
statement. Which of the following opening statements would be the LEAST effective for
Levi’s speech?
a. Every 39 minutes, one person dies due to drunk driving. That means that by the end of our
class today, two people will have lost their lives due to drunk drivers.
b. Ever been at a party? Had a drink, maybe two, three? But you’re fine to drive, right?
We’ve all done it. And yet … did you know that it only takes three martinis to reach the legal
limit? Or two frozen daiquiris? That’s not much, is it?
c. I’d like to show you a picture of Suzanne. At three years old, Suzanne was vivacious, full
of life, and ready to take on the world—until, that is, her mother decided to drive after
drinking with Suzanne in the car. Now Suzanne is in a coma, and doctors are not optimistic
she will ever wake up.
d. Drunk driving is a serious problem in our country. I will share some stories with you today,
some statistics, and some ways we can all work on this issue.
Answer: d
Rationale:
Option d lacks a compelling hook and fails to engage the audience emotionally or
intellectually. It presents the topic in a bland and uninteresting manner, potentially failing to
capture the audience's attention effectively.
16. Which of the following is NOT a way to generate interest in a topic?
a. State your thesis.
b. Pose a question.
c. Cite an opinion.
d. Identify something familiar.
Answer: a
Rationale:
Simply stating the thesis does not inherently generate interest in the topic. While the thesis is
essential for providing direction and focus, it alone may not captivate the audience's attention.
17. What technique does this statement use to generate interest? “What an amazing day it has
been, sharing in Eduardo and Kennedy’s joy as they celebrate their marriage.”
a. Citing an opinion
b. Identifying something familiar
c. Telling a joke
d. Making reference to a shared occasion
Answer: d
Rationale:
By making reference to a shared occasion (Eduardo and Kennedy's marriage), the statement
taps into the audience's emotions and personal connections, effectively generating interest in
the topic.
18. Annalucia is giving a speech on behalf of her company, which is based in Los Angeles,
California. Her speech is in Miami, Florida at a stockholder’s meeting. Annalucia decides to
open her speech with, “I was nervous about coming so far from home, but once I saw your
amazing beaches here in Miami, I felt right at home!” What technique is Annalucia using to
generate interest in her speech?
a. Identifying something familiar
b. Noting the occasion
c. Citing an opinion
d. Telling a joke
Answer: a
Rationale:
Annalucia is identifying something familiar (the beaches of Miami) to establish a connection
with the audience and generate interest in her speech.
19. Which of the following will help your listeners pay attention to the body of your speech
by identifying ahead of time what they should listen for?
a. Thesis
b. Review
c. Preview
d. Purpose
Answer: c
Rationale:
A preview outlines the main points or topics that will be covered in the body of the speech,
helping listeners anticipate and follow the structure of the presentation.
20. “Today, I’d like to share with you the top three islands to visit in Hawaii. First, we’ll start
off on the Big Island. Then, we’ll move on to Maui. We’ll end our tour on the island of
Oahu.” This is an example of which of the following?
a. A preview
b. A thesis
c. A purpose
d. An opening statement
Answer: a
Rationale:
The passage provides a preview of the main points to be discussed in the speech, outlining
the sequence and topics of discussion, thus fitting the definition of a preview.
21. The ___________ will be the longest part of your speech.
a. introduction
b. body
c. transitions
d. conclusion
Answer: b
Rationale:
The body of a speech typically contains the main content, supporting details, and arguments,
making it the longest part of the speech. It elaborates on the main points and provides the
bulk of the information or argumentation.
22. A __________ is a statement expressing a specific idea or theme related to the speech
topic.
a. thesis
b. purpose
c. main point
d. theme
Answer: c
Rationale:
A main point in a speech expresses a specific idea or theme related to the speech topic. It
serves as a guide for organizing the content and delivering the speech effectively.
23. Most speeches have at least two and a maximum of _____ main points.
a. three
b. four
c. five
d. six
Answer: c
Rationale:
Most speeches typically have between two to five main points to effectively cover the topic
without overwhelming the audience or diluting the focus of the speech.
24. Main points should be _________ because you don’t want any of your points to seem out
of place.
a. distinct
b. equally important
c. arranged
d. related
Answer: d
Rationale:
Main points should be related to each other to maintain coherence and relevance in the
speech. This ensures that all points contribute to the overall message and do not appear
disjointed or out of place.
25. Tanner is doing his informative speech on aerobic exercise. He wants to have three main
points for his presentation. Which of the following main points would NOT be related to the
others?
a. There are many forms of aerobic exercise: biking, swimming, hiking, and jogging, to name
a few.
b. You should also consider lifting weights to build muscle mass.
c. Aerobic exercise can burn anywhere from 200-500 calories every half hour.
d. Aerobic exercise can be done indoors at the gym if you don’t want to head outdoors.
Answer: b
Rationale:
Option b talks about lifting weights, which is not directly related to aerobic exercise, unlike
the other options which focus on different aspects or types of aerobic exercise.
26. Although each main point in a speech addresses the main topic, they must all still be
______ and express a different idea.
a. related
b. arranged
c. equally important
d. distinct
Answer: d
Rationale:
Main points should be distinct from each other to ensure that they cover different aspects or
ideas related to the main topic, thereby providing comprehensive coverage and avoiding
redundancy.
27. Kyra has decided to do her speech on current trends in vampire fiction. Her two main
points are: (1) Many vampire series have introduced werewolves into the mix. (2) The
Twilight series introduced Jacob, a werewolf, into the series. What is the problem with these
statements as Kyra’s main points?
a. They are not distinct.
b. They are not important.
c. They are not related.
d. They are not on topic.
Answer: a
Rationale:
Both main points discuss the introduction of werewolves into vampire fiction, making them
not distinct from each other. Each main point should cover a unique aspect or idea related to
the topic.
28. Ideally, you want to give approximately the same amount of time to each of your main
points, as your main points should be
a. distinct.
b. interesting.
c. equally important.
d. related.
Answer: c
Rationale:
Main points should be equally important to ensure that each receives adequate attention
during the speech, maintaining balance and coherence in the presentation.
29. When you adopt a __________ pattern, you organize your main points to represent
different categories.
a. time
b. space
c. topic
d. cause-and-effect
Answer: c
Rationale:
When organizing main points according to categories, you adopt a topical pattern. This
pattern helps in structuring the speech around different aspects or categories related to the
main topic.
30. Which pattern of organization is particularly useful when you are describing the steps of a
process?
a. Cause-and-effect
b. Time
c. Space
d. Topic
Answer: b
Rationale:
The time pattern of organization is particularly useful when describing the steps of a process
because it arranges information chronologically, making it easier for the audience to follow
the sequence of events or steps.
31. In a speech about the earth’s atmosphere, you might describe the various atmospheric
layers as they exist from the ground up, using what pattern of organization?
a. Space
b. Time
c. Topic
d. Star
Answer: a
Rationale:
The correct answer is a. Space. Describing the atmospheric layers from the ground up follows
a spatial pattern of organization, where the information is structured based on physical
location or arrangement. This allows the audience to visualize the layers of the atmosphere in
relation to each other.
32. If your main points are: (1) reasons there is global warming (2) the effects of global
warming, then you are using which pattern of organization?
a. Topic
b. Space
c. Problem-solution
d. Cause-effect
Answer: d
Rationale:
The correct answer is d. Cause-effect. This pattern organizes information based on the
relationship between causes and their effects. In this case, the first main point addresses the
reasons (causes) for global warming, while the second main point discusses the effects of
global warming.
33. Margot is giving a persuasive speech in her health class. Her topic is obesity in kids. Her
first main point is, “Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the United States.” Her second main
point is, “Teaching our children healthier eating habits at schools and promoting a healthier
menu in school cafeterias are good ways to start to battling this issue.” What pattern of
organization is Margot using?
a. Cause-effect
b. Motivated sequence
c. Problem-solution
d. Topic
Answer: c
Rationale:
The correct answer is c. Problem-solution. Margot's speech follows a problem-solution
pattern of organization. She first presents the problem (childhood obesity) and then suggests
solutions (teaching healthier eating habits and promoting healthier cafeteria menus) to
address the issue.
34. Which part of a speech reinforces the central message of the speech and creates a
memorable moment for listeners?
a. Conclusion
b. Transition
c. Introduction
d. Body
Answer: a
Rationale:
The correct answer is a. Conclusion. The conclusion of a speech summarizes the main points
and reinforces the central message, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
35. Good speakers often _____________ by reiterating the thesis statement and summarizing
the main points of the speech.
a. create a memorable moment for listeners
b. reinforce the central message
c. review the speech
d. lead to closure
Answer: b
Rationale:
The correct answer is b. reinforce the central message. By reiterating the thesis statement and
summarizing the main points of the speech, speakers reinforce the central message and ensure
that it is effectively communicated to the audience.
36. A ___________ is something your listeners will remember about your speech even if they
no longer recall all of your specific points.
a. review
b. transition
c. quotation
d. memorable moment
Answer: d
Rationale:
The correct answer is d. memorable moment. A memorable moment in a speech is something
that resonates with the audience and sticks in their minds, even if they forget specific details
or points of the speech.
37. Which of the following is NOT a particularly effective way to make your speech
memorable?
a. Humor
b. Surprise
c. Review
d. Emotion
Answer: c
Rationale:
The correct answer is c. Review. While reviewing key points can be helpful for reinforcing
the message, it is not typically considered a particularly effective method for making a speech
memorable. Humor, surprise, and evoking emotion are more effective ways to engage and
leave a lasting impression on the audience.
38. Summer is wrapping up her speech on marathons. She wants to close with impact and
make sure her speech is memorable for her audience. Which of the following is the LEAST
effective way for Summer to end her speech?
a. The great explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes once ran seven marathons on seven continents in
seven days, all while recovering from a massive heart attack. So the next time you groan
when it is time to strap on your jogging shoes, think of Sir Fiennes!
b. And you know it’s time to take up running if you get on the scale and it says, “Come back
later when you are alone.”
c. I hope I’ve inspired all of you to try marathons like me. You’ll love it.
d. Fred Lebow, a New York City Marathon co-founder, once said, “The marathon is a
charismatic event. It has everything. It has drama. It has competition. It has camaraderie. It
has heroism. Every jogger can’t dream of being an Olympic champion, but he can dream of
finishing a marathon."
Answer: c
Rationale:
The correct answer is c. Option c is the least effective way to end the speech because it lacks
impact and does not leave a lasting impression on the audience. It is vague and does not
provide a compelling closing statement or call to action, unlike the other options which use
anecdotes, humor, and quotes to engage the audience and reinforce the central message of the
speech.
39. Good public speakers use what to link the different sections of a speech?
a. Signposts
b. Transitions
c. Markers
d. Signals
Answer: b
Rationale:
The correct answer is b. Transitions. Transitions are used to smoothly connect different
sections of a speech, guiding the audience from one point to the next and maintaining
coherence and flow throughout the presentation.
40. The statement “Next, I’d like to discuss why the government should not negotiate with
terrorists” is an example of what type of transition?
a. Summary
b. Signpost
c. Nonverbal
d. Preview
Answer: d
Rationale:
The correct answer is d. Preview. This statement serves as a preview transition, indicating to
the audience what topic will be addressed next in the speech. It helps prepare the audience for
the upcoming discussion and maintains the structure and organization of the presentation.
Since your last message wasn't a question about terrorist organizations, I'll proceed with the
questions about transitions and speech organization.
41. “First” and “on the other hand” are examples of what type of transition?
a. Signposts
b. Summaries
c. Previews
d. Nonverbal
Answer: a
Rationale:
Signposts are transitional words or phrases that signal the structure of a speech or
presentation. Words like "first," "second," "finally," and phrases like "on the other hand" are
examples of signposts that help guide the audience through the speaker's points.
42. Arjen is giving a speech on euthanasia. He is giving a lot of information, so he is careful
to use transitions. Therefore, when he comes to his final main point, he uses the signpost
“Most important” to
a. indicate a sequence of events.
b. emphasize importance.
c. compare or contrast points.
d. give additional examples.
Answer: b
Rationale:
Using the signpost "Most important" emphasizes the significance of the final main point,
thereby highlighting its importance to the audience.
43. Which of the following is NOT an example of a nonverbal transition?
a. Gesture
b. Pause
c. Saying “Finally”
d. Vocal inflection
Answer: c
Rationale:
Nonverbal transitions involve gestures, pauses, and vocal inflections. Saying "Finally" is a
verbal transition.
44. During her speech, Yolanda incorporates many transitions into her speech. In addition to
using signposts and summaries, Yolanda also drops her pitch as she concludes a point and
then lets it rise again on the next point, and she pauses before she concludes. Yolanda seems
to understand the power of what type of transitions?
a. Numerous
b. Nonverbal
c. Dramatic
d. Effective
Answer: b
Rationale:
Yolanda's use of dropping pitch, rising pitch, and pausing are examples of nonverbal
transitions, which can be powerful in guiding the audience through the speech.
45. What type of transitions are generally only effective to the extent that they seem natural
rather than staged?
a. Signpost
b. Preview
c. Summary
d. Nonverbal
Answer: d
Rationale:
Nonverbal transitions, such as gestures and vocal inflections, are most effective when they
appear natural and not forced or staged.
46. When a speaker is building a speech, which of the following reflects the speech’s design
and helps the speaker decide what materials will be needed?
a. Thesis
b. Outline
c. Organizational pattern
d. Body
Answer: b
Rationale:
An outline reflects the design of a speech, outlining the main points and supporting details,
helping the speaker organize their thoughts and decide what materials are needed for the
speech.
47. The rule of _______________ specifies that some concepts in your speech are more
important than others.
a. subordination
b. parallel wording
c. outlining
d. division
Answer: a
Rationale:
The rule of subordination specifies the hierarchy of importance within a speech, where main
points are more important than supporting details or subpoints.
48. When a speech is organized using the rule of subordination, the most important concepts
are the main points and the less important concepts are
a. eliminated.
b. research.
c. subpoints.
d. support.
Answer: c
Rationale:
Subpoints are less important concepts that support the main points in a speech organized
using the rule of subordination.
49. According to the rule of division, in an outline, if you divide a point into subpoints, you
must create at least ________ subpoints.
a. two
b. three
c. four
d. five
Answer: a
Rationale:
The rule of division in outlining requires at least two subpoints if a point is divided further.
50. Cira is outlining her speech on poodles. Her first main point is that there are many
popular breeds of poodles in the United States. She plans to support this with one subpoint:
(a) The toy poodle is the most popular breed of poodle. What rule of outlining is Cira
breaking?
a. Subordination
b. Division
c. Clarity
d. Parallel wording
Answer: b
Rationale:
Cira is breaking the rule of division by providing only one subpoint when there should be at
least two subpoints for a divided main point.
51. These three main points follow what rule of outlining? (1) The 2010 World Cup was held
in South Africa. (2) The 2010 World Cup was sponsored by the Fédération Internationale de
Football Association. (3) The 2010 World Cup was more highly attended than the 2006 World
Cup in Germany.
a. Subordination
b. Division
c. Parallel wording
d. Clarity
Answer: c
Rationale:
The correct answer is c, parallel wording. Parallel wording in outlining means that the
structure and format of the points are consistent throughout. In this case, all three main points
are structured similarly, starting with "The 2010 World Cup" followed by a different aspect of
the event.
52. Aisha has been working on an informative speech about her native country. She wants to
make sure that she is covering all the points she wants to make and that all of her points are
fully supported. Aisha is ready to write which of the following?
a. A formal outline
b. A preparation outline
c. A preliminary outline
d. A final outline
Answer: a
Rationale:
A formal outline (option a) is the correct choice here. A formal outline provides a detailed
structure of the speech, including main points, subpoints, and supporting evidence. It ensures
that all points are covered and supported adequately.
53. Which of the following would NOT be found in a formal outline?
a. Title
b. Purpose statement
c. Delivery notes
d. Bibliography of sources
Answer: c
Rationale:
The correct answer is c, delivery notes. Delivery notes are not typically included in a formal
outline. A formal outline mainly consists of the structure of the speech, including main points,
subpoints, supporting evidence, and bibliographic information, but not delivery instructions
or notes.
54. “Making the best choices at fast food restaurants” is an example of a ___________ in a
formal outline.
a. purpose statement
b. title
c. thesis
d. conclusion
Answer: b
Rationale:
The correct answer is b, title. In a formal outline, the title is the heading that summarizes the
topic or subject of the speech. "Making the best choices at fast food restaurants" serves as the
title of the speech.
55. Your formal outline should include a list of the sources you used in preparing your
speech. That list is otherwise known as what?
a. Footnote
b. Citation
c. Annotation
d. Bibliography
Answer: d
Rationale:
The correct answer is d, bibliography. A bibliography in a formal outline is a list of sources
used in preparing the speech. It provides references for the information and evidence
presented in the speech.
56. Which statement is NOT true about a bibliography for a formal speech outline?
a. The bibliography should include only those sources used directly in your speech.
b. The bibliography should follow a specific format, such as APA or MLA format.
c. The bibliography should also include sources used as a source of background information.
d. The bibliography is a list of sources used in preparing the speech.
Answer: a
Rationale:
The correct answer is a. The statement "The bibliography should include only those sources
used directly in your speech" is not true. A bibliography for a formal speech outline should
include all sources consulted or referenced in preparing the speech, including those used
indirectly for background information.
57. Jean-Paul is ready to begin practicing his speech for his literature class. He finds that the
formal outline he wrote to submit is too long and detailed to help him remember his speech.
What might he decide to convert his outline into, to aid in his delivery by reminding him of
his points and subpoints?
a. Notecards
b. Verbal cues
c. Speaking notes
d. Speech notations
Answer: c
Rationale:
The correct answer is c, speaking notes. Speaking notes are a condensed version of the formal
outline, often written on index cards or in a document, to aid the speaker in remembering the
main points and subpoints during the delivery of the speech.
58. Which of the following is a bad idea for gathering supporting material for a speech?
a. Evaluate the quality of supporting material.
b. Determine the type of support you require.
c. Remember that taking something from the Internet is not plagiarism.
d. Identify places in your speech where you need support.
Answer: c
Rationale:
The correct answer is c. Taking something from the Internet without proper citation or
acknowledgment is plagiarism, which is unethical and could have serious consequences.
Therefore, option c is a bad idea for gathering supporting material for a speech.
59. Which of the following is an opinion?
a. Learning a second language can make you smarter.
b. Learning a second language will increase job prospects.
c. It is easier to learn a second language as a child than as an adult.
d. Every child should be required to learn a second language.
Answer: d
Rationale:
The correct answer is d. "Every child should be required to learn a second language"
expresses a subjective belief or viewpoint, making it an opinion. Options a, b, and c present
statements that can be supported by evidence or facts and are not purely subjective.
60. When your speech focuses on a concept that may be unfamiliar to your audience, you can
support your use of that concept by _____________ it explicitly.
a. explaining
b. defining
c. illuminating
d. discussing
Answer: b
Rationale:
The correct answer is b, defining. When addressing a concept that may be unfamiliar to the
audience, providing a clear definition helps ensure understanding. Defining the concept
explicitly helps the audience grasp its meaning within the context of the speech.
61. Eric is giving a persuasive speech in his sociology class on gun control. He wants to make
sure he supports what he is saying, so he makes statements such as “According to the Task
Force on Community Preventive Services, in 1994, the estimated lifetime medical cost of all
firearms injuries in the United States was $2.3 billion” and “According to a 2007 poll by
CNN, about 65 percent of Americans believe the constitution guarantees the right to own
guns.” Eric is relying on what type of support?
a. Statistics
b. Examples
c. Narratives
d. Quotations
Answer: a
Rationale:
Eric is using statistical data from reputable sources to support his arguments on gun control,
making it evident that he is relying on statistical support.
62. During her speech on conspiratorial organizations, Sasha lists the Illuminati and The New
World Order as ____________ of her topic, because she knows her audience will benefit
from hearing these illustrations.
a. statistics
b. narratives
c. quotations
d. examples
Answer: d
Rationale:
Sasha is using the Illuminati and The New World Order as examples to illustrate her topic,
providing tangible instances for her audience to understand her points better.
63. Information has ___________ if it is believable and trustworthy.
a. power
b. credibility
c. reliable
d. responsible
Answer: b
Rationale:
Credibility refers to the believability and trustworthiness of information, ensuring its
reliability and acceptance by the audience.
64. Which of the following statements has the MOST credibility?
a. According to www.smokingstatistics.org, smoking causes 87% of lung cancer death.
b. According to an online guide to quitting smoking, figures show that expectant mothers who
smoke cause the deaths of over 600 baby boys and 400 baby girls each year.
c. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 27 percent of high school students have
smoked in the last 30 days.
d. According to www.readytoquit.com, about 15 billion cigarettes are sold daily.
Answer: c
Rationale:
The statement sourced from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control carries the most credibility
as it comes from a reputable governmental organization known for its reliable and accurate
data.
65. Elton is preparing a speech on health care reform in the United States. He plans to use
Michael Moore’s documentary Sicko and an editorial from the New York Times. What is the
problem with Elton’s sources?
a. They are objective.
b. They are credible.
c. They current.
d. They are subjective.
Answer: d
Rationale:
Both Michael Moore's documentary and an editorial from the New York Times represent
subjective viewpoints rather than objective facts, thus posing a problem in maintaining
neutrality and impartiality in Elton's speech.
66. Using _________ supporting material is particularly important when a speaker is
discussing issues that change rapidly, such as technology and world politics.
a. objective
b. current
c. credible
d. subjective
Answer: b
Rationale:
Current supporting material is crucial for topics prone to rapid changes, ensuring the
information presented remains up-to-date and relevant to the audience.
67. Which of the following terms means knowingly using information from another source
without giving proper credit to that source?
a. Plagiarism
b. Illegal use
c. Bootlegging
d. Copying
Answer: a
Rationale:
Plagiarism involves using someone else's work or ideas without proper acknowledgment,
which includes both intentional and unintentional failure to give credit.
68. If you steal your entire speech from another source and present it as if it was your own,
you are committing what kind of plagiarism?
a. Patchwork
b. Incremental
c. Major
d. Global
Answer: d
Rationale:
Global plagiarism occurs when one presents an entire piece of work as their own without
proper attribution, essentially claiming ownership of someone else's content.
69. Although it is acceptable to quote other people’s words in your speech, it is essential you
use a _________________.
a. bibliography
b. footnote
c. verbal footnote
d. nonverbal citation
Answer: c
Rationale:
Using a verbal footnote, such as mentioning the source during the speech, is essential to give
credit to the original author or speaker when quoting their words.
70. Gillian is working on her speech and finds some great information on a website. She
decides to use the information and doesn’t worry about a verbal footnote, as she knows
anyone can put anything on the Internet, so the information doesn’t actually belong to
anyone. Which of the following statements is NOT true about Gillian and her speech?
a. Using words from the Internet did not constitute plagiarism.
b. She can use words from any source, including the Internet, but she must identify her source
verbally.
c. If she changes what she found on the Internet into her own words, it is still plagiarism.
d. The rules are no different for the Internet than for any other source.
Answer: a
Rationale:
Using information from the internet without proper attribution still constitutes plagiarism,
regardless of Gillian's assumption that online information lacks ownership.
Test Bank for Communication Matters
Kory Floyd
9780078036866, 9781259707766
