Speech Structure Persuasion Quiz: Master Rhetoric

1. Which part of a speech introduces the topic and captures the audience’s attention?

Body

Introduction

Conclusion

Transition

The introduction sets the stage, presents the topic, and hooks the audience’s attention.

Explanation

The introduction sets the stage, presents the topic, and hooks the audience’s attention.

2. Which sentence would make the strongest opening for a persuasive speech about recycling?

“Recycling is something people do.”

“Recycling is kind of fun.”

“Recycling might be important.”

“Recycling helps protect our planet and our future.”

A strong opening clearly states the topic and appeals to the listener’s sense of responsibility.

Explanation

A strong opening clearly states the topic and appeals to the listener’s sense of responsibility.

3. A persuasive speech should avoid emotional language.

True

False

Emotional language helps connect with the audience and strengthen the argument.

Explanation

Emotional language helps connect with the audience and strengthen the argument.

4. Match the term with its correct definition:

Ethos

Pathos

Logos

Ethos builds trust, Pathos stirs emotion, and Logos uses facts or logic to persuade.

Explanation

Ethos builds trust, Pathos stirs emotion, and Logos uses facts or logic to persuade.

Submit

5. Which of the following is an example of repetition used in a speech?

“I came, I saw, I conquered.”

“That’s all, folks.”

“The end.”

“Can I go now?”

Repetition reinforces a message and makes it memorable for listeners.

Explanation

Repetition reinforces a message and makes it memorable for listeners.

6. A __________ is a question asked for effect, not for an actual answer.

A rhetorical question encourages thinking and engagement without expecting a reply.

Explanation

A rhetorical question encourages thinking and engagement without expecting a reply.

Submit

7. Which transition would best connect two ideas in a speech?

“Anyway…”

“In conclusion…”

“And stuff…”

“Like, you know…”

Transitions like “in conclusion” signal movement between sections or ideas clearly.

Explanation

Transitions like “in conclusion” signal movement between sections or ideas clearly.

8. A strong conclusion should remind the audience of your main message.

True

False

The conclusion restates the main ideas and leaves the audience with a lasting impression.

Explanation

The conclusion restates the main ideas and leaves the audience with a lasting impression.

9. Which phrase best shows persuasive tone?

“We might think about it later.”

“We must act now to protect our environment.”

“It doesn’t really matter.”

“I guess it’s okay.”

The phrase “We must act now” shows urgency and conviction—key traits of persuasive tone.

Explanation

The phrase “We must act now” shows urgency and conviction—key traits of persuasive tone.

10. Which two strategies help make a speech memorable?

Using repetition

Speaking in a flat tone

Including personal stories

Reading every word from notes

Repetition emphasizes key points, while stories make ideas relatable and easier to remember.

Explanation

Repetition emphasizes key points, while stories make ideas relatable and easier to remember.

Submit

11. In a persuasive speech, facts and statistics appeal to ________.

Logos refers to logical appeals that use facts, data, or evidence to convince the audience.

Explanation

Logos refers to logical appeals that use facts, data, or evidence to convince the audience.

Submit

12. Good speakers use pauses to emphasize important points.

True

False

Pauses give the audience time to reflect and highlight meaningful statements.

Explanation

Pauses give the audience time to reflect and highlight meaningful statements.

13. Which of the following sentences uses parallel structure?

“We came, we saw, we succeeded.”

“We came, saw, and it was success.”

“Coming, seeing, and win.”

“We came, we seeing, and succeeded.”

Parallel structure repeats grammatical patterns, creating rhythm and clarity in speech.

Explanation

Parallel structure repeats grammatical patterns, creating rhythm and clarity in speech.

14. When organizing the body of a speech, what should you do?

Arrange ideas randomly

Focus only on jokes

Support each main idea with details or examples

Skip transitions between points

The body explains each main point using facts, examples, and reasoning for clarity.

Explanation

The body explains each main point using facts, examples, and reasoning for clarity.

15. A speaker’s tone and body language can influence how the audience feels about the message.

True

False

Nonverbal cues. including tone, gestures, and posture affect how the audience interprets meaning and emotion.

Explanation

Nonverbal cues. including tone, gestures, and posture affect how the audience interprets meaning and emotion.

Structure, Persuasion, and Rhetorical Devices

1. Which part of a speech introduces the topic and captures the audience’s attention?

2. Which sentence would make the strongest opening for a persuasive speech about recycling?

3. A persuasive speech should avoid emotional language.

4. Match the term with its correct definition:

5. Which of the following is an example of repetition used in a speech?

6. A __________ is a question asked for effect, not for an actual answer.

7. Which transition would best connect two ideas in a speech?

8. A strong conclusion should remind the audience of your main message.

9. Which phrase best shows persuasive tone?

10. Which two strategies help make a speech memorable?

11. In a persuasive speech, facts and statistics appeal to ________.

12. Good speakers use pauses to emphasize important points.

13. Which of the following sentences uses parallel structure?

14. When organizing the body of a speech, what should you do?

15. A speaker’s tone and body language can influence how the audience feels about the message.