Choose a topic. Topics should be debatable. That means there are good reasons to agree with and to disagree with the topic. Here are examples of topics that are debatable:

? Should P.E. be a requirement for high school graduation?

? Should self-driving cars be allowed on California highways?

? Should energy drinks be illegal for teens?

? Should children under 12 be allowed to own a cell phone or other smart device?

? Should teens take a Gap Year between high school and college?

? Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

? Should Computer Literacy be a required course for high schoolers?

? Should students be able to AI on written assignments submitted for grades in high school?

Conduct research to collect information on the topic. Be sure to collect information only from reliable and credible sources. Look for .edu and .gov sites. If you can't find information on your topic, consider a different topic. Crafting Identify target audience. What age are they? How might they be affected by the topic? Are they in a position to influence a decision related to your opinion on the topic? Consider using the Graphic Organizer (below) to make sure your argument is complete. Feel free to rearrange the order of your reasons or to replace evidence with that which may be more reliable or relevant. Then, write the first draft of your persuasive speech and remember to save often as you work. Remember to give the sources of your evidence in the body of your speech. Revising Revise your first draft. After revising, use the online checklist to make sure you have thoroughly and effectively completed the revision. Proof-read your revised draft and correct all grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors.

OPENING: Hook: Background Info: Thesis (claim): Why audience should care: REASOMN 81 REASON #2 Supporting Evidence/Source: Supporting Evidence/Source: Explanation of Evidence: Explanation of Evidence: Restate Thesis: Restate Main Reasons: Call to Action: COUNTERCLAIM: Supporting Evidence/Source: Explanation of Evidence