Research Analysis

Clear and convincing command of facts and information with insightful explanations that help to illustrate the speaker’s ideas and arguments. At least six sources are incorporated into the speech. All six sources are used to strengthen the persuasive argument.

Clear use of facts and information with partially developed explanations in support of the speaker’s ideas or arguments. At least six sources are incorporated into the speech.

Partially clear use of facts and information with limited or incomplete explanations to support the speaker’s ideas or arguments. At least five sources are incorporated into the speech.

Confusing or incomplete facts with little and/or confusing explanations as to how the facts support the speaker’s ideas or arguments. At least four sources are incorporated into the speech.

Organization

Clearly and logically organized speech with an engaging introduction, a logically sequenced body with appropriate transitions, and a clear and convincing conclusion.

A clear attempt at the organization with a beginning, middle, and end and an attempt to use transitions

Some inconsistencies in an organization and/or a lack of sustained focus throughout the speech with inconsistently used transitions.

A lack of organization makes it difficult to follow the speaker’s ideas; speech may be too conversational and may ramble without a clear beginning, middle, or end.

Language

Uses sophisticated and varied language that is suited to the topic and audience; word choice is concise, original, and effectively conveys the appropriate tone given the purpose of the speech.

Uses appropriate language and word choice, but with less sophistication, expressiveness and/or originality.

Use words that may be unsuited to the topic, audience or purpose of the speech; word choice lacks originality and fails to convey an appropriate tone for the speech.

Inappropriate use of language distracts the audience because it is too informal or too imprecise given the topic and purpose of the speech.

Tropes and Schemes

Artfully incorporates at least six different tropes or schemes to persuade the target audience. Tropes and schemes are fluidly and naturally scattered throughout the speech and aid in the persuasive argument. Usage does not feel forced.

Incorporates at least six different tropes or schemes to persuade the target audience.

Incorporates at least five different tropes or schemes to persuade the target audience.

Incorporates four or fewer tropes or schemes to persuade the target audience.

Appeals

All three appeals are fluidly and naturally scattered throughout the speech with a balance that effectively aids in your persuasion without making it feel forced or contrite

All three appeals are clearly used throughout the speech to effectively persuade your audience.

An attempt at using all three appeals is made, although there may be some imbalance or the persuasion may be slightly ineffective.

Either not all appeals are obvious or they are used ineffectively.

Grammar and Conventions

No spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar or usage errors. Written in an artful style with sentence variety. No MLA formatting errors.

Some minor spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar or usage errors; some sentence variety; a few errors in MLA formatting.

Multiple spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar or usage errors; mechanical errors do not disrupt the flow of ideas. Some errors in MLA formatting.

Numerous spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar or usage errors distract the reader. Numerous errors in MLA formatting.