The following are sample exam questions to give you an idea of the type of questions that will be asked on the exam. Obviously the exam will contain additional questions of each type and will contain questions other than those that appear below. Point totals assigned to each part of the exam may vary on the final exam. In addition to these sample questions, you probably want to consult the web pages offering advice on studying for the exam and on studying for and answering essay questions. The samples are provided to help you prepare for the type of question:
Part I: Matching. In column A is a quotation from one of the speeches we have studied this semester. In column B is a list of speakers we have studied. In column C is a list of years from the twentieth century. For each of the quotations in column A, indicate in the left hand column below (questions 1-5) the letter corresponding to the speaker from column B who gave the speech. In the second column below (questions 6-10) indicate the letter corresponding to the year in column C when the speech was given. You may use any of the speakers or years more than once if appropriate. (four points each answer)
Speaker |
Year of Speech (Letter from Col. C) |
Col. A | Col. B | Col. C |
| 1. _______ | 6. _______ | "And this idea that government is beholden to the people, that it has no other source of power except the soveriegn people, is still the newest and most unique idea in all the long history of man's relation to man." | a. Ronald Reagan | t. 1964 |
Part II: Multiple Choice. Indicate on the line to the left of the number the best answer from among the choices provided for each question. (5 points each)
| _________ |
11. |
When proposing policy changes, the most important rhetorical strategy for a leader is: (a) issuing a friendly greeting to the audience; (b) paying deference to those making the decision; (c) using names for the problem that motivate public action; (d) providing specifics of the plan for change. |
| _________ |
12. | Franklin Roosevelt's First Inaugural Address wove together as a central strategy the following metaphors: (a) the machine and the seasons, (b) war and religion; (c) night/day and dreams; (d) learning and being a consumer. |
Part III: Definition. Define the following terms. (5 points each)
21. public leadership.
Part IV: Essay. Answer the following question in your test booklet. Be sure you indicate in the test booklet which speech you chose to treat in your answer.
22a. One of the important elements of a leader developing public will to address crisis situations is his use of the dialectic of permanence and change. Using either Franklin Roosevelt's First Inaugural Address or Ronald Reagan's First Inaugural Address, discuss how your chosen speaker worked the dialectic of permanence and change.
22b. One of the times when leadership is required is motivating the nation in time of war. From your study, describe the characteristic strategies that Presidents employ in speeches to motivate war . Illustrate those characteristics from speeches you have studied . Your answer will be evaluated on the comprehensiveness of your understanding of the discourse strategies for motivating war and your ability to clearly explain and illustrate those tendencies.
Note: Like these questions, an essay question on the exam will ask you to employ concepts of rhetorical strategy in leadership that we have discussed in the class in talking about one of the speeches we have studied, or to use speeches we have studied to talk about the rhetorical strategy of leadership. If you have done a good job on your abstracts they should have followed the same pattern. I may provide a couple questions for you to choose between since I am seeking the depth rather than the full breadth of your understanding on the question. I may also provide a text that you can look at in answering the question. If I do the latter, I will expect more specificity in your answer.
Part V: Extra Credit. Fill in the following:
"Only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment.
Practices of the unscrupulous money changers stand indicted in the court of public opinion, rejected by the hearts and minds of men."
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, First Inaugural Address
Note: During our class review, I will give you a list of three passages that this extra credit will be drawn from among.