Argumentative Essay / Speech:

 

Guide to writing an argumentative essay and speech:

 

·        The purpose of an argumentation speech and essay is to sway the reader and listener to accept your point of view relating to an issue.

·        It’s more than simply stating your opinion about an issue, but rather including supporting facts that back up your opinion.

·        To write a successful argumentative speech and essay is to become an expert on the issue through research and collection of information.

·        You should take a clear and concise position on the issue.  You must take a distinct side to the issue, no gray area.

·        An argumentative essay and speech does not merely assert an opinion; it presents an argument, and that argument must be backed up by data that persuades readers that your opinion is valid.

 

Parts of the Argumentative Essay / Speech:

 

1. Development of a Thesis Statement:
2. The essay and speech should include at least 2 PRO Arguments
3. The essay and speech should include at least 1 CON Argument.  The Con argument should also include a REFUTATION of that argument.
4. The essay should include a CONCLUSION.

 

Pattern of the Essay /Speech:

 Thesis Statement and Introduction

PRO Argument #1 and Support Information

PRO Argument #2 and Support Information

CON Argument #1 and Refutation

Conclusion

 

Possible Issues:  Choose one of these issues and develop your Thesis Statement and Arguments.  (You can choose your own issue, but it must be approved)

 

1.     Should U.S. citizens support the U.S. government’s idea of free universal health care?

2.     Should the U.S. government repeal the 2^nd Amendment?

3.     Should the United States government continue funding the U.S. Space Program?

4.     Should the United States allocate more money towards solving the problem of Global Warming?

5.     Should the United States completely remove God and religion from government?

6.     Should the United States government pass a new law that would allow prayer in public schools?

7.     Should the North Carolina General Assembly pass a law to implement school uniforms for all NC school systems?

8.     Should the United States move toward alternate fuels and away from fossil fuels?

9.     Should the United States repeal the law on capital punishment or the death penalty?

10. Should the United States remove all troops from Afghanistan and reduce the war on terror?

11. Should major research companies halt all animal testing?

12. Should the United States government raise taxes on the rich in order to reduce the national debt?

13. Should students be allowed to use cell phones in middle and high schools?

14. Should college athletes be paid for playing?

15. Should state colleges be free to attend?

16.  Should the voting age be lowered to the age of 16?

17. Should the driving age be raised to the age of 21 years old?

18. Should schools offer fast restaurant menus such as, Wendys, Subway, Chic-fil-a, etc…?

19. Should the United States place a tax on fatty foods and junk foods?

20.  Should American families have a two child max rule to limit population growth?

21.  Should people be required to acquire a license before they become parents?

22. Should there be tougher federal restrictions for content on the internet?

23. Should the United States allow Iran to develop a nuclear bomb?

24. Should abortion be legal?

25. Should schools that score low on standardized tests be closed?  

 

 

 

Argumentative Essay / Speech – Academic Contract

 

Grade A+ (100):

• ___ Thesis Statement
• ___ Argumentative Essay Outline Worksheet:
• 2 Pro Arguments
• 1 Con Argument & Refutation
• ___ Bibliography (Use Citation Machine to create Bibliography)
• ___ Argumentative Essay / Speech Final Draft (Typed – largest 14 font / written in Blue or Black Ink)
• ___Visual Collage (PowerPoint Slide, Word Page or Poster) displaying your issue.
• ___Speech Presentations:
• Presentation in Quads
• 3 to 6 minute speech in front of class

 

Grade B+ (92):

• Thesis Statement
• ___ Argumentative Essay Outline Worksheet:
• 2 Pro Arguments
• 1 Con Argument & Refutation
• ___ Bibliography (Use Citation Machine to create Bibliography)
• ___ Argumentative Essay / Speech Final Draft (Typed – largest 14 font / written in Blue or Black Ink)
• ___Visual Collage (PowerPoint Slide, Word Page or Poster) displaying your issue.
• ___ Speech Presentations:
• Presentation in Quads

 

Argumentative Essay / Speech Assignments:

1.      Topic Chosen – Academic Contract

(Wednesday, February 8)

2.      Development of Thesis Statement

(Monday, February 13)

3.      Development of at least 2 Pro Arguments                                                                 (Friday, February 17)

4.      Development of at least 1 Con Argument and Refutation.

(Wednesday, February 22)

5.      Essay / Speech Final Draft, including Bibliography.

(Thursday, March 1)

6.      Speech Quad - Presentations / Speech Presentations

(Monday, March 5)

7.      Visual Collage (Monday, March 5)

 

Topic: ______________________________________________________

 

 

 

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Choose your project grade:

_____ - Grade A+ (100)                       _____ - Grade B+ (92)

 

Topic: ______________________________________________________