Write an essay on an article of your choice.
Your topic must be logically debatable, meaning topics like chocolate chip cookies are the best or why you should not smoke cigarettes will not work.
If you are struggling to come up with a topic, do a current event search via local/national/international newspapers. If this does not help, search for debate or persuasive speech topics online.
Structurally speaking, this speech is identical to the prior. You need to cite three outside sources, make sure that you have variety and that your sources are not biased (will be discussed in class).
The PowerPoint will have 6 content slides (intro, body, conclusion), along with a title slide and a works cited slide. In total, you will have 8 slides; you can also show a video clip up to 20 seconds. Remember the 6/6 rule: no more than six bullet points per slide, six words per bullet point. You must also credit the images you use, list the source below the image.
The outline approach is the same as the informative: two main points/internal summaries and transitions. Make sure you also engage with the counterarguments: we will discuss an 85/15 split; it is crucial to show you understand and respect the other positions. Remember, those on the other side came to their values and beliefs in the exact same manner as you: upbringing, culture, experiences, etc.
Your outline must have ORIGINAL writing. If you turn in an outline with copied source material, the resulting outline grade will be a zero.
Always keep the pillars of persuasion in mind: ethos, pathos, logos. Is your source credible?
What is their motivation for their research/argument? Is the
work/research supported by other well-informed sources? Regarding your emotional appeals, are they valid?
Do not rely solely on negative pathos: too much doom and gloom can be counterproductive. When it comes to logical appeals, research including data, statistics and facts certainly qualify, but that is not the end of logos.
Does the idea or argument make sense from the audience’s point of view? Keep in mind that your POV may differ from the POV of your audience (in favor, opposed, neutral or apathetic).
