Question

6 - sample informative speech
learning objective: analyze an example of an informative speech.
which of the following is concrete language used by president obama in the example speech?
a) \thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military\
b) \the empty seat at the dinner table\
c) \we are also united in our resolve to protect our nation\
d) \weve disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense\

Explanation:

Define concrete versus abstract language

Concrete language refers to tangible, specific objects or physical realities that can be perceived through the senses (sight, touch, hearing, taste, smell), whereas abstract language refers to intangible ideas, concepts, qualities, or generalities.

Analyze the given options

• Option a) "tireless and heroic work of our military" contains abstract qualities ("tireless", "heroic") and a general group ("military").
• Option b) "The empty seat at the dinner table" describes a specific, tangible physical object and setting that can be visualized directly through sensory experience.
• Option c) "united in our resolve to protect our nation" contains highly abstract concepts ("united", "resolve", "protect", "nation").
• Option d) "disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense" describes broad, non-tangible political and security concepts ("terrorist attacks", "homeland defense").

Select the correct option

Option b) is the only choice that uses concrete, sensory-based language.

Answer:

• a) "Thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military"
• b) "The empty seat at the dinner table" (Correct answer)
• c) "We are also united in our resolve to protect our nation"
• d) "We've disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense"