You will be required to choose a controversial US Government topic from the list below or develop your own.
Decide the position you will take and develop a persuasive speech based on this position; making a claim and presenting evidence. You will be required to present your speech after midterms in front of the class. After you have presented, the floor will be open for the audience to ask questions of you. This is a research based persuasive speech.
Speech Requirements

3-5 minutes in length
 Must include THESIS STATEMENT, background of issue, current/past laws or legislation, and the US government role

You will complete a Speech Outline prior to due date

At least five sources (only two websites) must be incorporated/cited in your speech.
You can use sources from the net. IE New York Times, Time, Newsweek. I would look in Badger Link and Ebsco host (these do
NOT count as websites)

Works cited must be submitted immediately following your speech in required MLA Style (refer to
Writer’s Inc book). If you choose not to cite your work within the speech, it will be an automatic 0.
Wikipedia is NOT to be used.

You will be uploading the speech to Turnitin.com

No double dipping from other classes or previous speeches you have written (ex. Theology, English, AP
Bio)

You MUST visit the Writing Lab at least one time before the final speech is due and have your work initialed by the English teacher working the lab that day.

You will select an accountability partner who will help offer feedback and support in various class meetings before the speech due date

Multiple mini-assignments will be due regarding outlines/format, introductions, speech types, and practice delivery

Proper presentation skills required (no gum, no sitting, use proper language, poise)
 Outline of arguments should be turned in to Mrs. Jones periodically throughout the term
Topics
1.
Is Capital Punishment justified?
2.
Do we need tougher gun control laws?
3.
Does Affirmative Action advance the cause of racial equality?
4.
Should hate speech be punished?
5.
Would “School Choice” and vouchers improve the quality of U.S. education?
6.
Is welfare reform succeeding?
7.
Should there be an amendment to the Constitution legalizing gay marriage nationwide?
8.
Should the United States put more restrictions on immigration?
9.
Should a school prayer amendment be adopted?
10.
Should the government impose stricter regulations on the Internet?
11.
Should we adopt English as our official language?
12.
Should drugs be decriminalized?
13.
Are human activities significantly changing the global climate?
14.
Is genetic engineering unethical?
15.
Does the threat of terrorism warrant curtailment of civil liberties? Ex: “Patriot Act”
16.
Should American’s right to privacy be protected?
17.
Is America's War on Terrorism Justified?
18.
Should Doctor-Assisted Suicide be legalized for the terminally ill?
19.
Is the use of animals in research justified?
20.
Should polygamy be legalized and protected by the
Constitution?
21.
Should adults have the right to carry a concealed handgun?
22.
Is torture ever an acceptable government strategy?
23.
Should performance enhancing drugs be monitored by the federal government?
24.
Should vaccines be required for children entering schools?
25.
Is the use of standardized testing improving education in America?
26.
Should there be term limits for members of Congress?
27.
When is it appropriate for a juvenile to be tried as an adult in the eyes of the judicial system?
28.
Should Title IX be abolished for college athletics?