Argumentative Speech Assignment

Instructions:Write an argumentative speech on one of the topics on the preceding page. Your speech must be original, plagiarism will not be tolerated.

Task:

1)The speech must be four (4) to five (5) minutes in length.

2)Your speech must be well memorized (You will be allowed to use point form cue cards to direct your speech).

3)You must submit a typed double-spaced copy of your speech on the day of your speech.

4)The following components will be factored into your evaluation: thesis statement, outline, point form cue cards, final copy of the speech, and oral delivery of the speech.

Requirements:

1)A clear thesis statement.

2)Supporting points with sufficient evidence (statistics, quotations). Students must avoid logical fallacies.

3)Effective transitions.

4)One (1) line of reasoning (inductive or deductive).

5)Six (6) rhetorical devices (anecdote, allusion, imagery, analogy, metaphor etc…).

6)Use of MLA format.

Due Dates:

Topic Proposal:______

Thesis Statement Due:______

Argumentative Speech Outline due:______

Speech Staged/Final Draft Due:______

Order of Submission:

1)Good Copy of speech

2)Works Cited page (if necessary)

3)Argumentative Speech Outline

4)Cue Cards and any research (i.e. notes, highlighted data, etc.)

5)Argumentative speech Rubric

Argumentative Speech Topics:

1)Abortion: Another name for murder or a desperate necessity?

2)Adoption: Should single parents or gays be allowed to adopt?

3)Alcohol: Is the advertising of liquor on radio and television irresponsible?

4)Alcohol: Should the government lower the legal drinking age?

5)Animal Rights: Should animals be used for experimentation and research?

6)Censorship: Can a city or country ban offensive art (i.e. visual art, music, etc.)?

7)Censorship: Do violent video games promote violence in people? Should video games be censored?

8)Cloning: Is human cloning ethical or unethical?

9)Consumerism: Has the increase of large “box” stores such as Wal-Mart been beneficial to consumers and their communities?

10)Cosmetic Surgery: Is cosmetic surgery a good or bad thing?

11)Crime: Should violent juvenile criminals be tried as adults?

12)Discrimination: Are women victims of discrimination in the workplace?

13)Drug Abuse: Should employees be tested for drugs?

14)Drug Abuse: Should pregnant addicts be prosecuted?

15)Drunk Driving: How should drunk drivers be punished?

16)Eating Disorders: Does our culture promote eating disorders?

17)Environmental Preservation: Is consumerism killing the Earth?

18)Environmental Preservation: Is global warming a serious threat?

19)Euthanasia: Should physician-assisted suicide be legalized?

20)Fashion: Does the fashion industry promote an unrealistic body image?

21)Hate Crimes: Should hate speech be tolerated?

22)Internet: Does the internet do more harm than good or vice versa?

23)Marijuana: Should marijuana be legalized?

24)Media: Is there too much violence in the media?

25)Music: Does popular music teach immoral values?

26)Pornography: Are stronger child pornography laws needed?

27)Poverty: Should the homeless be banned from cities?

28)Religion: Should women be allowed to be priests?

29)School Safety: Is juvenile crime a serious problem in schools?

30)School Uniform: An effective and good tradition or unnecessary and outdated?

31)Smoking: Should there be an outright ban on smoking and the sale of tobacco products?

32)Sports: Are professional athletes paid too much?

33)Sports: Should college athletes be paid?

34)Sports: Should fighting be banned in hockey?

35)Tanning: Should tanning be banned from teenagers?

36)Terrorism: Have Western governments such as the United States and Britain been effective or ineffective in the war on terrorism?

37)Transplants: Should people be allowed to sell their organs for transplants?

ArgumentativeSpeech Rubric

Category

/ Level 1
(50-59%) / Level 2
(60-69%) / Level 3
(70-79%) / Level 4
(80-100%)
Knowledge/
Understanding
/10 / Speech demonstrates a limited knowledge and understanding of:
Topic
Presentation format
Audience / Speech demonstrates some knowledge and understanding of:
Topic
Presentation format
Audience / Speech demonstrates considerable knowledge and understanding of:
Topic
Presentation format
Audience / Speech demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
Topic
Presentation format
Audience
Thinking
/10 / Speech exhibits limited:
Organization
Research
Evidence
Creativity / Speech exhibits some:
Organization
Research
Evidence
Creativity / Speech exhibits considerable:
Organization
Research
Evidence
Creativity / Speech exhibits thorough:
Organization
Research
Evidence
Creativity
Communication
/10 / Student mumbles and/or cannot be understood- mispronounces several words.
Student uses a limited vocabulary- often vague and/or inappropriate.
Volume (inaudible)
Pace (rushed) – pauses were not intentionally used.
Eye contact-limited effectiveness / Student speaks somewhat clearly and distinctly-mispronounces a few words.
Student uses somewhat appropriate vocabulary-somewhat vague-
Volume (decent-wavers)
Pace (rushed in parts)-pauses were used, but not effective in improving meaning and/or for dramatic effect.
Eye contact-roamed some of the time, otherwise down on the floor/cue cards / Student speaks clearly and distinctly throughout the presentation- mispronounces a few words
Student usesappropriatevocabulary
Volume (heard by the vast majority)
Pace (fairly relaxed)-pauses used effectively, to improve meaning and/or for dramatic effect.
Eye contact-roamed effectively / Student speaks clearly and distinctly throughout the presentation
Student uses exceptional vocabulary- appropriately sophisticated
Volume (heard by all throughout)
Pace (relaxed and calm)-pauses used very effectively throughout, to improve meaning and/or for dramatic effect.
Eye contact-roamed superbly
Application
/10
Total:
/40 / The presentation was ______minutes.
Student applies presentation skills learned and practiced during class with limited effectiveness.
Student uses rhetorical devices with limited skill.
Student uses logical fallacies / The presentation was ______minutes.
Student applies presentation skills learned and practiced during class with somewhat effectiveness.
Student uses rhetorical devices with some skill.
Student uses some logical fallacies / The presentation was ______minutes.
Student applies presentation skills learned and practiced during class with considerable effectiveness.
Student uses rhetorical devices with considerable skill.
Student uses few logical fallacies / The presentation was ______minutes.
Student applies presentation skills learned and practiced during class with confidence.
Student uses rhetorical devices thoroughly.
Student avoids logical fallacies

Comments:

Argumentative Speech Outline

Name:______Due Date:______

The Introduction

The introduction to your argumentative speech orients your audience to your subject. Tell the reader why your subject is a valid concern or explain how it has been misunderstood. Your thesis statement should provide the reader with an answer to your focus question.

Speech topic:______

Thesis Statement:______

The Speech Body

Each main body paragraph should identify and explain an argument you are using to support your thesis statement. A minimum of three (3) main arguments are required. Each paragraph requires a: (1) topic sentence (which identifies the argument), (2) supporting sentences which explain the argument and (3) proof, such as a quote, statistic, example to substantiate your argument.

Body Paragraph #1 (Argument #1)

Topic Sentence/Argument:______

______

Supporting Sentences (For each sentence include examples, statistics, and quotes as proof)

1)______

2)______

3)______

References:______

Body Paragraph #2 (Argument #2)

Topic Sentence/Argument:______

______

Supporting Sentences (For each sentence include examples, statistics, and quotes as proof)

1)______

2)______

3)______

References:______

Body Paragraph #3 (Argument #3)

Topic Sentence/Argument:______

______

Supporting Sentences (For each sentence include examples, statistics, and quotes as proof)

1)______

2)______

3)______

References:______

Conclusion

The purpose of the conclusion is to restate your thesis and briefly review the main arguments (without being overly repetitive) in order to remind the reader that your arguments DO, in fact, PROVE your thesis. End with a strong last line, an apt quotation or a statement that captures the sentiments and intensity of your argument.

Restated Thesis:______

______

Closing Statement: Try and close with a powerful ending that effectively summarizes your Speech (an apt quotation or a statement that captures the sentiments and intensity of your argument).

______