Argumentative Speech Requirements

Speeches due Monday, March 21, 2016

For this major assignment, you will research a chosen person, write an argumentative essay (speech), and present your findings as a speech to the class. All students will give a speech in class. All speeches must be uploaded into Turnitin.com- a grade of zero will be recorded until this is completed – due 3/20/16.

Topic Requirements:

  • The theme of the speeches is based on Time Magazine’s“person” of the 20th century. You must persuade your audience why your person is the most influential and/or why he or she deserves to be the “person” of the century.

Speech Requirements:

  • Your speech must be written in essay form and turned in on Monday, March 21
  • Your speech must be 3-5 minutes in length. Points deducted if your speech in too short or too long.
  • You may read/speak your speech to the class or you may use index cards or memorize your speech when you present. The more you have memorized, the better the grade (in that category). However,
  • you must speak clearly and with emotion
  • you must make eye contact
  • you must use appropriate body language and avoid “hiding” behind the podium
  • Rubric: All speeches must contain:
  • a “grabber” or hook
  • a clear position (thesis/claim) statement that is consistently supported throughout the speech.
  • counter claim and rebuttal (ex. Some may say that ______had the most influence on the twentieth century; however, it is clear ______contributions are superior.)
  • Rhetorical Triangle techniques – ethos, logos, pathos
  • rhetorical question
  • alliteration
  • parallelism (often called parallel structure)
  • repetition (ex. anaphora)
  • restatement
  • simile or metaphor
  • allusion
  • clincher (optional) example: “Give me liberty or give me death!”
  • Optional: anecdote, paradox, irony, charged words, hyperbole, etc.
  • rubricwill include presentation skills (eye contact, voice projection, etc.)
  • paper will also include MLA parenthetical citations (internal) anda works cited page – only credible resources may be used
  • Minimum requirements- 2 sources (one encyclopedia and one article); use of both resources in your paper (paraphrase or direct quote with internal citation); this means a minimum of 2 internal citations; a works cited page with at least 2 entries
  • Correct MLA typing format is also part of your grade
  • Paper must be labeled with persuasive elements and highlighted; a grade of zero will be recorded until completed

Practice! Practice in front of a trusted friend or parent so you will be less nervous in front of the class.

Research:

  1. Use the media center handout with passwords to access professional research banks from home.
  2. Paper will have internal parenthetical citations and a works cited page. Perdue University OWL is a great resource for this. MLA typing format will be a key part of the grade.
  3. PAPERS MUST BE SUBMITTED (BY March20TH) INTO TURNITIN.COM OR RECEIVE A ZERO
  4. Due dates- Only Excused absences will be accepted. If you have an unexcused absence your paper is late; if you are at school any part of the day- your paper is still due – obviously you will have to find me to turn it in or it is late.