ELA Speaking and Listening 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which element of a speech is most responsible for establishing the speaker's credibility with the audience?
- Using a loud voice throughout
- Citing reliable sources and demonstrating knowledge of the topic (Correct answer)
- Beginning with a joke
- Making the speech as short as possible
Correct answer: Citing reliable sources and demonstrating knowledge of the topic
Credibility (ethos) is built when a speaker demonstrates expertise through accurate information and reputable sources.
Question 2: When listening to a persuasive speech, which skill helps a listener evaluate the speaker's argument most effectively?
- Identifying whether the speaker seems friendly
- Noting the speaker's outfit and body language only
- Distinguishing between facts, opinions, and unsupported claims (Correct answer)
- Counting how many times the speaker pauses
Correct answer: Distinguishing between facts, opinions, and unsupported claims
Separating facts from opinions and identifying unsupported claims is central to critical listening.
Question 3: A student is asked to summarize a peer's argument before responding. What is the primary benefit of this practice?
- It wastes time so the other speaker feels respected
- It ensures the student has accurately understood the argument before reacting (Correct answer)
- It allows the student to memorize the peer's words
- It shows the student can speak longer than the peer
Correct answer: It ensures the student has accurately understood the argument before reacting
Paraphrasing or summarizing before responding confirms comprehension and demonstrates respectful engagement.
Question 4: What is the function of a 'hook' at the opening of a speech?
- To signal the end of the introduction
- To capture the audience's attention and motivate them to listen (Correct answer)
- To provide the speaker's detailed biography
- To list all the sources used in the speech
Correct answer: To capture the audience's attention and motivate them to listen
A hook—such as a surprising statistic, anecdote, or question—engages the audience from the very first moment.
Question 5: Which type of question is most effective for deepening a collaborative class discussion?
- Yes/no questions that have clear right answers
- Open-ended questions that invite interpretation and reasoning (Correct answer)
- Questions about unrelated topics to spark interest
- Rhetorical questions the speaker immediately answers
Correct answer: Open-ended questions that invite interpretation and reasoning
Open-ended questions require elaboration and reasoning, generating richer discussion than binary questions.
Question 6: A speaker frequently uses filler words such as 'um,' 'like,' and 'you know.' What is the most likely effect on the audience?
- The audience perceives the speaker as highly confident
- The audience may perceive the speaker as less prepared or credible (Correct answer)
- The audience listens more carefully to each word
- The audience finds the speech more conversational and engaging
Correct answer: The audience may perceive the speaker as less prepared or credible
Excessive filler words can undermine perceived competence and distract from the message.
Question 7: Which best describes the purpose of establishing 'discussion norms' at the start of a group conversation?
- To rank speakers by expertise before the discussion begins
- To create shared expectations for respectful and productive participation (Correct answer)
- To prevent students from disagreeing with the teacher
- To determine who will speak the most
Correct answer: To create shared expectations for respectful and productive participation
Discussion norms set agreed-upon guidelines that help all participants engage respectfully and productively.
ELA Speaking and Listening 3
Which element of a speech is most responsible for establishing the speaker's credibility with the audience?