Question 1

Choosing the right topic means choosing a topic that is appropriate for which of the following?
A) you
B) the occasion
C) your audience
D) all of these

Accepted Answer

Choosing the right topic means choosing a topic that is appropriate for you, the occasion, and your audience. Therefore, the best choice is option D, which includes all of these factors.

Question 2

The goal of ______ is to generate as many ideas as possible without fear of critique.
A) brainstorming
B) topic selection
C) thesis formulation
D) general purpose formation

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming is a process where a group of people comes together to generate as many ideas as possible, without any judgment or critique. This is important because it allows for creativity and a free flow of ideas without any limitations. Once all the ideas are gathered, they can be evaluated and selected based on their relevance and feasibility.

Question 3

Brainstorming is a process of free ______ in which your goal is to generate as many ideas as possible without fear of critique.
A) manipulation
B) association
C) interpretation
D) collation

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming is a process of free association, where participants are expected to generate as many ideas as possible, often without any filtering or critique. Manipulation, interpretation, and collation suggest a more structured process, where ideas are already processed or organized in some way.

Question 4

When you mix and match ideas you've generated to form interesting combinations, you are ______ ideas.
A) marrying
B) piggybacking
C) gathering
D) joining

Accepted Answer

The term "piggybacking" implies taking two separate ideas and combining them in a way that builds upon each other, resulting in a more interesting or innovative concept.

Question 5

In a brainstorming exercise of listing on the left side of a sheet of paper everything you are able to see, hear, taste, smell, or touch from your present location and on the right side of your paper topics that might naturally evolve from each observation or experience, you are focusing on ______.
A) the then and there
B) the here and now
C) human nature
D) the senses

Accepted Answer

The exercise is focusing on the present moment and sensory experiences, which is known as the "here and now."

Question 6

One brainstorming technique is that of dividing a sheet of paper into seven columns and writing down words associated with each of the following: ______, processes, phenomena, possessions, products, and programs.
A) postures
B) presences
C) plots
D) people

Accepted Answer

The seven columns are meant for words associated with things, not actions or concepts. "People" is the only option that fits this criteria. The other answer choices are either actions (postures) or abstract concepts (presences, plots, and programs).

Question 7

The ______ approach is particularly useful in helping prevent "idea paralysis."
A) ABC
B) 123
C) letter
D) chart

Accepted Answer

The ABC approach encourages individuals to generate as many ideas as possible without judgment, criticism, or self-censorship. This can help prevent "idea paralysis," where an individual becomes stuck in the idea generation process due to fear of making mistakes or being overly critical. The ABC approach allows for free-flowing and creative thinking, which can lead to the development of unique and innovative ideas.

Question 8

Which of the following are media you can scan to brainstorm speech topics?
A) newspapers
B) sitcoms
C) broadcast news
D) you can use all of these

Accepted Answer

All listed media sources can provide inspiration and ideas for speech topics.

Question 9

A ______ is a visual means of showing the relationship between brainstormed ideas.
A) mind map
B) brain map
C) mind chart
D) brain chart

Accepted Answer

A mind map is a visual tool used to organize and connect ideas in a non-linear format, making it a useful tool for brainstorming or planning. It typically starts with a central idea or topic and branches out into related subtopics or concepts, showing the relationships between them. A brain map, mind chart, or brain chart are not commonly used terms for this type of visual brainstorming tool.

Question 10

Virtually all speeches fulfill which of the following general rhetorical purposes?
A) to inform
B) to persuade
C) to entertain
D) all of these

Accepted Answer

Virtually all speeches fulfill the general rhetorical purposes of informing, persuading, and entertaining, so the best choice is D which includes all of these options.

Question 11

An informative speaker acts like a ______ for his or her audience.
A) parent
B) law enforcement officer
C) lawyer
D) teacher

Accepted Answer

An informative speaker's role is similar to that of a teacher, as they are educating their audience on a topic. Their goal is to provide information in a clear and understandable way. While a parent or law enforcement officer may provide guidance and direction, they are not necessarily focused on providing information in the same way that a teacher or informative speaker would. A lawyer may be providing information, but their role is typically to argue a specific case, rather than educate their audience on a topic.

Question 12

Speakers deliver informative speeches for which of the following reasons?
A) to explain a process, procedure, organization, or function
B) when they describe a person, place, or thing
C) when they define a word or concept
D) all of these

Accepted Answer

Speakers may deliver informative speeches for a variety of reasons, including explaining a process, organization, or function (A), describing a person, place, or thing (B), and defining a word or concept (C). Therefore, all of these options (D) are correct.

Question 13

Which of the following would be a good topic for a persuasive speech?
A) why soda should be eliminated from schools
B) the health effects of soda
C) history of soda manufacturers
D) the effects of caffeine on the human body

Accepted Answer

A persuasive speech needs to have a clear argument or call to action. Option A provides a clear and focused argument for eliminating soda from schools, which can be supported by facts and statistics on the negative health effects of soda on children. Option B could also be a good topic, but it may be too broad and lack a clear argument. Options C and D are informative topics, but may not be as persuasive.

Question 14

An informative speaker pursues which of the following goals?
A) hoping to alter how the audience members feel
B) hoping to alter how the audience members act
C) often speaking on controversial topics
D) explaining a concept to the audience members

Accepted Answer

An informative speaker aims to present information and explain a concept to the audience members. They are not necessarily seeking to alter how the audience members feel or act, and they may or may not be speaking on controversial topics.

Question 15

Which of the following would be a good topic for a persuasive speech?
A) the effects of the flu
B) how to prepare for a job interview
C) why public schools should provide free lunches to all students
D) how a smartphone works

Accepted Answer

The topic "why public schools should provide free lunches to all students" is a good topic for a persuasive speech because it addresses a social issue and promotes a course of action that can benefit a large group of people. A persuasive speech aims to influence the audience's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, and a topic that is relevant, controversial, and can be supported with data and evidence is more likely to engage and persuade the listeners. The other options may be informative, but they don't fit the criteria for a persuasive speech.

Question 16

A humorous toast about your best friend would be considered a speech to ______.
A) mock
B) inform
C) persuade
D) entertain

Accepted Answer

A humorous toast is meant to entertain, so the best choice is D) entertain.

Question 17

Which of the following would be a poor instance for speech to entertain?
A) a monologue at a club
B) a toast at a wedding
C) a speech during a casual lunch
D) a memorial speech on Veterans Day

Accepted Answer

A memorial speech on Veterans Day is a solemn and respectful occasion meant to honor and remember the sacrifices made by veterans. It would not be appropriate to use it solely for entertainment purposes.

Question 18

Which of the following would be the specific purpose of an informative speech?
A) to motivate individuals to run
B) to explain the signs of a heart attack
C) to encourage audience members to donate to earthquake relief
D) to convince people to vote for a specific candidate

Accepted Answer

The specific purpose of an informative speech is to provide information and educate the audience on a particular topic. Option B, "to explain the signs of a heart attack," best fits this purpose as it seeks to inform the audience on a specific topic. The other options either seek to motivate, encourage or persuade the audience, which are not the purposes of an informative speech.

Question 19

Which of the following is true of the specific purpose?
A) It should be stated as a question.
B) It should be broad and vague
C) It should be for your personal use.
D) It should focus on two or three related ideas.

Accepted Answer

The specific purpose of a speech or presentation is intended for the speaker's personal use to guide the development of their content, ensuring it aligns with their intended outcome.

Question 20

The specific purpose should be written ______.
A) in abstract language
B) about three to four subtopics
C) from your perspective
D) from the audience's perspective

Accepted Answer

The answer of The specific purpose should be written ______.
A)...

Quiz 5: Selecting a Topic and Purpose

Choosing the right topic means choosing a topic that is appropriate for which of the following?

The goal of ______ is to generate as many ideas as possible without fear of critique.

Brainstorming is a process of free ______ in which your goal is to generate as many ideas as possible without fear of critique.

When you mix and match ideas you've generated to form interesting combinations, you are ______ ideas.

In a brainstorming exercise of listing on the left side of a sheet of paper everything you are able to see, hear, taste, smell, or touch from your present location and on the right side of your paper topics that might naturally evolve from each observation or experience, you are focusing on ______.

One brainstorming technique is that of dividing a sheet of paper into seven columns and writing down words associated with each of the following: ______, processes, phenomena, possessions, products, and programs.

The ______ approach is particularly useful in helping prevent "idea paralysis."

Which of the following are media you can scan to brainstorm speech topics?

A ______ is a visual means of showing the relationship between brainstormed ideas.

Virtually all speeches fulfill which of the following general rhetorical purposes?

An informative speaker acts like a ______ for his or her audience.

Speakers deliver informative speeches for which of the following reasons?

Which of the following would be a good topic for a persuasive speech?

An informative speaker pursues which of the following goals?

Which of the following would be a good topic for a persuasive speech?

A humorous toast about your best friend would be considered a speech to ______.

Which of the following would be a poor instance for speech to entertain?

Which of the following would be the specific purpose of an informative speech?

Which of the following is true of the specific purpose?

The specific purpose should be written ______.