CHAPTER 5—SELECTING A TOPIC AND A PURPOSE 81
44. The central idea of a speech should be
45. As explained in your textbook, the central idea of a speech should be
46. The central idea of a speech should be
47. As explained in your textbook, the central idea of your speech
48. According to your textbook, the central idea of a speech should
49. “The laser is a highly versatile instrument with important uses in medicine, industry, and art” is
an example of a
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82
50. “The most common types of sleep disorders are insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and
sleepwalking” is an example of a
51. “The three major types of bows used in archery are the long bow, the recurve bow, and the
compound bow” is an example of a
52. “The three major factors to consider when purchasing a bicycle are the kind of riding you plan to
do, the amount of riding you plan to do, and the amount of money you are willing to spend” is an
example of a
53. According to your textbook, “Getting an internship is a challenging experience with great
rewards” is an example of a(n)
54. “The three kinds of bait used to attract fish are live bait, prepared bait, and artificial bait” is an
example of a
55. “The three main methods of harvesting trees in professional logging are selective cutting, clear
cutting, and row thinning” is an example of a
56. “You can increase your gas mileage by reducing the weight in your car, doing regular
maintenance, and reducing your driving speed” is an example of a
57. “The value of a classic car is determined by its condition, its rarity, and its desirability to
collectors” is an example of a
58. “Denying a college education to children of undocumented immigrants is like cutting off your
nose to spite your face” is a poorly phrased central idea for a persuasive speech because it is
59. “Our current gun control laws are all bark and no bite” is a poorly phrased central idea for a
persuasive speech because it is
60. “Repealing the Affordable Care Act now would open a real can of worms” is a poorly phrased
central idea for a persuasive speech because it
61. “When Edward Snowden let the cat out of the bag, he ruined our country’s intelligence system”
is a poorly phrased central idea for an informative speech because it
62. “The major parts of a motion–picture camera” is a poorly phrased central idea for an informative
speech because it
63. “Awesome NASCAR racers” is a poorly phrased central idea for an informative speech because
it is
64. “What should be done about the problem of identity theft?” is a poorly phrased central idea for a
persuasive speech because it is
CHAPTER 5—SELECTING A TOPIC AND A PURPOSE 87
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the Civil War.
Error:
More Effective
Specific Purpose:
14. What is wrong with the following specific purpose statement for an informative speech? Rewrite
the statement to conform with the criteria given in your textbook for effective specific purpose
statements.
Specific Purpose: The major attractions of the annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.
Error:
More Effective
Specific Purpose:
15. What is wrong with the following specific purpose statement for an informative speech? Rewrite
the statement to conform with the criteria given in your textbook for effective specific purpose
statements.
Specific Purpose: To explain the major beliefs of the Baha’i religion.
Error:
More Effective
Specific Purpose:
CHAPTER 5—SELECTING A TOPIC AND A PURPOSE 89
Central Idea:
Main Points: I. The first factor determining the value of a baseball card is the fame of
the player.
II. The second factor determining the value of a baseball card is the age
of the card.
III. The third factor determining the value of a baseball card is the rarity
of the card.
IV. The fourth factor determining the value of a baseball card is the
physical condition of the card.
19. Supply the general purpose, specific purpose, and central idea for a speech with the following
main points:
General Purpose:
Specific Purpose:
Central Idea:
Main Points: I. Our self-esteem is shaped by our immediate family.
II. Our self-esteem is shaped by our interactions with friends.
III. Our self-esteem is shaped by the media.
20. Supply the general purpose, specific purpose, and central idea for a speech with the following
main points:
General Purpose:
Specific Purpose:
Central Idea:
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90
Main Points: I. The first step in writing a successful essay is prewriting.
II. The second step in writing a successful essay is drafting.
III. The third step in writing a successful essay is revising.
IV. The fourth step in writing a successful essay is editing.
21. Supply the general purpose, specific purpose, and central idea for a speech with the following
main points:
General Purpose:
Specific Purpose:
Central Idea:
Main Points: I. The first major part of the brain is the cerebrum.
II. The second major part of the brain is the cerebellum.
III. The third major part of the brain is the brain stem.
22. Supply the general purpose, specific purpose, and central idea for a speech with the following
main points:
General Purpose:
Specific Purpose:
Central Idea:
Main Points: I. The first step in making red wine is harvesting the grapes.
II. The second step in making red wine is preparing the grapes.
III. The third step in making red wine is fermenting the grapes.
IV. The fourth step in making red wine is pressing the grapes.
V. The fifth step in making red wine is aging the wine.
23. Supply the general purpose, specific purpose, and central idea for a speech with the following
main points:
General Purpose:
Specific Purpose:
Central Idea:
Main Points: I. The first stage in dealing with grief is denial.
II. The second stage in dealing with grief is anger.
III. The third stage in dealing with grief is bargaining.
IV. The fourth stage in dealing with grief is depression.
V. The fifth stage in dealing with grief is acceptance.
24. Supply the general purpose, specific purpose, and main points for a speech with the following
central idea:
General Purpose:
Specific Purpose:
Central Idea: The three major causes of decaying bridges in the United States are
overloading, weather, and neglect.
Main Points:
25. Supply the general purpose, specific purpose, and main points for a speech with the following
central idea:
General Purpose:
Specific Purpose:
Central Idea: Devil’s Island was called “the prison from which there is no return”
because escape was virtually impossible and because large numbers of
prisoners died there.
Main Points:
26. Supply the general purpose, specific purpose, and main points for a speech with the following
central idea:
General Purpose:
Specific Purpose:
Central Idea: The three major styles in the history of ballet are classical ballet,
neoclassical ballet, and contemporary ballet.
Main Points:
CHAPTER 5—SELECTING A TOPIC AND A PURPOSE 93
Essay Questions
1. Your textbook discusses four methods of brainstorming for a speech topic. In a brief essay,
identify and explain three of those methods.
2. Explain the differences between informing and persuading as general speech purposes.
3. Why is determining the specific purpose a vital step in the process of preparing a speech?
4. Your textbook provides five tips for writing specific purpose statements. Identify and briefly
explain four of them.
5. What is the difference between a specific purpose and a central idea? Illustrate your answer by
developing a specific purpose statement and a central idea for a hypothetical speech about a
topic of your choice.
6. What are the characteristics of a well-worded central idea? Explain why each characteristic is
7. Imagine that you have been asked to inform a local community group about life as a college
student. In a well-developed essay, describe what your general purpose, specific purpose, and
8. Imagine that you have been asked to talk to a group of visiting high school seniors about the
process of applying to college. In a well-developed essay, describe what your general purpose,
specific purpose, and central idea would be for this speech. Then draft three main points for a
speech on this topic.