Question

Ophelia has written this thesis statement for her informative speech: While both Northerners and Southerners believed they fought against tyranny and oppression, Northerners focused on the oppression of slaves while Southerners defended their own right to self-government. Which outline for the rest of her speech is probably the most effective?

a. 1. Industrial causes of war in the North a. [supporting details] b. [specific examples] 2. Agricultural causes of war in the South a. [supporting details] b. [specific examples] Conclusion: restate thesis

b. 1. Though causes on both sides were similar, the North’s cause was more just a. [supporting arguments] b. [specific examples] 2. Abolishing slavery was worth dying for a. [supporting arguments] b. [specific examples] 3. South had no right to self-government a. [supporting arguments] b. [specific examples] Conclusion: restate thesis

c. 1. Similarities of the causes of war on both sides a. [supporting details] b. [spec

Answer 1

For an informative speech outline, a person needs an introduction (attention grabbing, thesis, preview, etc.), a body (main points), and a conclusion (restate thesis and end with strongest points).

The main purpose is to keep your audience interested with unique perspectives, while ensuring that your information is accurate.

Choice B. is the most effective because it grabs the reader's attention, has supporting specific examples, as well as supporting arguments, as well as a conclusion.

Answer 2

The correct answer is A. The most effective outline for the rest of the speech would be:

1. Industrial causes of war in the North a. [supporting details] b. [specific examples] 2. Agricultural causes of war in the South a. [supporting details] b. [specific examples] Conclusion: restate thesis

This is because Ophelia's speech is an informative speech which tends to inform the reader about the events that occurred, in this case, in the Civil War. Therefore, its purpose is to inform and not give a particular opinion or vision regarding the facts.

Therefore, since Option A does a review of the facts without interfering in opinions or interpretative issues, it is the correct option.