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Name ____________________________________________________ Date _______________

Research-Based

Persuasive/Argumentative

Essay & Speech

As part of the 6th grade Language Arts Common Core Standards, students will gather research using various

sources (i.e. internet, books, encyclopedia, etc.) to construct a five paragraph argumentative essay using evidence and examples to support their main claim. There is a slight difference between persuasion vs argumentative writing, however understanding the effectiveness in both is crucial for my students to master. Therefore, this assignment will include multiple standards. The following are a list of “hot” topics. Students will randomly select one of the topics (for or against). There are two main objectives for this assignment. The first is to teach students how to remove/detach their emotions, beliefs, feelings, and opinions and focus on gathering strong logical evidence to support their position in order to write an effective argumentative essay. Students may or may not agree with their topic. This will not affect their grade since grading will be based on the structure, organization, and research facts NOT the content of the paper. This assignment will be challenging yet fun as it requires students to think “outside the box” ( The second objective focuses on delivering a speech. During this portion of the assignment, students will learn the power of communication and the art of persuasion.

Topics

Education

For/Against- School hands out too many A’s

For/Against- Schools provide students with enough opportunities to be creative.

For/Against- Schools should be allowed to use corporal punishment.

For/Against- Schools should be able to group students by ability.

Technology

For/Against- Technology makes us more alone.

For/Against- Tablet computers should be the primary way students learn in class.

Arts and Media: TV, Music, Video Games and Literature

For/Against- Video games should be considered a sport.

For/Against- Reality TV promotes dangerous stereotypes.

Gender Issues

For/Against- Women should be allowed to fight on the front lines alongside men.

Sports and Athletics

For/Against-. It is offensive for sports teams to use Native American names and mascots.

For/Against- Cheerleading is not a sport.

Politics and the Legal System

For/Against- Students and teachers would be safer with armed guards patrolling schools.

For/Against- In favor of the death penalty.

Health and Nutrition

For/Against- The government should limit the size of surgery drinks.

Personal Character and Morality Questions

For/Against- Money can buy happiness

For/Against- Talent is more important than hard work.

For/Against-. People should care about the health and safety of those making our clothes.

Other Questions

For/Against- The private lives of famous people should be off limit.

Go to for articles for each topic to get started!

Rubric

Paper-

1. Pros/Cons Planning Sheet………………………………………………….….……5 points

2. Graphic Organizer-Prewrite…………………………..…….………………….….25 points

3. Source Sheet (3 minimum) ……………………………...……………………….…5 points

4. Work Cited Page……………………………………………………………..…….10 points

5. Rough Draft………………………………..………………….…………...……...100 points

6. Final Draft (500-700 word essay including use of shades of meaning/synonyms, proper citation, proper format/structure, counter argument, thesis statement, introductory statement with background statements, prediction/recommendation in conclusion, etc.)………………………………..…………………….………………………….200 points

_______/345 points total

Speech Presentation-

1. MUST come in your best dress (hair groomed, tie, collar shirt, skirt, blazer, slacks, etc.)………………………………………………………………………….…….10 points

2. Nonverbal gestures- student uses proper gestures and posture when presenting.....10 points

3. Provide a clear statement of the position, including relevant evidence, logical sequence of information, and engage and persuade the listener……………………………….20 points

4. Emphasize salient points to assist the listener in following the main ideas and concepts……………………………………………………………………….…..10 points

5. Visual Aid – provide a visual aide to further demonstrate and persuade position (poster, PowerPoint, video, etc.)……………………………………………………….….15 points

6. Eye contact………………………………………………..……….……….……..20 points

7. Voice (projects voice loud, clear, and articulate) ………………….…………….20 points

____/105 points

Total 450 points

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