Persuasive Speech
Write a speech, that you will deliver, that takes a stance on your topic. Refer to the “Writing an Argument” section of the
argumentation information page and the below information.
Structuring an Argumentative Essay
An argumentative essay, like other kinds of essays, has an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. However, an
argumentative essay has its own special structure, one that ensures that ideas are presented logically and convincingly.
The Declaration of Independence follows the typical structure of many classic arguments:
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Introduces the issue
States the thesis
Induction - offers evidence to support the thesis
Deduction - uses syllogisms to support the thesis
States the arguments against the thesis and refutes them
Restates the thesis in different words
Makes a forceful closing statement
Jefferson begins the Declaration by presenting the issue that the document addresses: the obligation of the people of the
American colonies to tell the world why they must separate from Great Britain. Next, Jefferson states his thesis that
because of the tyranny of the British king, the colonies must replace his rule with another form of government. In the
body of the Declaration, he offers as evidence twenty-eight examples of injustice endured by the colonies. Following the
evidence, Jefferson refutes counterarguments by explaining how again and again the colonists have appealed to the
British for redress, but without result. In his concluding paragraph, he restates the thesis and reinforces it one final time.
He ends with a flourish: speaking for the representatives of the United States, he explicitly dissolves all political
connections between England and America.
Not all arguments, however, follow this pattern. Your material, your thesis, your purpose, your audience, the type of
argument you are writing, and the limitations of your assignment all help you determine the strategies you use. If your
thesis is especially novel or controversial, for example, the refutation of opposing arguments may come first. In this
instance, opposing positions might even be mentioned in the introduction - provided they are discussed more fully later in
the argument.
Suppose your instructor gives you the following assignment:
Select a controversial topic that interests you, and write a brief editorial about it. Direct your editorial to readers who do
not share your views, and try to convince them that your position is reasonable. Be sure to acknowledge the view your
audience holds and to refute possible criticisms of your argument.
You are well informed about one local issue because you have just read a series of articles on it. A citizens' group is
lobbying for a local ordinance that would authorize government funding for parochial schools in your community. Since
you have also recently studied the constitutional doctrine of separation of church and state in your American government
class, you know you could argue fairly and strongly against the position taken by this group.
An informal outline of your essay might look like this:
Issue introduced:
Thesis statement:
Evidence (deduction):
Evidence (induction):
Evidence (deduction):
Opposition refuted:
Should public tax revenues be spent on aid to parochial schools?
Despite the pleas of citizen groups like Parochial School Parents United,
using tax dollars to support church-affiliated schools violates the U.S.
Constitution.
Explain general principle of separation of church and state in the
Constitution.
Present recent examples of court cases interpreting and applying this
principle.
Explain how the Constitution and the court cases apply to your community's
situation.
Identify and respond to arguments used by Parochial School Parents United.
Concede the point that parochial schools educate many children who would
otherwise have to be educated in public schools at taxpayers' expense.
Restate the thesis; end with a strong closing statement.
Conclusion:
Revision Checklist
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Does your assignment call for argumentation?
Have you chosen a topic you can argue about effectively?
Do you have a debatable thesis?
Have you considered the beliefs and opinions of your audience?
Is your evidence relevant, representative, and sufficient?
Have you documented evidence you have gathered from sources?
Have you made an effort to address your audience's possible objections to your position?
Have you refuted opposing arguments?
Have you used inductive or deductive reasoning (or a combination of the two) to move from your evidence to
your conclusion?
Have you avoided logical fallacies?
Have you used appropriate transitional words and phrases?
Presentation
If you do not have a hard copy at the beginning of the period, the speech is late.
Don’t staple your pages together.
Avoid things like fidgeting, leaning on the podium, pacing back and forth, etc.
Assessment Rubric
Category
Excellent (4)
Good (3.6)
Acceptable (3.2)
Introduction1
Introduction clearly
states subject of
argument and captures
reader's attention.
Introduction states
subject of argument but
is not particularly
inviting to the reader.
Focus and
Elaboration
Takes a clear position
and supports it
consistently with wellchosen reasons and/or
examples; may use
persuasive strategy to
convey an argument.
Is focused and well
organized, with
effective use of
transitions.
Striking but natural,
varied and vivid. All
sentences are wellconstructed with varied
structure.
It sounds like the
speaker cares about the
argument.
Takes a clear position
and supports it with
relevant reasons and/or
examples through much
of the essay.
Introduction attempts
to state subject of
argument but does not
capture reader's
attention.
Takes a clear position
and supports it with
some relevant reasons
and/or examples; there
is some development of
the essay.
Organization
Word Choice
and
Sentence
Fluency
Voice and
Tone
1
Is well organized, but
may lack some
transitions.
Interesting diction
within routine choices.
Most sentences are
well-constructed with
varied structure.
The argument could
have been written by
anyone.
Is generally organized,
but has few or no
transitions among
sections.
Routine word choices.
Most sentences are
well-constructed but
have a similar structure.
The argument is bland
or pretentious. There is
no hint of a real person.
Needs Improvement
(2.8)
Introduction attempts
to state subject but
lacks clarity
Unacceptable (2.4)
Takes a position and
provides uneven
support; may lack
development in parts or
be repetitive OR essay is
no more than a wellwritten beginning.
Is organized in parts of
the essay; other parts
are disjointed and/or
lack transitions.
Words are often dull,
uninspired, or trying too
hard to impress.
Attempts to take a
position (addresses
topic), but position is
very unclear OR takes a
position, but provides
minimal or no support.
The argument is too
formal or too informal.
It sounds like the
speaker doesn't like the
topic.
The argument is
delivered in a
monotone.
Your introduction should be an organic part of your argument (not “I’m ___” and then reading.)
No attempt is made to
state the subject of the
argument in an
introduction.
Is disorganized or
unfocused in much of
the essay OR is clear,
but too brief.
Repetitive or confusing
diction. Sentences lack
structure and appear
incomplete or rambling.