This is a combined Speech and Debate unit. In other words, You get two units in this folder.

In my English classes I spend one semester on Debates (with two students debating each Friday of the semester), then we spend the second semester on the speeches (with one or two students delivering speeches each Friday of the semester).

These are big, well-developed and classroom-tested units. They will teach rhetoric, public speaking skills, research, and organizational skills. These units also encourage class cohesiveness.

If you have less than a year to work with, than choose either of the two units in the package and just do that one.


The Speech Unit includes:
The assignment with directions handout.
A guide to public speaking
A rubric for grading the actual speech
A handout on Internet research and its potential pitfalls.
My notes about how to run this unit.
A set of rhetorical vocabulary words to teach before the speeches begin-this gives students vocabulary to use while they critique one another after each speech.


The Debate Unit includes:
The assignment/handout, which is a full explanation of the assignment for students.
Teacher’s grading/notes form.
An Internet research warning/guide handout.
Student response sheet—to facilitate post-debate class critiques.
My notes about how to run this unit.
A second handout explaining the rules—usually I skip this, but it’s in the file.