What are the three basic parts of a speech?

• A. Introduction, body, closing
• B. Thesis, body, conclusion
• C. Opening, middle, end
• D. Hook, argument, summary

Answer: (A)

Introduction, body, and closing form the basic structure of a speech. The introduction sets the stage by grabbing attention, stating the purpose, and giving a quick preview of the main points. The body develops those points in a logical order, providing supporting ideas, evidence, or reasoning. The closing wraps things up by summarizing the main ideas, reinforcing the message, and often including a call to action. This labeling is widely taught because it clearly separates the purpose of each section: motivate and orient the audience, deliver the core arguments, and leave a memorable finish. The other options mix elements or use synonyms that don’t represent the broad sections as consistently used: a thesis is typically part of the introduction, opening/middle/end are casual descriptors rather than standard labels for the three-part frame, and hook/argument/summary are specific elements within the sections rather than the main divisions.