Ch 12 Language Test Bank

The connotative meaning of a word is more variable, figurative, and subjective than its denotative meaning.

The more abstract a word, the more ambiguous it will be.

As your textbook explains, if you want to sound eloquent, you should use words that are unfamiliar to the audience.

According to your textbook, language is important because it a. mirrors reality. b. gives meaning to events. c. has unambiguous connotations. d. is separate from thought. e. all of the above.

Language helps to shape our sense of reality by a. causing events. b. giving meaning to events. c. communicating events. d. mirroring events. e. reflecting events.

The denotative meaning of a word is a. what the word suggests or implies. b. based on the audience's sense of appropriateness. c. usually more abstract than its connotative meaning. d. often too technical to be used in a speech. e. its literal or dictionary meaning.

The connotative meaning of a word is a. its dictionary definition. b. determined by the speaker. c. concrete and precise. d. what the word suggests or implies. e. usually too technical for a general audience.

Zhu wants to create concern among her listeners about the infringements on civil liberties she fears are resulting from the war on terrorism. She has decided to use words with strong connotative meanings because she knows they will help her a. enhance her credibility. b. arouse an emotional response. c. appear as impartial as possible. d. all of the above. e. b and c only.

As your textbook explains, connotative meaning gives words their __________ power. a. logical b. definitional c. emotional d. rhythmical e. ethical

As your textbook explains, __________ meaning gives words their emotional power. a. logical b. definitional c. connotative d. denotative e. ethical

As a speaker, you would probably use more connotative words if you wanted to a. arouse an emotional response. b. appear as impartial as possible. c. explain a technical concept. d. enhance your credibility. e. exploit the rhythm of language.

Jerome wants his audience to appreciate the harsh reality of life for migrant workers in the United States. In addition to using strong supporting materials, he decides to use words with connotative meanings because he knows they will help him a. have stronger delivery. b. appear as impartial as possible. c. arouse an emotional response. d. add rhythm to his language. e. increase his accuracy.

Each of the following is discussed in your textbook as a basic criterion for the effective use of language in public speaking except a. Use language clearly. b. Use language vividly. c. Use language appropriately. d. Use language technically. e. Use language accurately.

Which of the following is discussed in your textbook as a basic criterion for the effective use of language in public speaking? a. Use language clearly. b. Use language accurately. c. Use language vividly. d. all of the above e. a and b only

Which of the following is discussed in your textbook as a basic criterion for the effective use of language in public speaking? a. Use language clearly. b. Use language technically. c. Use language accurately. d. all of the above e. a and c only

Which of the following is discussed in your textbook as a basic criterion for the effective use of language in public speaking? a. Use language technically. b. Use language appropriately. c. Use language clearly. d. all of the above e. b and c only

Which of the following is discussed in your textbook as a way to use language clearly? a. Use familiar words. b. Choose concrete words. c. Eliminate clutter. d. all of the above e. a and b only

Which of the following words is the most general and abstract? a. writing b. novel c. Moby Dick d. book e. publication

According to your textbook, __________ words refer to ideas or concepts rather than to tangible objects. a. vivid b. concrete c. denotative d. abstract e. technical

Which of the following words is the most general and abstract? a. roll b. croissant c. baked good d. bread e. food

Which of the following words is the most concrete and specific? a. author b. writer c. J. K. Rowling d. fantasy author e. artist

Which of the following words is the most concrete and specific? a. Beethoven's Ninth Symphony b. symphony c. classical music d. entertainment e. music