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Indicate the answer choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
1. Direct quotations from others should be written out word for word in a speaking outline.
a.
True
b.
False
2. A friend says, “To help the audience remember my main points, I’ve related each point to a different
department in the grocery store. I plan to walk them through the store during my speech.” Which organizational
speech pattern is this person describing?
a.
temporal
b.
spatial
c.
rambling
d.
cause and effect
3. Chae Woo is giving a speech that maps the path of migration of people living in the Neolithic era. Which
organizational pattern is appropriate for this speech?
a.
rambling
b.
topical
c.
cause and effect
d.
spatial
4. If a speaker describes the arrangement of events in the order in which they occurred, that speaker is using
which organizational speech pattern?
a.
rambling
b.
cause and effect
c.
temporal
d.
topical
5. Typically, the problem-solution pattern is centered around three main points.
a.
True
b.
False
6. When using temporal organization, speakers are drawing on the audience’s prior knowledge.
a.
True
b.
False
7. The preparation (working) outline should be:
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a.
written out electronically or on paper.
b.
committed to memory.
c.
used to determine the focus of the speech.
d.
developed to analyze the speech’s purpose.
8. Which adjective BEST describes short-term memory?
a.
unlimited
b.
erasable
c.
permanent
d.
unconscious
9. Which BEST describes extemporaneous delivery?
a.
a speech that does not use a defined organizational pattern
b.
a speech delivered using very few notes
c.
a speech that is well researched but unstructured
d.
a speech that is given with no prior preparation
10. When should a speaker present the remedy to the problem in a speech using the problem-solution pattern?
a.
first
b.
second
c.
third
d.
fourth
11. Among humans, the most primary sense-making construct is:
a.
sight.
b.
sound.
c.
time.
d.
space.
12. Which of these organizational patterns is MOST likely to be used for a persuasive speech?
a.
temporal
b.
topical
c.
problem-solution
d.
spatial
13. Which is one of the two MOST common speech organizational patterns?
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a.
temporal
b.
rambling
c.
cause and effect
d.
topical
14. According to Jean-luc Doumont, what is the magic number for short-term memory?
a.
three
b.
six
c.
eight
d.
ten
15. Many speakers using the cause-and-effect organizational pattern experience difficulties in writing
transitions.
a.
True
b.
False
16. In a temporal organizational pattern, the first main point discussed is most commonly the one that is most
important to the audience.
a.
True
b.
False
17. When a speaker is determining which main point to address first in a topical speech pattern, the main factor
to consider is which main point:
a.
is most important to the audience.
b.
occurred first.
c.
caused another.
d.
is the solution to the stated problem.
18. Amelia’s speech is based on a timeline of events. Which organizational pattern should she use?
a.
topical
b.
temporal
c.
spatial
d.
rambling
19. When preparing a speech for delivery, speakers should begin with a speaking outline and then expand it into
a more elaborate preparation outline.
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a.
True
b.
False
20. What is the purpose of the basic outlining format?
a.
to determine a hierarchy among speech points
b.
to trim noncritical content from the speech
c.
to identify the main points of the speech
d.
to create transitions to connect each main point
21. Which is an example of spatial organization?
a.
describing the levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a pyramid, with the most basic needs at the
base
b.
retelling the narrative of a favorite children’s book
c.
describing the four main attributes of positive thinkers
d.
in advertising, stating that the problem of wrinkles can be remedied by a specific cream
22. Ruby plans to use the problem-solution pattern to describe some typical behavioral problems in dogs and
provide the solution of early, persistent dog training. When should Ruby describe the effectiveness of dog
training?
a.
first
b.
second
c.
third
d.
fourth
23. Chloe has seven main points in her speech. What technique is MOST likely to help the audience remember
all her points?
a.
using an interesting attention getter
b.
organizing the content into chunks
c.
using evocative language
d.
adopting a spatial speech pattern
24. Ryan is giving a speech about Anne Frank and what she endured during the Holocaust. What organizational
arrangement would be appropriate for this speech?
a.
topical
b.
narrative
c.
spatial
d.
problem-solution
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25. Which of these would be included in both the speaking outline and the preparation outline for a speech?
a.
introduction and conclusion
b.
behavioral cues
c.
reference citations
d.
statistics
26. Which of these consists primarily of key phrases that serve as speaking prompts for a speaker during a
speech?
a.
specific purpose statement
b.
works-cited list
c.
preparation outline
d.
speaking outline
27. Historical and narrative arrangements can be categorized as what type of organizational speech pattern?
a.
temporal
b.
topical
c.
rambling
d.
cause and effect
28. Which organizational pattern presents the main points as a series of characteristics, parts, or types?
a.
cause and effect
b.
temporal
c.
rambling
d.
topical
29. At what point should the speaker begin writing transitions?
a.
when writing the specific purpose statement
b.
when writing the thesis statement
c.
when creating the basic speech outline
d.
when creating the preparation outline
30. Which of these speech components is typically written first?
a.
introduction
b.
works-cited list
c.
body
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d.
conclusion
31. Which may be included in the speaking outline but not the working outline?
a.
the specific purpose statement
b.
detailed descriptions of each main point
c.
phonetic spellings
d.
direct quotations
32. Which speaker is LEAST likely to create a speaking outline for their speech?
a.
someone who is following a topical pattern
b.
someone who is following a temporal pattern
c.
someone who is following a rambling pattern
d.
someone who is speaking extemporaneously
33. Developing a speech outline can help speakers ensure that they have clearly identified their main points and
organized their speech in a meaningful way for the audience.
a.
True
b.
False
34. In her speech, Maria plans to use the problem-solution pattern to describe the problem of tooth decay as
well as her solution, which is for all communities to fluoridate their water. When should Maria describe and
define tooth decay?
a.
first
b.
second
c.
third
d.
fourth
35. Dennis is using his preparation outline to create a speaking outline. During this process, what is Dennis
doing?
a.
estimating the amount of time needed to cover each main point
b.
reducing the preparation outline to main points and discussion prompts
c.
identifying weaknesses in his argument
d.
evaluating the topics and reorganizing them as needed
36. Bruce is giving a speech. For most of the speech, the audience is unsure what Bruce’s main point is. Then,
close to the end, Bruce takes all the seemingly random points and ties everything together. What organizational
speech pattern is Bruce using?
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a.
rambling
b.
cause and effect
c.
temporal
d.
topical
37. In most speaking situations, the ideal number of main points to have in a speech is:
a.
three.
b.
four.
c.
five.
d.
six.
38. Meredith is preparing a speech about the events that led to the Korean War. What organizational
arrangement will she MOST likely use?
a.
problem-solution
b.
historical
c.
topical
d.
cause and effect
39. Which speaking situation lends itself to giving a speech that uses a problem-solution pattern?
a.
presenting the timeline of a building project
b.
describing three benefits of yoga
c.
suggesting a mascot for a new charter school
d.
proposing a new public health policy
40. Melinda is using the problem-solution pattern to organize a speech asking her classmates to make a two-
dollar donation to the animal shelter where she volunteers. What stage of the speech does the two-dollar
donation represent?
a.
problem
b.
solution
c.
consequence
d.
effect
41. Which organizational pattern draws on the audience’s inner sense of progression and their anticipation of an
end?
a.
temporal
b.
problem-solution
c.
topical
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d.
spatial
42. Which of these would be included in a preparation (working) outline but would NOT be included in a
speaking outline?
a.
behavioral cues
b.
direct quotations
c.
phonetic spellings
d.
citations for all references
43. Unexpectedly, Adam’s professor asks him to present his thoughts on a book. While Adam is speaking, he
feels himself jumping from topic to topic without fully connecting his ideas for the audience. This is indicative
of which organizational pattern?
a.
topical
b.
temporal
c.
spatial
d.
rambling
44. Typically, the problem-solution pattern is centered around a:
a.
problem and its solution.
b.
problem, its consequences, and its solution.
c.
problem, its causes, and its solution.
d.
problem, its solution, and the consequences of not using the solution.
45. The main points of a speech should always support the:
a.
thesis.
b.
outline.
c.
evidence.
d.
transitions.
46. Blair is speaking about the characteristics of a good soup, but she is having trouble coming up with
transitions. Which organizational pattern is she likely using?
a.
temporal
b.
topical
c.
    problem-solution
d.
spatial
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47. A speaker has delivered a well-organized speech with clear points and support material. What can the
speaker expect the audience to remember about the speech long term?
a.
the thesis statement of the speech
b.
the main points, supporting evidence, and conclusion
c.
the primary source used to develop the speech
d.
the tone of the speech and some of its main points   
48. In his speech, Dexter plans to describe the human personality as a science laboratory, comparing each
segment of people’s public and private personalities to different pieces of laboratory equipment. Which
organizational pattern is Dexter planning to use?
a.
spatial
b.
cause and effect
c.
topical
d.
problem-solution
49. As an organizational pattern, rambling is used only when a speaker is unprepared to speak.
a.
True
b.
False
50. When trying to remember the sequence “1776121941,” Kevin thinks of it as the year 1776, the numerical
abbreviation for December, and the year 1941. This is an example of organizing information:
a.
temporally.   
b.
into chunks.
c.
spatially.
d.
by topics.
51. Speeches that are organized using spatial patterning are attempting to help the audience:
a.
establish a sense of physical presence.
b.
visualize moving through a place or over an object.
c.
draw on their inner sense of progression.
d.
anticipate a particular end.
52. A speaker has included the thesis statement in her speaking outline. Which statement accurately describes
whether a thesis statement should be included in a speaking outline?
a.
The speaking outline should include detailed information, including the thesis statement.
b.
In addition to speaking and behavioral cues, the speaking outline should include text the speaker
wants to share word for word, including the thesis statement.
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c.
The speaking outline should include only prompts and cues to prevent the speaker from reading from
the outline; therefore, it should not include the thesis statement.
d.
The thesis statement is for the speaker only, not for the audience; therefore, it should not be part of
the speaking outline.
53. At which point in the speech writing process do speakers focus on the order in which they will present their
main points?
a.
when creating a speaking outline
b.
when writing the thesis statement
c.
when writing the specific purpose statement
d.
when developing the preparation outline
54. A benefit of following the basic speech outline when speaking publicly is that it helps the audience:
a.
focus on the support provided for each claim.
b.
visualize moving through a space or over an object.
c.
remember the main points of the speech.
d.
listen critically throughout the speech.
55. When should a speaker outline or describe the problem in a speech using the problem-solution pattern?
a.
first
b.
second
c.
third
d.
fourth
56. Tyrus is planning to give a speech on activities that may lead to chronic knee pain. He has ample research
supporting his claim, and his speech purpose is to inform. Which organizational pattern would be MOST
appropriate for him to use?
a.
spatial
b.
cause and effect
c.
temporal
d.
problem-solution
57. Lawrence is giving a speech about the accomplishments of African American social reformer Harriet
Tubman. He plans to categorize Tubman’s accomplishments by her work as an abolitionist, a humanitarian, and
a spy. Which organizational arrangement will he be using?
a.
topical
b.
problem-solution
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c.
temporal
d.
cause and effect
58. Most spatially organized speeches are arranged in order of the most recent event to the oldest event.
a.
True
b.
False
59. Which organizational pattern is typically used in advertising?
a.
cause and effect
b.
temporal
c.
problem-solution
d.
topical
60. What is the relationship between a preparation outline and a speaking outline?
a.
The speaking outline is a simplified version of the preparation outline.
b.
The preparation outline is a high-level outline; the speaking outline is a more detailed version.
c.
The preparation outline is a nonordered outline; the speaking outline represents the final order of the
speaking points.
d.
The speaking outline is a word-for-word record of what will be said during the speech; the
preparation outline contains only speaking prompts.
61. In which organizational pattern are the order of main points less important?
a.
cause and effect
b.
temporal
c.
problem-solution
d.
topical
62. In which speaking situation is it important that the speaker stick closely to written notes to ensure precision
and accuracy when speaking?
a.
when speaking as a novice speaker
b.
when trying to persuade the audience
c.
when discussing a controversial issue
d.
when trying to deliver a powerful conclusion
63. Which organizational speech pattern can help the speaker remember the order of the main points by using a
“memory palace”?
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a.
problem-solution
b.
spatial
c.
cause and effect
d.
topical
64. An advantage of short-term memory is that it is readily accessible in the moment.
a.
True
b.
False
65. Which is something a speaker will bring with them and refer to while delivering a speech?
a.
speaking outline
b.
specific purpose statement
c.
research notes
d.
works-cited list
66.     Ellie makes a note in her speaking outline that reads, “cover face; ask the question.” This is an example of
a:
a.
specific purpose statement.
b.
behavioral cue.
c.
supporting point.
d.
level of abstraction.
67. Which adjective BEST describes the temporal speech pattern?
a.
time ordered
b.
solution focused
c.
space based
d.
nonstructured
68. It’s helpful to write out a speech word for word in a speaking outline, so that all words and phrases can be
understood by others.
a.
True
b.
False
69. What tool is used to create a hierarchy among speech points?
a.
the topical organizational pattern
b.
Freud’s model of the psyche
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c.
an outline
d.
George A. Miller’s “magical number”
70. In speech preparation, after the thesis is written, the next step is to:
a.
prepare a works-cited list.
b.
write an introduction.
c.
develop an attention getter.
d.
organize the main points.
71. The purpose of a preparation outline is to organize the main points of a speech as well as speech support.
a.
True
b.
False
72. The written thesis statement for a speech is typically said aloud to the audience and is stated word for word.
a.
True
b.
False
73. Which organizational pattern would be MOST effective when speaking about the steps required to make
bread?
a.
rambling
b.
temporal
c.
cause and effect
d.
topical
74. In a workplace speech, Michael plans to use the problem-solution pattern to describe the problem of low
morale among employees as well as his solution, which is for people to socialize together outside work. When
should Michael describe the negative effects of low morale on workers?
a.
first
b.
second
c.
third
d.
fourth
75. Speech outlines help speakers mentally assemble their speeches by reducing a speech to its fundamental
points.
a.
True
b.
False
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76. Speakers primarily engage audience members’ short-term memory, which can hold a large amount of
information.
a.
True
b.
False
77. It is recommended that speakers use an inductive approach to public speaking to keep their audiences
engaged.
a.
True
b.
False
78. Speakers commonly use a speaking outline to jog their memory while giving a speech.
a.
True
b.
False
79. Speakers should be mindful that the way they naturally organize things may differ from the expectations of
the audience.
a.
True
b.
False
80. In most speaking situations, it is more important to maintain eye contact with the audience than it is to get a
direct quote or statistic exact by reading from an outline.
a.
True
b.
False
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