English 1 Semester 1 Final Exam
Three Components: Speech Presentation, Outline, and PowerPoint/ Prezi/Multimedia
Directions: For your Semester 1 Final Exam, each student will research a chosen topic, organize
information into a speech, make an outline, and present a 4-6 minute speech.
Speech Presentation Guidelines:
1. Research a Historical or Modern Controversial Issue
Guidelines:
a. Research a controversial issue of merit and take a stance on this issue
providing ethos/pathos/logos as a basis for your reasoning. You will
present a speech as if you are an activist who believes strongly in your
position (even if you own personal feelings are not that strong).
a. Must be an issue of merit (see list)
b. Instructor approval required for all topics.
2. Organize information into a speech
a. Make an outline
b. Make and use note cards ( if your speech is not memorized)
3. Clearly and effectively deliver a 4-6 minute speech. You will be judged in four
categories.
a. Vocal Delivery
b. Posture and Body Language
c. Professional Attire
d. Use Visual Aid Effectively ( PowerPoint)
4. PowerPoint/Multi-Media Guidelines (9 slide minimum):
a. Introduction Slide
b. At least 7 slides correlating with the body of the speech ( the things
you found important about this issue)
c. Concluding Slide
d. Be Creative, but no distracting backgrounds. Use visuals/pictures
to make it interesting..
e. Avoid too much text per slide.
f. Avoid animation distractions by keeping transitions simple.
Sometimes, less is more.
Final Exam Grading Criteria
Speech (Content and Delivery)
Outline
PowerPoint or Other Media
Total
Points
120
30
100
250
Controversial Issues:
1. Human Trafficking
2. Police Brutality
3. Minimum Wage
4. Illiteracy ( Other than U.S)
5. Free Higher Education
6. Health Care
7. Marriage equality
8. Vaccines for children
9. Abortion
10. Physician assisted suicide
11. Vegetarian/Veganism
12. Animal testing
13. Tablets v. Textbooks
14. Medical marijuana
15. Death penalty
16. Corporal punishment
17. Conceal and carry/ gun rights
18. Affirmative Action
19. Internet censorship
20. Immigration
21. Stem cell research
22. Genetically modified food
23. Arts in school
24. Sex education v. abstinence only education
25. Cloning
26. Common Core Standards
27. Evolution v. Creationism
28. Hunting restrictions
29. Animals in captivity (zoos, sea world, etc.)
30. The wage gap
31. Required physical education/ sports participation at school
32. Standardized Testing (CST, SBAC, SAT, etc.)
33. Mechanization of industry
34. Torture of criminals/terrorists
35. School/Work dress codes
36. Paternity leave
37. Weapons of mass destruction
38. Freedom of speech
39. Home births
40. Separation of church and state
41. Land protection (National parks, nature zones, etc)