speech assignment
PLEASE NO PLAGIARISM’
FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS
USE CORRECT GRAMMAR
FILL OUT TEMPLATE
- Think about a speech that you would like to present on a topic of your choice. You can use the same speech topic that you selected in Unit 1 or choose a new one.
- The speech can be for any context and any length. See the list of example speech occasions and purposes for inspiration.
- Download and answer each question in the the Unit 2 Touchstone Template based on the speech you are thinking of: Touchstone_2_Template.doc
- Consider your audience, purpose, and thesis and complete Part 1 of the template.
- Utilize your program resources, the internet or a local library to find three credible sources that are relevant to your speech and complete Part 2 of the template.
- Read through your sources to identify five pieces of evidence that support your thesis and complete Part 3 of the template. Be sure to use at least three different types of sources (example, statistic, analogy, definition, visual, story, testimony).
- Review the rubric to ensure that you understand how you will be evaluated. Ask a Sophia learning coach if you have any questions.
- Review the checklist and requirements to ensure that your Touchstone is complete.
- Submit your completed Unit 2 Touchstone Template on Sophia.
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NOTE: Units 3 and 4 both require a persuasive speech topic. If you select a persuasive topic in this unit, you will have the opportunity to build and improve on the same speech in the next two units.
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NOTE: Units 3 and 4 both require a persuasive speech topic. If you select a persuasive topic in this unit, you will have the opportunity to build and improve on the same speech in the next two units.
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Touchstone Support Videos
Evaluating your Sources
Maintaining Relevance and Balance
Speech Occasions
Personal
- Speech at a special event (anniversary, wedding, birthday, graduation, funeral etc.)
- Demonstration presentation (showing how to do something)
- Product analysis and/or recommendation
Academic
- Presenting academic work (paper, research, report)
- Present original creative work
- Academic speech and debate
Community
- Speech at a community gathering (PTA meeting, boy/girl scout convention, town hall, homeowner’s association, athletic league, school board meeting, etc.)
- Community action speech (asking for something, promoting a policy, or communicating a community initiative, etc.)
- Political speech (on behalf of a candidate, yourself as candidate, etc.)
Business
- Presenting to staff (new initiatives, pep talks, announcements, etc.)
- Presenting to colleagues or peers (idea sharing, status updates, brainstorming, etc.)
- Presenting to superiors (project proposal, project plan, project summary, etc.)
- Convention presentation (pitching new products, rally speech, teachable moments, etc.)
Submission checklist
_ I have completed all aspects of the template.
_ My answers demonstrate thoughtful consideration of each question.
_ I have selected sources that are credible and relevant.
_ I have selected five pieces of support that are relevant to my thesis.
_ I have selected three or more different kinds of support.
_ I have adhered to all of the requirements.
_ I have read through the rubric and I understand how my Touchstone will be evaluated.
Requirements
- All writing must be appropriate for an academic context
- Follow academic writing conventions (correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting)
- Composition must be original and written for this assignment; plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited
- Use a readable 11- or 12-point font
- Submission should include your name and the date
- Submit a single file only, including the answers to all questions
- Acceptable file formats include .doc, .docx, and .pdf
Proficient | Acceptable | Needs Improvement | Needs Substantial Revision | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Response Quality15 points |
Answers all questions in the Touchstone 2 Template, consistently demonstrating thoughtful consideration. Demonstrates correct understanding of relevance and credibility. | Answers all questions in the Touchstone 2 Template, primarily demonstrating thoughtful consideration, but some responses are lacking in detail or insight. Minor aspects of relevance and credibility are misunderstood. | Answers most questions in the Touchstone 2 Template but shows limited consideration; responses lack detail or insight. Demonstrates some misunderstanding of relevance and credibility. | Answers are absent or very limited. |
Purpose, Audience, and Thesis15 points |
Includes a purpose, audience, and thesis that are aligned, clear, and specific. | Includes a purpose, audience, and thesis that are somewhat vague, lacking in detail, or are not well aligned. | Includes a purpose audience and thesis, however they are not well aligned, they are vague, lacking in detail, or one element (purpose, audience, or thesis) has not been listed. | Does not include audience purpose and thesis. |
Sources20 points |
Includes three different sources that are relevant and credible. | Includes three different sources, however one of the sources is lacking in relevance and/or credibility. | Includes three different sources, however two of the sources are lacking in relevance and/or credibility, or only two sources are included. | Includes only one source or does not list any sources and/or listed sources are all lacking in relevance and/or credibility. |
Support25 points |
Includes five different pieces of support that directly support the thesis. Includes three or more different types of support. | Includes five different pieces of support, however one or two pieces of support do not directly support the thesis. Includes two different types of support. | Three or four of the pieces of support do not directly support the thesis. Includes one type of support. | All pieces of support do not support the thesis or includes no support. |