Question 1

Allison has written and rewritten the central idea of her speech on the topic of dog care.She finally comes up with "Dog care is very difficult." What is the problem with this central idea?

Accepted Answer

The central idea "Dog care is very difficult" is too vague as it does not clearly state what aspects of dog care are difficult. A more specific central idea would be more effective and engaging for the audience.

Question 2

______ are detailed points of focus for developing your central idea.

Accepted Answer

Main ideas are the detailed points of focus for developing the central idea. Specific purpose statements outline the purpose of a speech or presentation. Preview statements provide an overview of what will be covered in the speech or presentation. Topic lists simply list potential topics that can be used for a speech or presentation.

Question 3

The central idea should be a single idea.

Accepted Answer

The central idea should be a clear, concise and focused statement that conveys the main point or message of a text, speech or presentation. It should be a single idea that is supported by the details, evidence or arguments presented throughout the work.

Question 4

Searching for logical divisions in a subject is a strategy for determining your

Accepted Answer

Searching for logical divisions in a subject is a strategy for determining the main ideas of a speech or written piece.

Question 5

When wording a specific purpose statement,you should use words that refer to observable or measurable behavior.

Accepted Answer

The purpose statement should clearly state the behavior being observed or measured, which supports the use of words that refer to observable or measurable behavior.

Question 6

"Deforestation by lumber interests and toxic-waste dumping are major environmental problems in the United States today." What is wrong with this central idea?

Accepted Answer

The central idea contains two separate ideas (deforestation by lumber interests and toxic-waste dumping), which makes it unclear and unfocused. A central idea should only contain one main idea.

Question 7

Speakers should choose topics that are important-topics that matter to their listeners as well as to themselves.

Accepted Answer

It is important for speakers to choose topics that are relevant to both their audience and themselves as it increases engagement, interest, and effectiveness of the speech.

Question 8

If a speaker says,"Tonight,I'm going to discuss with you two reasons why everyone should recycle,including cost-saving benefits and the problems waste creates in the environment," you recognize this as a(n)

Accepted Answer

This statement outlines the main points that will be covered in the speech, specifically the cost-saving benefits of recycling and the environmental issues caused by waste, making it a preview of the main ideas.

Question 9

Selma has found that her central idea does not easily break down into logical divisions.She has also come to the conclusion that asking why the central idea is true does not support her speech purpose.In this case,what method should Selma use to develop her main points?

Accepted Answer

When a central idea does not break down into logical divisions or support the speech purpose through questioning, using a series of steps can help structure the speech in a clear, sequential manner.

Question 10

A disadvantage to searching the Web for a topic idea is that it doesn't aid in developing a preliminary bibliography while you are searching for the topic.

Accepted Answer

Searching the Web for a topic idea can actually help in developing a preliminary bibliography, as you can collect sources, references, and citations during your search that may be useful for your research.

Question 11

The central idea for Janelle's speech on the importance of using sunscreen does not break down into logical divisions.Rather than forget this topic and try to find one that divides more logically,what does your text suggest that Janelle do?

Accepted Answer

Establishing reasons why her central idea is true allows Janelle to logically organize her speech around the importance of using sunscreen by presenting arguments or evidence supporting her central idea. This approach helps in structuring the speech coherently even if the topic does not naturally break down into distinct divisions.

Question 12

You should generate your main ideas by looking for natural divisions,reasons,or steps to support your central idea.

Accepted Answer

By looking for natural divisions, reasons, or steps to support the central idea, a writer can effectively generate main ideas and develop a well-organized piece of writing. This is a common practice in outlining and brainstorming before starting to write.

Question 13

Not only should a speaker's choice of topic be relevant to the interests and expectations of his or her listeners,it should also take into account the knowledge listeners already have about the subject.

Accepted Answer

A speaker should be aware of their audience's knowledge and interests in order to choose a relevant topic that captures their attention and provides new information or insights.

Question 14

"I'm going to talk about the sport of racquetball,including the history of the game,some of the basic equipment used when playing racquetball,and some of the health benefits derived from the sport." This is an example of a(n)

Accepted Answer

A blueprint statement outlines the main points or areas that will be covered in a speech, which is exactly what the given statement does by listing the topics of history, equipment, and health benefits related to racquetball.

Question 15

The central idea should be a complete declarative sentence-not a phrase,clause,or a question.

Accepted Answer

The central idea should be a complete declarative sentence, which is a sentence that makes a statement or assertion. It should not be a phrase, clause, or question.

Question 16

To be successful,a topic must be appropriate to the audience but not the occasion.

Accepted Answer

A topic must be appropriate to both the audience and the occasion. If it is not appropriate for the occasion, it could be seen as insensitive or inappropriate.

Question 17

How many main ideas does the text suggest you should have in your speech?

Accepted Answer

The text suggests having 2 to 4 main ideas in your speech to keep it focused and manageable for the audience to follow.

Question 18

All successful topics reflect audience,occasion,and speaker.

Accepted Answer

A successful topic is one that is chosen based on the audience's interests, fits the occasion or purpose of the presentation, and is suitable for the speaker's expertise and style of delivery.

Question 19

You should limit the specific purpose to two to three ideas.

Accepted Answer

The answer of You should limit the specific purpose to...

Question 20

According to your text,a combination of your central idea and a summary of your main points is known as the

Accepted Answer

A combination of central idea and summary of main points is known as a blueprint. The general purpose refers to the overall goal of the speech, while the specific purpose refers to the specific outcome the speaker hopes to achieve. The central idea is the main theme or message of the speech.

Quiz 6: Developing Your Speech