Name: _________________________ WRITTEN SPEECH RUBRIC

SKILLS 4 3
Clear and convincing command of facts
Research and information with insightful
Analysis 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.
Clearly and logically organized speech
with an engaging introduction, a
Organization logically sequenced body with
appropriate transitions, and a clear and
convincing conclusion.
Uses sophisticated and varied language
that is suited to the topic and audience;
Language word choice is concise, original, and
effectively conveys the appropriate tone
given the purpose of the speech
Artfully incorporates at least six different
tropes or schemes to persuade the target
Tropes and audience. Tropes and schemes are fluidly
Schemes and naturally scattered throughout the
speech and aid in the persuasive
argument. Usage does not feel forced.
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
Grammar and No spelling, punctuation,
Conventions capitalization, grammar or usage
errors.
Written in an artful style with sentence
variety. No MLA formatting errors.
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.
Clear attempt at organization with a
beginning, middle, and end and an
attempt to use transitions
Uses appropriate language and word
choice, but with less sophistication,
expressiveness and/or originality
Incorporates at least six different tropes
or schemes to persuade the target
audience
All three appeals are clearly used
throughout the speech to effectively
persuade your audience
Some minor spelling, punctuation,
capitalization, grammar or usage
errors; some sentence variety; a few
errors in MLA formatting.
2 1
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.
Some inconsistencies in organization
and/or a lack of sustained focus
throughout the speech with inconsistently
used transitions
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
Incorporates at least five different tropes
or schemes to persuade the target
audience.
An attempt at using all three appeals is
made, although there may be some
imbalance or the persuasion may be
slightly ineffective
Multiple spelling, punctuation,
capitalization, grammar or usage
errors; mechanical errors do not
disrupt flow of ideas. Some errors in
MLA formatting.
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.
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
Inappropriate use of language distracts
the audience because it is too informal or
too imprecise given the topic and purpose
of the speech
Incorporates four or fewer tropes or
schemes to persuade the target audience.
Either not all appeals are obvious or they
are used ineffectively
Numerous spelling, punctuation,
capitalization, grammar or usage errors
which distract reader. Numerous errors
in MLA formatting.

The final draft of your written speech is worth 100 pts and will count as an “Essay/Final Project” grade. I will deduct 5 pts (a half of a letter grade) from your final essay grade if
you fail to bring a hard copy of your 1st and/or 2nd draft to class with you.

I will deduct 10 pts (an entire letter grade) if you fail to do any of the following correctly on the final submission:

 Correct heading
 MLA format: 12 pt Times New Roman font with 1 inch margins; double spaced
 All supporting materials (outline, drafts, peer-editing, etc) are turned in with the final draft.
 There is clear evidence of revision from draft to draft.

Note: Failure to turn in your essay to turnitin.com or to include a Works Cited page will result in an automatic zero. No exceptions.
RAW SCORE: ____/24 pts TOTAL SCORE: _____/100