NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

Which term describes utterances that contain a single idea surrounded by silence?

1. Inferences

2. Acts of Speech

3. Speech Acts

4. Dialogues

The correct answer is: Speech Acts

The term that best describes utterances containing a single idea surrounded by silence is "speech acts." Speech acts refer to the communicative function of an utterance, focusing on what the speaker intends to convey with that statement. When a speech act is characterized by a single idea and is followed by silence, it emphasizes the importance of that idea in the context of the conversation, allowing the listener to reflect on its significance without distraction. In contrast, other terms like "inferences" refer to the conclusions drawn by the listener based on context or prior knowledge, rather than self-contained utterances. "Acts of Speech" is a broader term that includes various forms of spoken communication but doesn't specifically address the structure of a single idea. "Dialogues" refer to exchanges between two or more speakers, which does not align with the concept of a solitary utterance surrounded by silence. Therefore, the focus on the intentional communicative function of a single idea in "speech acts" makes it the most appropriate choice.