1. Most nonstandard language is substandard and should be corrected to be in line with the dominant ways of
speaking.
a. True
b. False
2. A formal speech should not be conversational.
a. True
b. False
3. Becauseyourlistenersareacaptiveaudience,itreallydoesn’tmatterifyouhaveatendencytobeabitwordy.
a. True
b. False
4. Oral style differs from written style in that it uses shorter sentences.
a. True
b. False
5. There is no standard style to use in speaking; thus, different audiences and topics require different approaches.
a. True
b. False
6. It is never appropriate to use jargon or slang in a speech.
a. True
b. False
Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 28 Language and Style
7. Personification is a stylistic device that brings objects or ideas to life by imbuing them with qualities of human
beings.
a. True
b. False
8. A speaker is said to be using hyperbole when she deliberately overstates a point in a way that is more fanciful than
misleading.
a. True
b. False
9. Humor is never appropriate for a speech in a formal setting.
a. True
b. False
10. Oral style differs from written style in that it _____.
a. Is more repetitious
b. Uses longer sentences
c. Uses fewer personal pronouns
d. Uses fewer contractions
e. All of the above
11. In the contest of speaking, style is _____.
a. An aspect of literary composition
b. The aesthetic value of your speech
c. The technique you employ in your delivery
d. A mode of expression
e. Your choice of words and the way you put them together
Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 28 Language and Style
12. The respectful and inclusive way to refer to members of non-dominant racial and ethnic groups is _____.
a. As people of color
b. As minorities
c. To learn how they wish to be designated
d. As multicultural
e. By no title that sets them apart from European Americans
13. When is it appropriate to use jargon and/or slang? If you are unsure about the audience, what is the recommended
course of action regarding jargon and slang?
14. List some of the positive features of oral expression that set it apart from written forms of expression.
15. Asapublicspeakerhowcanyou“striveforclarityinyourlanguage”?
16. Brieflydescribewhyitissoimportanttouse“verbaldevices.”
17. Describe three ways a public speaker can energize his/her language.
18. What is the importance of varying the rhythm of your sentences? Give two benefits varying the rhythm and two
consequences of not varying the rhythm of your sentences.
19. Use at least two different stylistic devices to enliven each of the following phrases:
Attendance is required.
Violence is a big problem.
Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 28 Language and Style
Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 28 Language and Style