Question 1

Memorized speeches usually sound as if they were written because the words and phrases are longer,more complex,and more formal than those used by most speakers.

Accepted Answer

Memorized speeches often sound written because the speaker has had time to carefully select and craft their words, resulting in language that can be more complex and formal than what they might use spontaneously in conversation.

Question 2

The term antithesis refers to
A)using a key word or phrase more than once for emphasis.
B)having two or more clauses or sentences with the same grammatical pattern.
C)a sentence that has two parts with parallel structures but contrasting meanings.
D)the repetition of consonant sound several times in a phrase,clause,or sentence.

Accepted Answer

Antithesis is a rhetorical device that involves contrasting two ideas or concepts in parallel structures, often in the same sentence. Option C presents this definition accurately. Option A describes repetition for emphasis, not antithesis. Option B is about parallel structure, but there is no mention of contrasting ideas. Option D describes alliteration, which is a different rhetorical device.

Question 3

When Reverend Jesse Jackson says,"We must relate instead of debate;we must inspire instead of retire;and we must repair instead of despair," what linguistic device is he using?
A)metaphor
B)omission
C)parallelism
D)inversion

Accepted Answer

Reverend Jesse Jackson is using parallelism, which is the repetition of a grammatical structure. In this case, each statement starts with "we must" followed by a verb, creating a parallel structure that emphasizes his message.

Question 4

The denotation of a word consists of the meaning we associate with the word,based on our past experiences.

Accepted Answer

Denotation refers to the literal, dictionary definition of a word, not the meanings associated with it based on personal experiences, which is referred to as connotation.

Question 5

The best language is often the simplest.

Accepted Answer

Simple language is often easier to understand and communicate, leading to clear and effective communication.

Question 6

In language style,a sentence that uses ______ has two parts with parallel structures but contrasting meanings.
A)antithesis
B)omission
C)parallelism
D)inversion

Accepted Answer

Antithesis is the correct choice. It is a device used in language style where two opposing ideas are presented in a sentence using parallel structures. This creates a contrast between the two ideas, which helps to emphasize them.

Question 7

You should eliminate phrases that add no meaning to your message.

Accepted Answer

Eliminating unnecessary phrases makes your message clearer and more concise.

Question 8

The rhythm of language is
A)cadence.
B)drama.
C)suspension.
D)inversion.

Accepted Answer

Cadence refers to the rhythmic flow or pattern of language, including its rise and fall, stresses, and pauses.

Question 9

President George W.Bush,in eulogizing President Reagan,stated when Ronald Reagan was a child he "knew the world as a place of open plains,quiet streets,gas-lit rooms,and carriages drawn by horses." Which language device was President Bush using when he said "carriages drawn by horses"?
A)He was using antithesis.
B)He was using metaphor.
C)He was using inversion.
D)He was using personification.

Accepted Answer

The answer of President George W.Bush,in eulogizing President Reagan,stated when...

Question 10

One strategy for creating cadence is
A)to leave out a word the audience expects.
B)reverse the normal word order in sentences.
C)use words with strong audience connotation.
D)to use parallelism in sentences or phrases.

Accepted Answer

Using parallelism in sentences or phrases is a effective way to create cadence. By making the structure of multiple sentences or phrases similar, the audience can anticipate the rhythm and flow, creating a sense of continuity and musicality. This can make the message more memorable and impactful.

Question 11

Using a key word or phrase at the end rather than the beginning of a sentence,such as in the statement "She's an inspiration,a best friend,and a teacher;she's also my mom" is a stylistic device known as
A)alliteration.
B)omission.
C)suspension.
D)inversion.

Accepted Answer

This stylistic device is known as suspension because it withholds a key piece of information until the end of the sentence, creating a sense of anticipation or suspense.

Question 12

What is one benefit of using repetition in a speech?
A)It creates a sense of contrast.
B)It gives rhythm and power to your message.
C)It builds suspense which captures audience interest.
D)It surprises the audience,creating a sense of drama.

Accepted Answer

Repetition can give rhythm and power to your message by reinforcing key points and making them more memorable for the audience. It can also help to emphasize important themes and ideas in your speech, and make them more impactful.

Question 13

When using stylistic devices in your speech,you should use them
A)abundantly.
B)throughout the entire speech.
C)only in the introduction.
D)to economize.

Accepted Answer

Using stylistic devices sparingly and strategically can make a speech more impactful. Overusing them can lead to distraction and detract from the message being conveyed. Therefore, it is best to use them in a balanced and thoughtful way, rather than abundantly or throughout the entire speech. Choosing to economize on the stylistic devices used can help to maintain the audience's attention and ensure that the speech remains focused and effective.

Question 14

The connotation of a word is its literal meaning,the definition you find in a dictionary.

Accepted Answer

The connotation of a word is actually the emotional or cultural association that a word carries in addition to its literal definition.

Question 15

Oral communication often uses a rather formal language and structure.

Accepted Answer

Oral communication typically employs a more informal language and structure, allowing for spontaneity and adaptability based on the audience's reactions and the context.

Question 16

A regionalism is a word or phrase used uniquely by speakers in one part of a country.

Accepted Answer

A regionalism is a term that is only used in a particular area or region of a country, and not commonly used elsewhere. Examples of regionalisms in the United States can include "soda" (East Coast) vs. "pop" (Midwest) for a carbonated beverage, and "hoagie" (Philadelphia) vs. "sub" (other regions) for a type of sandwich.

Question 17

Specific words are often concrete words,which appeal to one of our five senses.

Accepted Answer

Specific words are often sensory words that help the reader or listener create a more vivid image or feeling.

Question 18

A linguistic theory known as general semantics holds that the more concrete your words,the clearer your communication.

Accepted Answer

General semantics emphasizes the importance of using specific, concrete language to improve understanding and communication, as it helps to reduce misunderstandings and assumptions.

Question 19

The statement,"Now is the time for determination,decisiveness,and dedication" employs what linguistic device?
A)antithesis
B)alliteration
C)repetition
D)parallelism

Accepted Answer

The statement uses alliteration, which is the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. In this case, "determination, decisiveness, and dedication" all start with the letter "d."

Question 20

General words are often abstract words,which refer to ideas or qualities.

Accepted Answer

This is true, as general words often refer to concepts and abstract ideas rather than specific, concrete objects or actions.

Quiz 10: Using Words Well: Speaker Language and Style

Memorized speeches usually sound as if they were written because the words and phrases are longer,more complex,and more formal than those used by most speakers.

The term antithesis refers to

When Reverend Jesse Jackson says,"We must relate instead of debate;we must inspire instead of retire;and we must repair instead of despair," what linguistic device is he using?

The denotation of a word consists of the meaning we associate with the word,based on our past experiences.

The best language is often the simplest.

In language style,a sentence that uses ______ has two parts with parallel structures but contrasting meanings.

You should eliminate phrases that add no meaning to your message.

The rhythm of language is

President George W.Bush,in eulogizing President Reagan,stated when Ronald Reagan was a child he "knew the world as a place of open plains,quiet streets,gas-lit rooms,and carriages drawn by horses." Which language device was President Bush using when he said "carriages drawn by horses"?

One strategy for creating cadence is

Using a key word or phrase at the end rather than the beginning of a sentence,such as in the statement "She's an inspiration,a best friend,and a teacher;she's also my mom" is a stylistic device known as

What is one benefit of using repetition in a speech?

When using stylistic devices in your speech,you should use them