Cadet Competition Written Practice Exam

In a speech, what is the term used to summarize your main points at the end?

1. Introduction

2. Body

3. Conclusion

4. Summary

The correct answer is: Conclusion

The term used to summarize your main points at the end of a speech is "conclusion." In a speech, the conclusion serves several important functions. It provides a final opportunity to reinforce the key messages and main arguments presented throughout the speech. This helps to ensure that the audience leaves with a clear understanding of the speaker's intent and the primary takeaways. The conclusion often includes a restatement of the main points in a succinct manner and may also offer a closing thought or call to action, which encourages the audience to reflect on what has been discussed or to take specific steps based on the information provided. While "summary" might seem like an appropriate choice as it implies a brief recount of key points, it does not capture the broader purpose of the conclusion, which is to wrap up the speech and leave a lasting impression. The "body" refers to the main content of the speech where the arguments and details are elaborated, and the "introduction" serves to set up the topic and engage the audience at the beginning of the speech. Thus, the conclusion is the most suitable term in this context for summarizing the main points effectively at the end.