COM 301 Exam 3 V1 | COM 301 Oral
Communication | Q&A with Rationale
(COM301 Exam 3) | Nightingale College
1. In the context of persuasive speaking, which of the following best describes the ‘Need’ step
in Monroe’s Motivated Sequence?
A. The speaker provides a specific plan of action for the audience to follow.
B. The speaker grabs the audience’s attention with a startling statistic.
C. The speaker demonstrates that a significant problem exists and requires a solution.
D. The speaker helps the audience visualize the benefits of the proposed solution.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The ‘Need’ step is designed to establish a sense of urgency and describe a
problem that affects the audience. By illustrating the harms of the status quo, the speaker
justifies why a change is necessary. This step is vital because without a clearly defined
problem, the audience will not be motivated to accept a solution.
2. A speaker who uses an emotional appeal to influence an audience’s feelings is utilizing
which mode of persuasion identified by Aristotle?
A. Ethos
B. Logos
C. Mythos
,D. Pathos
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pathos refers to the use of emotional appeals to sway an audience’s judgment
or state of mind. It involves using vivid language, stories, and metaphors to create a
connection with listeners. Effective speakers balance pathos with logic and credibility to
ensure their message is both moving and sound.
3. Which logical fallacy occurs when a speaker attacks the person making an argument rather
than the argument itself?
A. Ad Hominem
B. Red Herring
C. Hasty Generalization
D. Bandwagon
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ad hominem is a Latin phrase meaning ‘to the person,’ and it serves as a
diversionary tactic in debate. Instead of addressing the validity of the claims, the speaker
attempts to discredit the opponent’s character. This is considered a fallacy because a
person’s character usually does not affect the logical truth of their statement.
4. What is the primary purpose of a ‘Claim of Policy’ in a persuasive speech?
A. To argue that something is true or false based on evidence.
, B. To argue that something is right or wrong based on moral standards.
C. To advocate for a specific course of action or change in legislation.
D. To define a term that is misunderstood by the general public.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A claim of policy focuses on whether a specific action should or should not be
taken. These claims typically include the word ‘should’ and target behaviors, rules, or laws.
The speaker must prove that the current policy is failing and that the proposed policy will
solve the issue.
5. When a small group experiences ‘Groupthink,’ which of the following is most likely
occurring?
A. Members prioritize harmony and conformity over critical evaluation of ideas.
B. Members are engaging in healthy conflict to reach the best decision.
C. The group is using a democratic process to ensure all voices are heard.
D. Individual members are refusing to participate in the discussion.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that happens when the desire for
group cohesion overrides realistic appraisal of alternatives. It often leads to poor decision-
making because dissenting opinions are suppressed. To avoid groupthink, leaders should
encourage critical thinking and appoint a ‘devil’s advocate’ within the team.
Communication | Q&A with Rationale
(COM301 Exam 3) | Nightingale College
1. In the context of persuasive speaking, which of the following best describes the ‘Need’ step
in Monroe’s Motivated Sequence?
A. The speaker provides a specific plan of action for the audience to follow.
B. The speaker grabs the audience’s attention with a startling statistic.
C. The speaker demonstrates that a significant problem exists and requires a solution.
D. The speaker helps the audience visualize the benefits of the proposed solution.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The ‘Need’ step is designed to establish a sense of urgency and describe a
problem that affects the audience. By illustrating the harms of the status quo, the speaker
justifies why a change is necessary. This step is vital because without a clearly defined
problem, the audience will not be motivated to accept a solution.
2. A speaker who uses an emotional appeal to influence an audience’s feelings is utilizing
which mode of persuasion identified by Aristotle?
A. Ethos
B. Logos
C. Mythos
,D. Pathos
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pathos refers to the use of emotional appeals to sway an audience’s judgment
or state of mind. It involves using vivid language, stories, and metaphors to create a
connection with listeners. Effective speakers balance pathos with logic and credibility to
ensure their message is both moving and sound.
3. Which logical fallacy occurs when a speaker attacks the person making an argument rather
than the argument itself?
A. Ad Hominem
B. Red Herring
C. Hasty Generalization
D. Bandwagon
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ad hominem is a Latin phrase meaning ‘to the person,’ and it serves as a
diversionary tactic in debate. Instead of addressing the validity of the claims, the speaker
attempts to discredit the opponent’s character. This is considered a fallacy because a
person’s character usually does not affect the logical truth of their statement.
4. What is the primary purpose of a ‘Claim of Policy’ in a persuasive speech?
A. To argue that something is true or false based on evidence.
, B. To argue that something is right or wrong based on moral standards.
C. To advocate for a specific course of action or change in legislation.
D. To define a term that is misunderstood by the general public.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A claim of policy focuses on whether a specific action should or should not be
taken. These claims typically include the word ‘should’ and target behaviors, rules, or laws.
The speaker must prove that the current policy is failing and that the proposed policy will
solve the issue.
5. When a small group experiences ‘Groupthink,’ which of the following is most likely
occurring?
A. Members prioritize harmony and conformity over critical evaluation of ideas.
B. Members are engaging in healthy conflict to reach the best decision.
C. The group is using a democratic process to ensure all voices are heard.
D. Individual members are refusing to participate in the discussion.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that happens when the desire for
group cohesion overrides realistic appraisal of alternatives. It often leads to poor decision-
making because dissenting opinions are suppressed. To avoid groupthink, leaders should
encourage critical thinking and appoint a ‘devil’s advocate’ within the team.
