In the last several months, we have talked or will talk about some controversial issues in politics and society. Some issues are at the root of heated debates while others may have solutions that are just common sense, but we still don’t act on them. Regardless, because of the diversity of our society, both racially and ethnically as well as socially, there will always be arguments and complaints about what should be done about some of these issues.

Your job will be to research a contested political or social issue that will be randomly assigned to you. Research it from a factual angle and do your best to not let too many of your personal feelings get involved. After getting the facts, you will now write a paper that may persuade the reader to either strengthen or reevaluate their views. So this is a formal persuasive essay that you will be writing.

The second part of this project will be a persuasive speech. When/If you go on to college, you will have to take a speaking course, so it is important that we begin to get comfortable speaking in front of our peers. You will be given a set time to give a brief persuasive speech to the class. Defend yourself with fact, but don’t be afraid to use opinion to get your point across.

The paper should abide by the following criteria in order to have the opportunity to receive the best grade:

ü The paper must be 2-3 pages in length with pages numbered.

ü The paper must be double spaced and 12 point font.

ü The paper must have a cover page and bibliography.

ü The paper must have at least 3 sources. 2 must be non-internet.

ü The paper must be free from spelling, grammatical, and structural errors.

The speech should abide by the following criteria in order to have the opportunity to receive the best grade:

ü The speech should be at least 1 minute 40 seconds and no more than 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

ü The speech should be a good combination of fact and well-founded opinion.

ü The speech should be persuasive in nature.

My topic: Should we _____________________________________________________?

Due date: __________________