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1. “To coerce” is an example of an effective specific purpose statement for a persuasive
speech.
A) True
B) False
2. A presentation advocating for stricter gun control laws is an example of a proposition of
policy. A) True
B) False
3. Specific purpose statements are not used in persuasive presentations.
A) True
B) False
4. Delivering a presentation advocating for advance directives would be an example of a
proposition of value.
A) True
B) False
5. An audience who is more motivated to listen to your topic often takes a peripheral route,
while a less-motivated one may take a central route.
A) True
B) False
6. Research suggests that speakers with charisma are more likely to engage their audience
even on topics that aren’t appealing to them at first.
A) True
B) False
7. By using deductive reasoning, a speaker goes from specific facts to arrive at a more
general conclusion.
A) True
B) False
8. With inductive reasoning, speakers begin with general principles and reason to specific
instances related to that principle.
A) True
B) False
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9. “By following the town of Springfield’s example of a comprehensive recycling program,
we too could make our streets and alleys cleaner” is an example of cause-effect reasoning.
A) True
B) False
10. Negative campaign ads that attack candidates rather than positions or issues are
exemplifying ad hominem arguments.
A) True
B) False
11. Claims based on the notion that others are following a similar course of action are called
bandwagon appeals.
A) True
B) False
12. Pathos refers to stories or examples that appeal to an audience’s needs and feelings.
A) True
B) False
13. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, physical needs are considered the most basic
physiological requirements that must be satisfied before addressing higher-level concerns.
A) True
B) False
14. If you choose to persuade your listeners to get a flu shot, you would be wise to appeal to
their security needs.
A) True
B) False
15. By using testimony from a credible source, speakers can likely increase their pathos as
well as audience interest in their topic.
A) True
B) False
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16. The motivated sequence is best suited for speeches of policy because they focus on action
to be taken by your audience.
A) True
B) False
17. The foot-in-the-door technique focuses on asking your audience to make large changes in
their current behavior.
A) True
B) False
18. Two ways in which a speaker can demonstrate concern for the audience is through
goodwill and empathy.
A) True
B) False
19. Exposing your audience to opposing viewpoints can be an effective strategy as it
inoculates them from future attempts aimed at changing their minds.
A) True
B) False
20. Cause-effect reasoning is best suited for explaining why something occurred.
A) True
B) False
21. Ethical and competent persuasive speeches will include one or two forms of rhetorical
proof. A) True
B) False
22. Reasoning turns all material collected during investigation into the logical basis for your
speech.
A) True
B) False
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Answer Key