As with any speech, it is important that your audience is not only at ease with you but that they also trust and believe you. This is no more true than in a persuasive speech. As we learned in chapters 23-24 (see module 8) ethos (credibility) is usually driven by how much you know your subject and how well you can support your ideas. We also learned that positions are more likely to be accepted when supported by strong arguments (a clear claim, supporting evidence and reasoning.)
This assignment is what I call, a topic brief, and it is designed to help you "flush out" your research and isolate the important information you may want to use in your speech. Below is a detailed sample of the assignment you will turn in. DO NOT COPY AND PASTE THIS OR USE THE TOPIC BELOW. It is only an example of how to do your own topic brief.
First things first, always have your research question before you. It will help you remember what you are looking for and remind you to stay on task.
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Sample Research Question: Will standardized testing become obsolete? |
Secondly, you will summarize important general information about the article(s) you read. It will help you to completely understand what your issue is all about. Later, you will use some of this information in your speech.
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Main Point of Article |
Summary (include key issues, central figures involved, any other information that will help you understand the issue.) |
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Proposed suspension and possible elimination of ACT/SAT testing requirements in the UC system |
In light of all of the changes happening due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to furthering the conversation about the future of standardized testing, UC President Janet Napolitano has recommended a 5-year plan to eventually phase out use of the SAT/ACT as a college entrance requirement. Many people have long said that the tests are problematic and not as useful as grades or transcripts. Others have also argued that the test are biased against POC. The College Board, which owns the SAT and ACT has attempted in the past to address some of the concerns to no avail. They even proposed at-home testing. The issue has been thrust back into the spotlight because the current pandemic has forced many to either postpone the testing or waive it altogether. The Board is set to take up the issue on May 21, 2020. |
Lastly, you will document the full source citation. Please note: you may insert the website address as a hyperlink, as I've done below OR you can simply copy and paste the link in the same box.
Evidence Citations (You need minimum of 5 different sources)
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Source(name of publication and full date) |
Quotation(please type or copy/past the full quotation.) |
Area of Support(where might you use this information in your speech) |
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“The outcome is likely to reverberate nationwide because of the size and prestige of the UC system.” |
Background – significance
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“Napolitano has identified standardized testing as a top issue facing the UC system and said regents needed to “get it right” because of the national implications of their action.” |
Claim MP1: The UC decision will affect the future of testing nationwide. |
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“Proponents say standardized tests are a fair and objective measure of student achievement, that they ensure teachers and schools are accountable to taxpayers, and that the most relevant constituents – parents and students – approve of testing” |
Pro argument Background? Claim/MP? |
Testimonials
