Question 1

Dorri presents two solutions to a problem as if they are the only two options when there are really many choices.Dorri is engaging in the _______ fallacy.

Accepted Answer

Dorri is presenting only two options and forcing the listener to choose between them, when in reality there may be other solutions available. This is the either-or fallacy, which assumes that there are only two possible alternatives when there may be many more.

Question 2

If,based on a discussion with two classmates,you stated to the instructor that "Many of the students in this class would like to have a take-home final," you would be committing a fallacy of _______.

Accepted Answer

This is a hasty generalization because the statement assumes that the opinions of two classmates accurately represent the opinions of many students in the entire class, which may not necessarily be true.

Question 3

Statement I is _______.

Accepted Answer

A

Question 4

Kara says to Sunny,"Did you hear Antonio's speech? I thought it was really good." Sunny replies,"How could you think he gave a good speech? He's such a dork! All he does is play video games.What a loser." Sunny's response is an example of _______.

Accepted Answer

Sunny's response attacks Antonio's character and does not address the content of his speech, which is a classic example of the ad hominem fallacy.

Question 5

In a speech arguing that college tuition is far too expensive,you explain that there are high quality colleges in Canada that charge half the cost.This is an example of which kind of argument?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of argument by analogy, as the speaker is comparing the cost of college tuition in Canada to that in the United States to make a point about the affordability of higher education.

Question 6

A decision to buy a car based on an analysis of cost,comparative features,and frequency of repair would be a decision based on _______.

Accepted Answer

This decision is based on logical reasons, such as the cost of the car, its features in comparison to other models, and the frequency of repair needed. It is not based on emotions or fallacies, and while credibility may be a factor in the decision-making process, it is not the primary basis for this decision.

Question 7

If you support the proposition that "recycling rates have gone down on campus" by saying,"Students have been using recycling bins as trash containers," you would be _______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If you support the proposition that "recycling...

Question 8

If you noticed that your grades started going up after you started a protein shake regimen,and you suggested to a friend that you think protein shakes have made you smarter,you might be committing a fallacy of _______.

Accepted Answer

The fallacy committed is "false cause," also known as post hoc ergo propter hoc, which assumes that because one thing follows another, the first thing must have caused the second. In this case, assuming that protein shakes made you smarter because your grades improved after starting them is a false cause fallacy, as it incorrectly assumes a causal relationship without sufficient evidence.

Question 9

An audience that has a positive attitude toward your speech goal _______.

Accepted Answer

An audience with a positive attitude towards your speech goal is more likely to be receptive to your message, making it an opportune moment to ask them to take action on the topic.

Question 10

_______ is Aristotle's term for what we call emotional appeals.

Accepted Answer

Pathos is Aristotle's term for emotional appeals. It is one of the three modes of persuasion, along with logos (logical appeals) and ethos (appeals to the speaker's credibility or character).

Question 11

Which of the following statements is accurate regarding negative emotions?

Accepted Answer

People generally attempt to eliminate negative emotions as soon as possible. Therefore, appealing to them in speech is not an effective persuasion technique. Option A is incorrect because there may be situations where negative emotions are appropriate and necessary to convey a message effectively. Options C and D are also incorrect because appealing to negative emotions alone is not necessarily fallacious, but it can become fallacious when used to distract from the issue or attack a person's character instead of addressing the topic at hand.

Question 12

Statement II is _______.

Accepted Answer

Statement II is identified as a reason in the given options. It provides an explanation or justification for Statement I.

Question 13

Which of the following statements regarding positive emotions is accurate?

Accepted Answer

Audience members generally try to sustain positive emotions because they are inherently pleasant and desirable, making them more receptive to messages that align with these emotions.

Question 14

When you are selecting evidence to support your speech claims,you should make sure that _______.

Accepted Answer

All of the above choices are important when selecting evidence to support your speech claims. The evidence should come from a reliable and credible source, be recent, and be persuasive to your specific audience.

Question 15

When your audience is impartial,as opposed to apathetic or uninformed,you should _______.

Accepted Answer

Providing more developed and involved evidence is the best choice when your audience is impartial. They already have a basic understanding of the topic, so providing personalized information or basic information may not be necessary. Instead, providing them with more evidence and details can help sway their opinion or understanding.

Question 16

If your audience is very much opposed to your speech goal,_______.

Accepted Answer

If your audience is strongly opposed to your speech goal, it is unlikely that you will be able to change their minds completely. However, it is still worth attempting to move their opinion a little bit closer in your direction. Aim to find common ground, acknowledge their concerns, and present persuasive arguments backed up by evidence to try and make a convincing case. If you can get them to shift even slightly in your direction, it can still be considered a success. Changing the topic or using the same strategy as with mildly opposed audiences are unlikely to be effective options.

Question 17

Statement V is _______.

Accepted Answer

Statement V serves as evidence or support for a reason, providing backing or justification for a claim or argument.

Question 18

If you support the point that Colorado ski resort towns have been seeing an increase in wildlife habitat loss with the argument that "There have been increased reporting of bear and deer in the downtown area," you would be _______.

Accepted Answer

Arguing by sign is making an argument based on an observable phenomenon that indicates a specific situation or outcome. In this case, the increased reporting of bear and deer in the downtown area is a sign of wildlife habitat loss in the ski resort towns.

Question 19

The elaboration likelihood model (ELM)suggests that _______.

Accepted Answer

The elaboration likelihood model (ELM) suggests that when we go with our gut feeling without critically thinking, we are using the peripheral route, which is characterized by superficial processing of information and reliance on heuristics or mental shortcuts. The central route, on the other hand, involves systematic and thoughtful evaluation of persuasive messages based on their logic, evidence, and relevance to our values and goals. Emotional appeals can work for both the central and peripheral routes, depending on how relevant they are to the issue and how they are processed. However, peripheral route processing is generally less influential and lasting than central route processing, as it is more prone to biases, distractions, and counter-arguments. It is possible to switch from one route to another, depending on our motivation, ability, and need for cognitive closure.

Question 20

Todd notices that several audience members rolled their eyes during a portion of his speech.He adapts by saying,"Now,you may think that what I've just said is ridiculous.I'd like you to hear me out as I next explain why I think this is a practical plan," and he continues with his speech.Todd's statement is an example of _______.

Accepted Answer

Todd is being responsive to the reactions of the audience by acknowledging their potential disagreement and addressing it before continuing with his speech. This helps him connect with the audience and maintain their attention.

Quiz 17: Persuasive Speaking