Graded Assignment
Evaluate a Speaker


View or listen to a speech by a well-known actor, and then evaluate it in writing.


To begin, save this document to your computer with your name at the end of the filename (e.g., NG_ELA9-10_W_11_GA_Alice_Jones.docx).


As you experience the speech, identify the speaker’s viewpoint and notice the reasons and evidence he supplies to support it. Listen for evidence and logic that is either valid or fallacious. Be attentive for language that is either appropriately emotional or unfairly loaded. Take notes as the speech progresses. Then, read and answer the questions.


When you have finished, submit this document to your teacher for grading.


Questions


(Score for Question 1: ___ of 5 points)


What is the speaker’s viewpoint? What is his claim?


Write your answer here.


(Score for Question 2: ___ of 5 points)


What reasons does the speaker provide to support his viewpoint or claim?


Write your answer here.


(Score for Question 3: ___ of 5 points)


What evidence does the speaker provide to support his reasons?


Write your answer here.


(Score for Question 4: ___ of 5 points)


What counterclaims does the speaker address, and how does he respond to them?


Write your answer here.


(Score for Question 5: ___ of 5 points)


What examples of fallacious reasoning, distorted or weak evidence, and exaggerated language occur in the speech?


Write your answer here.


(Score for Question 6: ___ of 5 points)


Write a 1–2 paragraph evaluation of the speaker’s argument. Discuss whether the speaker used valid reasoning and sufficient evidence to support his viewpoint.


Write your answer here.