A speech or writing used to praise a person or a thing for past or present deeds is

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term describing a speech or piece of writing that praises a person or thing for what they have done, either in the past or now.

Step 2: Explain the concepts (check each option)

• A. Eulogy: A speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly. It is often given at funerals, but it can also honour a living person's achievements. This matches the definition exactly.
• B. Synecdoche: A figure of speech in which a part stands for the whole, or the whole for a part. For example, "all hands on deck" means all sailors. It has nothing to do with praise.
• C. Epigram: A short, witty, and often satirical saying or poem. It is not mainly about praising someone.
• D. Epilogue: A concluding section at the end of a play or book that rounds off the work. It is not a form of praise.

Step 3: Solution Only a eulogy is defined by its purpose of praising a person or thing for deeds, past or present. The other options are a figure of speech, a witty saying, and a closing section of a work.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. eulogy.

Tip: The prefix "eu-" comes from Greek and means "good" or "well", as in eulogy ("good words") and euphemism. When you see a question about praise, think "eu = good words."