UNIVERSITY OF MAINE at Augusta
Academic and Career Advising
46 University Dr., Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 621-3149 or 1-877-UMA-1234, Ext. 3149
Challenge Examination Information Sheet
COM 101: Public Speaking
General Description:
The COM 101 Challenge Examination consists of five short essay questions, and a brief written description of
prior public speaking experience. The student will be provided with a list of eight questions. He/she must
answer five out of the eight questions. A listing of possible short essay questions is attached for review. It is
strongly suggested that students purchase, from the UMA bookstore, a copy of the textbook Public Speaking in
a Nutshell by Dr. Charles G. Waugh to review prior to testing.
There is no time limit on the exam.
Public Speaking Experience:
Students are also required to submit a list of prior public speaking experience upon registration.
Scoring:
Each question is worth six (6) points. A student must get a minimum of 19.5 points (65%) in order to be
successful in gaining 3 credits for the COM 101 course.
Test Registration/Fee:
The test is offered through the UMA Academic and Career Advising Office and administered on the same days
as the CLEP examinations. To obtain a testing schedule, please contact the Office of Academic and Career
Advising.
The examination fee is $80 paid via credit card, or check/money order payable to University of Maine Augusta.
Credits Awarded:
Successful completion of the exam entitles the test taker to three (3) credits for COM 101. Credits are granted
on a pass/fail basis; the student’s grade point average is not affected by the results of the Challenge Exam.
Credits are awarded only to admitted UMA degree candidates. Non-degree students will be granted credit upon
admission to a degree program at UMA.
Comments:
Students who do not pass the Challenge Examination must wait six months before they may retake the exam.
Challenge Examination Instructions for COM 101
06/10
CHALLENGE EXAMINATIONS REGISTRATION FORM
INSTRUCTIONS:
Complete the registration form below (#1-11) and return to the Academic and Career Advising Office at the address noted above.
The examination fee is $80 paid via credit card, or check/money order payable to University of Maine Augusta.
Please Print
1. Name:
3. Social Security #:
2. Address:
4. Daytime Phone #:
5. Degree Program:
Zip Code:
6. Signature:
7. I wish to register for the following exam:
_____ COM 101 Public Speaking Challenge Examination
8.
First Choice Test Date:
9. Test Location:
ADMISSION TICKET
This admission ticket will be returned to you approximately one week before the scheduled test date. Please remember to bring some
form of identification on the day of testing; photo I.D. preferred.
Your Challenge Exam registration is confirmed for:
DATE:_______________________ TIME:_____________
LOCATION:_______________________________
SIGNATURE:____________________________________
10. Name:
11. Address:
Zip Code:
Challenge Examination for COM 101
06/10
COM 101 PUBLIC SPEAKING CHALLENGE EXAM
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1.
List and describe the four main purposes (PIES) a speech can have.
2.
Write and identify three ORIGINAL central ideas: one of fact, one of value, and one of policy.
3.
Write a central idea with three appropriate sub-ideas.
4.
A central idea/single point should meet what eight requirements?
5.
What are six common techniques you can use to stress your central idea/single point?
6.
List and describe the five forms of support (CATS).
7.
List one strength and weakness for each of the five forms of support.
8.
List five sources you can turn to for information in the library. What is each good for?
9.
List and describe three non-archival ways to gather information for a speech (remember: RAIDS).
10.
Outline the basic deductive, inductive, and suspense patterns of organization.
11.
A START is a mnemonic device to help you remember six things to do in an introduction. What are
these things?
12.
What are the five things (AN END) to do in and after your speech’s conclusion?
13.
List and describe the five principles of outlining.
14.
List and describe the four types (DIRE) of informative speech
15.
List the four elements (DOTS) of the single point speech.
16.
What one factor turns a single point speech into a complex speech?
17.
List and describe 7 additional requirements (PEPSI Please) beyond the 8 S’s that sub-ideas must
ALSO meet.
18.
List, define, and discuss one strength and weakness for each of the four types of delivery.
19.
Why is it usually important to show your audience up-front how your speech will benefit them?
20.
List and describe six principles to follow when responding to questions.
Challenge Examination for COM 101
06/10