Exam 13: Content and Organization

Among the questions you should ask when testing the validity of your supporting material are: "Is the source identified and credible?" and "Is the information recent?"

Wikipedia now uses content assessment criteria such as "the structure is clear" and "coverage is neutral" to evaluate the validity and usefulness of its content.

The problem-solution arrangement

What kind of supporting material is used in the following example? "The Biltmore Mansion is the largest private residence in the United States."

Describe the purpose of, and provide an example for, each of the four connectives that provide the "glue" that attaches the key points to another and makes your presentation a coherent whole.

Do not end a presentation by demanding something from your audience unless you are reasonably sure you can get it.

Janie is contemplating the best way to gain the attention of her audience. Janie should:

List and define four types of supporting material described in the textbook. Provide an example of each type to demonstrate your understanding of its characteristics. If necessary, you can make up the content for an example.

Documentation enhances your charisma as a speaker while assuring listeners of the validity of your content.

List and briefly describe two of the three goals of an effective conclusion. If you could only achieve one of these goals, which one would it be? Explain why you chose this goal.

What type of supporting material is used in the following example? "The newly upgraded Montpelier Plantation Inn on the Caribbean island of Nevis, sits on the massive shoulder of Nevis Peak, 750 feet above sea level. Guests live in beautiful, self-contained cottages dotting a grassy hillside, and have air conditioning and four-poster beds."

In a formal outline, the exact wording of the central idea and key points should be included.

Generally, weaker key ideas should be placed in the middle of a presentation.

Explain the difference between the three types of outlines discussed in your textbook: preliminary, comprehensive, and speaking.

Primary sources report, repeat, or summarize information from one or more sources.

The central idea of a presentation is a(n)

Lee Towe, President of Innovators International, defines creativity as consisting of two parts:

Presenters who "take words out of context" select isolated statements from a source and alter, distort, or contradict the speaker or writer's intended meaning.

Which of the following statements illustrates the most effective central idea?

When you orally document the sources of your supporting material in a presentation, you should use the same format for a written footnote.