Exercises for Critical Thinking
(from text pages 105-106)
1.
Using one of the four brainstorming methods described in this chapter, come up with
three topics you might like to deal with in your next classroom speech. For each
topic, devise two possible specific purpose statements suitable for the speech
assignment. Make sure the specific purpose statements fit the guidelines discussed in
the chapter.
Discussion: This exercise gives students an opportunity
to practice brainstorming, to begin the process of
selecting a topic for their next speech, and to work
on framing specific purpose statements. In class
discussion, you can assess not only the suitability of
the students’ topics, but also how effectively the
students have phrased their specific purposes.
2.
At the bottom of page 105 of the textbook is a list of nine topics. Choose three, and
for each of the three compose two specific purpose statements—one suitable for an
informative speech and one suitable for a persuasive speech.
education
technology
crime
sports
politics
prejudice
science
music
health
Discussion: This exercise works well to clarify the differences between
specific purpose statements for informative speeches and specific purpose
statements for persuasive speeches. Start with the first topic, and have one
or two students share their specific purpose statements with the class.
Discuss those statements briefly with the class, and then repeat the
procedure with the next topic.
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