Name:
Class:
Date:
True / False
1. We use language to label, compare, and define.
a.
True
b.
False
2. Denotative meanings reflect our emotions and experiences, whereas connotative meanings reflect the dictionary
definition.
a.
True
b.
False
3. Concrete words are sense-related. We use concrete words to describe what we can see, smell, touch, hear, or taste.
a.
True
b.
False
4. When you have the choice between a more common vivid word or an obscure word, you should choose the more
obscure.
a.
True
b.
False
5. An indirect verbal style is characterized by language that openly states the speaker’s intention in a straightforward and
unambiguous way.
a.
True
b.
False
6. Jargon and slang are appropriate in most situations.
a.
True
b.
False
7. Sharing meaning can be difficult because language is arbitrary, abstract, and constantly changing.
a.
True
b.
False
Multiple Choice
8. A speech community is ______________________________.
a.
compromised of less than 10,000 speakers
b.
a small group that speaks a common dialect
c.
compromised of people within a single neighborhood
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d.
also known as a melting pot for language.
9. For a word to have meaning, it must __________________________________.
a.
be used in a complete sentence
b.
have a literal connection to the thing it represents
c.
be spelled correctly
d.
stand for a particular object, idea, or feeling
10. To improve semantics _________________________.
a.
use familiar language
b.
arrange words in ways that both improve clarity and demonstrate respect
c.
demonstrate linguistic sensitivity
d.
do all of the above
11. The feelings and evaluations we associate with a word reflect its _________________________.
a.
literal meaning
b.
connotative meaning
c.
denotative meaning
d.
less important than nonverbal messages
12. Each verbal language consists of a ____, a collection of words and expressions.
a.
lexicon
b.
phonology
c.
syntax
d.
language community
13. Every person’s ____ is unique to him- or herself.
a.
monolect
b.
dialect
c.
idiolect
d.
persolect
14. If Mark says he has a new car and Paul thinks of an electric hybrid, Paul’s thought reflects:
a.
denotation
b.
contextual integration
c.
uncertainty reduction
d.
connotation
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Class:
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15. At a party, Eddie said to Scott, “Hey man, could you do me a solid and pass me those nachos?” instead of simply
saying, “Scott—give me the nachos.” At the ____ level, this question appears to give Scott a choice. At the ____ level,
however, his message is the same.
a.
pragmatic; semantic
b.
semantic; pragmatic
c.
connotative; denotative
d.
denotative; connotative
16. A(n) ____ conveys a verbal message as well as what it implies about how the listener should respond.
a.
direct verbal style
b.
idiom
c.
utterance
d.
speech act
17. Which of the following statements are true about slang?
a.
Slang is never appropriate communication
b.
Slang is primarily used by teenagers.
c.
Slang should be used only when the meaning will be clear.
d.
Slang is an example of vivid language.
18. Which of these statements is an example of using inclusive language?
a.
“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.“
b.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
c.
“Do you guys want to go to the store with me?”
d.
“Each student should sign the honor pledge on his or her exam.”
19. A language changes when _________________________.
a.
new words are invented.
b.
existing words are abandoned
c.
aspects of multiple languages blend together
d.
all of these
20. Which of the following phrases is an idiom?
a.
“I have a temperature of 102 degrees.”
b.
“I’m sick as a dog.“
c.
“You’d better not shake my hand”
d.
“Ah-choo!”
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Class:
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21. Which of the following best exemplifies concrete language?
a.
“Janice is such a card, isn’t she?”
b.
“Janice has such a funny way about her.”
c.
“Janice’s clothing choices are certainly unique!”
d.
Isn’t it weird that Janice dresses like 1920s socialite?”
22. Saying “three-bedroom ranch” instead of “house” is a matter of word:
a.
specificity
b.
familiarity
c.
concreteness
d.
vividness
23. Using the word demanded instead of asked when you mean to show force of action is a matter of word:
a.
specificity
b.
familiarity
c.
concreteness
d.
appropriateness
24. Tia says, “Ew! Lizards are so gross and scary.” Aimee disagrees, “No way! They’re awesome pets and so sweet.” Tia
and Aimee are disagreeing about the ____ of the word “lizard.”
a.
concrete meaning
b.
denotative meaning
c.
connotative meaning
d.
metaphoric meaning
25. If instead of saying “The car was wrecked” you say, “The left fender was dented by a hit-and-run driver,” you are
using:
a.
emphasis
b.
appropriateness
c.
specificity
d.
concreteness
26. When John was showing his mom how to use her new smartphone, he walked her through it slowly, using idioms and
metaphors that she could understand without relying too heavily on jargon. John was ____
a.
using specific language
b.
using concrete language
c.
using familiar language
d.
using descriptive details
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Class:
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27. ______________ is the practice of paying attention to what is happening at any given moment during a conversation
a.
indexing
b.
mindfulness
c.
separation fact from inference
d.
evaluation
28. To improve your use of pragmatics in verbal messages, do all of the following except
___________________________.
a.
acknowledge when your message violates a guideline
b.
provide as much information as possible
c.
relate what you said to the topic being discussed
d.
assume the best first
Essay
29. You have prepared a speech about HIV and AIDS for what you have been told is a group of people in their mid-20s
who have been taking training courses about infectious diseases. Your main points are: (1) HIV is a highly infections
virus; (2) HIV is contracted primarily through sharing of needles, blood transfusions, and unprotected sex; (3) Millions of
people die each year from AIDS or AIDS-related illnesses; (4) We can reduce the HIV/AIDS epidemic by educating
people on how to reduce their risk factors and encouraging people to get tested regularly. When you arrive, you see that
the audience members are about 10 and 11 years old. How would you adjust your speech to be linguistically sensitive? Be
sure to note at least two specific ways the text notes that one should be linguistically sensitive, and use specific examples.
Answer not provided.
30. Describe a situation in which it would be extremely important to demonstrate sociolinguistic sensitivity. Create a brief
conversation between two people that might occur during this situation. One of the people should demonstrate an
understanding of sociolinguistic differences, while the other should not.
Answer not provided.
31. Describe various methods that you could use to improve your language skills.
Answer not provided.