Question

case.
darrow took the case and surprised everyone by not pleading
insanity but instead having the boys plead guilty. this meant the case
would not go before a jury but instead a sentencing judge—one
darrow was convinced was similarly opposed to the death penalty.
darrow made a 12 - hour - long closing argument that is today regarded
as one of the finest pieces of legal oratory ever presented. darrow
and his speech won the case by getting the two killers life sentences,
rather than the death penalty.
the scopes trial
in 1925, darrow presented still another trial of the century case,
the aforementioned scopes monkey trial. john t. scopes was accused
of breaking the law by teaching the theory of evolution to a public high
as used in paragraph 8, the word oratory most nearly
means
highlight text
a presentation
b debate
c elegance
d speechmaking
e imagery

Explanation:

The word "oratory" in the context of the text refers to a form of public speaking or speech - making. Among the options, "speechmaking" (Option D) is the closest in meaning. "Presentation" (Option A) is too general. "Debate" (Option B) involves a discussion between two or more sides. "Elegance" (Option C) refers to grace or beauty in style. "Imagery" (Option E) is related to visual or descriptive language.

Answer:

D. speechmaking