COM 301 Exam 3 V2 | COM 301 Oral
Communication | Q&A with Rationale
(COM301 Exam 3) | Nightingale College
1. Which component of Aristotle’s rhetorical proofs refers specifically to the speaker’s
credibility and character?
A. Logos
B. Pathos
C. Mythos
D. Ethos
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ethos is established through the speaker’s perceived competence, character,
and goodwill toward the audience. It is essential for building trust before an audience will
accept a persuasive message. Without strong ethos, even the most logical arguments may
be dismissed by skeptical listeners.
2. In Monroe’s Motivated Sequence, which step is designed to make the audience feel a sense
of urgency regarding a problem?
A. Attention
B. Need
C. Satisfaction
,D. Visualization
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Need step identifies a specific problem that is currently affecting the
audience or society. The speaker must provide evidence that the status quo is insufficient
and requires change. This creates the psychological ‘itch’ that the satisfaction step will later
‘scratch’.
3. Which logical fallacy occurs when a speaker attacks the character of an opponent rather
than addressing their actual argument?
A. Ad Hominem
B. Red Herring
C. Slippery Slope
D. Hasty Generalization
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ad Hominem translates from Latin to ‘against the man.’ It is a fallacy because
the personal traits of a person are usually irrelevant to the validity of their logical claims.
Using this tactic often signals a lack of substantive evidence to counter the opponent’s
position.
4. What type of claim is being used in a speech titled ‘The United States should implement a
universal basic income’?
A. Claim of Fact
, B. Claim of Value
C. Claim of Policy
D. Claim of Definition
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A claim of policy advocates for a specific course of action or change in
legislation. These claims usually include the word ‘should’ and aim to solve a problem
through new regulations or programs. They require the speaker to prove that the current
policy is failing and that the new plan will work.
5. Which step of Monroe’s Motivated Sequence involves the speaker painting a vivid picture
of the future if the solution is implemented?
A. Satisfaction
B. Action
C. Need
D. Visualization
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Visualization step helps the audience see the benefits of the proposed
solution or the consequences of inaction. By using descriptive imagery, the speaker moves
the audience from intellectual agreement to emotional readiness. This stage bridges the
gap between understanding a solution and taking action.
Communication | Q&A with Rationale
(COM301 Exam 3) | Nightingale College
1. Which component of Aristotle’s rhetorical proofs refers specifically to the speaker’s
credibility and character?
A. Logos
B. Pathos
C. Mythos
D. Ethos
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ethos is established through the speaker’s perceived competence, character,
and goodwill toward the audience. It is essential for building trust before an audience will
accept a persuasive message. Without strong ethos, even the most logical arguments may
be dismissed by skeptical listeners.
2. In Monroe’s Motivated Sequence, which step is designed to make the audience feel a sense
of urgency regarding a problem?
A. Attention
B. Need
C. Satisfaction
,D. Visualization
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Need step identifies a specific problem that is currently affecting the
audience or society. The speaker must provide evidence that the status quo is insufficient
and requires change. This creates the psychological ‘itch’ that the satisfaction step will later
‘scratch’.
3. Which logical fallacy occurs when a speaker attacks the character of an opponent rather
than addressing their actual argument?
A. Ad Hominem
B. Red Herring
C. Slippery Slope
D. Hasty Generalization
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ad Hominem translates from Latin to ‘against the man.’ It is a fallacy because
the personal traits of a person are usually irrelevant to the validity of their logical claims.
Using this tactic often signals a lack of substantive evidence to counter the opponent’s
position.
4. What type of claim is being used in a speech titled ‘The United States should implement a
universal basic income’?
A. Claim of Fact
, B. Claim of Value
C. Claim of Policy
D. Claim of Definition
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A claim of policy advocates for a specific course of action or change in
legislation. These claims usually include the word ‘should’ and aim to solve a problem
through new regulations or programs. They require the speaker to prove that the current
policy is failing and that the new plan will work.
5. Which step of Monroe’s Motivated Sequence involves the speaker painting a vivid picture
of the future if the solution is implemented?
A. Satisfaction
B. Action
C. Need
D. Visualization
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Visualization step helps the audience see the benefits of the proposed
solution or the consequences of inaction. By using descriptive imagery, the speaker moves
the audience from intellectual agreement to emotional readiness. This stage bridges the
gap between understanding a solution and taking action.
