Page 1
1.
A(n) _______ pattern of arrangement follows the natural sequential order of the main
points.
2.
A speech describing a series of events in the development of a new idea calls for a
_______ pattern of arrangement.
3.
Topics that involve a time-ordered sequence of main points require the _______ pattern
of arrangement.
4.
The _______ pattern describes the physical arrangement of a place, an object, or an
event.
5.
The _______ pattern relates a cause to its effects.
6.
The function of a _______ pattern is to demonstrate the nature and significance of a
problem and to provide justification for a proposed solution.
7.
A(n) _______ pattern of arrangement is most appropriate when each main point is a
subtopic or category of the speech topic.
8.
In a(n) _______ pattern, points can be arranged in any order without negatively
affecting each other or the speech purpose.
9.
A _______ pattern of arrangement gives the speaker the greatest freedom to structure
main points according to the way he or she wishes to present the topic.
10.
A _______ pattern involves conveying ideas through the medium of a story.
11.
A ________ pattern of arrangement consists of a story or a series of short stories,
complete with character, settings, plot, and vivid imagery.
Page 2
Answer Key
Page 3
1.
Organizational patterns help audiences follow a speech and link the speaker’s ideas
together.
A)
True
B)
False
2.
Some common organizational arrangements for public speeches are topical,
chronological, spatial, causal (cause-effect), problem-solution, and narrative.
A)
True
B)
False
3.
Chronological arrangements give the speaker the greatest freedom to structure main
points according to the way he or she wishes to present the topic.
A)
True
B)
False
4.
A chronological pattern of arrangement follows the natural sequential order of the main
points.
A)
True
B)
False
5.
Topics that involve time lines or a series of sequential steps lend themselves to the
chronological arrangement pattern.
A)
True
B)
False
6.
A speech describing a series of events in time calls for a spatial pattern of arrangement.
A)
True
B)
False
7.
The spatial pattern describes the physical arrangement of a place, an object, or an event.
A)
True
B)
False
8.
A speech about why students drop out of college would lend itself well to being
arranged in a causal pattern.
A)
True
B)
False
Page 4
9.
In the causal pattern, it is never appropriate to present the effect first and the causes
subsequently.
A)
True
B)
False
10.
A problem-solution pattern demonstrates the nature and significance of a problem and
provides justification for a proposed solution.
A)
True
B)
False
11.
The problem-solution pattern of arrangement may have more than two main points.
A)
True
B)
False
12.
A topical pattern of arrangement is most appropriate when each main point is unrelated
to the speech topic.
A)
True
B)
False
13.
In a topical pattern, points can often be arranged in any order without negatively
affecting one another or the speech purpose negatively.
A)
True
B)
False
14.
A speech organized in a narrative pattern rarely incorporates elements of other patterns.
A)
True
B)
False
15.
Using a narrative pattern of arrangement involves conveying ideas through a story using
character, plot, and settings.
A)
True
B)
False
Page 5
16.
To describe a series of developments in time or a set of actions that occur sequentially, a
speaker should use which pattern of arrangement?
A)
topical
B)
chronological
C)
circular
D)
causal
17.
To explain the physical arrangement of a place, an object, or an event, a speaker should
use which pattern of arrangement?
A)
topical
B)
problem-solution
C)
spatial
D)
causal
18.
To discuss a topic in terms of its underlying causes, a speaker should use which pattern
of arrangement?
A)
topical
B)
problem-solution
C)
causal
D)
circle
19.
To demonstrate the nature and significance of a problem and provide justification for a
proposed solution, a speaker should use which pattern of arrangement?
A)
topical
B)
chronological
C)
causal
D)
problem-solution
20.
To have the freedom to move points around according to the way the speaker wishes to
present his or her topic, a speaker should use which pattern of arrangement?
A)
topical
B)
chronological
C)
spatial
D)
causal
Page 6
21.
To convey ideas through a story, using character, plot, settings, and imagery, use what
kind of pattern of arrangement?
A)
topical
B)
problem-solution
C)
narrative
D)
chronological
Page 7
Answer Key
1.
A
2.
A
3.
B
4.
A
5.
A
6.
B
7.
A
8.
A
9.
B
10.
A
11.
A
12.
B
13.
A
14.
B
15.
A
16.
B
17.
C
18.
C
19.
D
20.
A
21.
C
1.
What are two reasons a speech should follow a clear structure?
2.
Explain and provide an example of how a speech topic could be organized using
different organizational patterns.
3.
When is the chronological pattern of arrangement appropriate for a speech?
4.
Give an example of a topic and main points well suited to the spatial pattern of
arrangement.
5.
Explain the difference between the causal and the problem-solution patterns of
arrangement.
Page 8
Answer Key