JAMB Use of English 2003 Question 14

Question 14

Comprehension

JAMB 2003 Passage III: Delivering a prepared speech (cloze)

A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. A –11– [A. quantum B. document C. free D. manuscript] delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word for word and is read to –12– [A. an audience B. a congregation C. a conference D. a gathering]. This kind of delivery is usually reserved for very –13– [A. genuine B. impromptu C. guaranteed D. formal] occasions when exact wording is –14– [A. reportive B. conclusive C. speculative D. critical], such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General –15– [A. Assembly B. Audience C. Organisation D. Negotiation]. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly –16– [A. advanced B. analogous C. discreet D. polished] in terms of word choice, turns of phrase, and development of ideas. The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful –17– [A. vocal B. bifocal C. anticipatory D. profuse] inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any –18– [A. decisive B. positive C. interactive D. restrictive] effects created by the carefully chosen –19– [A. dialect B. rhetoric C. slang D. language]. Lack of familiarity with the –20– [A. text B. context C. exchange D. note] could also prevent the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.

Adapted from Philips, G.M. et al (1985), Speaking in Public and Private, Indianapolis: Bobbs–Merrill

Passage III, gap 14: … occasions when exact wording is ________ (14), such as the State of the Union Address …

A.reportive
B.conclusive
C.speculative
D.critical

Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (critical)

Explanation

On such occasions every word matters, so exact wording is critical (very important).