speech about a special occasion

Outline Grading Criteria

The superior outline (grade A):

 Topic is creative, appropriate, and original.

 Name, general purpose, specific purpose, and thesis statement (central idea) are included.

 Constitutes a genuine contribution by the speaker to the knowledge or beliefs of the audience.

 Remains audience-centered throughout outline.  Content fits the assignment.

 Contains elements of vividness and special interest in the use of language.

 Language is clear, concise, memorable, and easy to follow.  If sources are required, high quality sources are used.

 If sources are required, adheres to quantity of sources rule (one

source per minute for total amount of sources).  If sources are used, a reference page is included.

 Outline is in complete sentences.  Standard subdivisions are used.

 Transitions are advanced and included in proper places.  In-text citations are present.

 Various sections and components of the outline are labeled.  Main points are declarative sentences.

 Main points are logical.  Appropriate number of main points is included.

 Support material is appropriate.  All components of the introduction, body and conclusion are included

and well-developed.  Organizational pattern is clear.

The above average outline (grade B):

 Creative topic.  Audience analysis is evident.

 Fulfills all major functions of a speech introduction, body and conclusion.

 Displays clear organization of main points and supporting materials.  Exhibits proficient use of transitions.

 Effective use of language.  Overall structure apparent but may need to develop ideas more

effectively.  Properly labeled and formatted.

 Clearly identifies sources of information and ideas in the speech.

The average outline (grade C):

 Conforms to the kind of speech assigned (i.e., informative, persuasive,

special occasion etc.).  Has a clear specific purpose and thesis statement (central idea).

 Lacks audience-centeredness.  Has an identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion.

 Missing transitions or contains weak transitions.  Language is appropriate but could be more memorable or creative.

 Missing some of the components of an effective speech.  Minor errors in grammar, pronunciation, and word usage.

 Does not contain enough quality source material.

The below average outline (grade D or F)

 Topic does not conform to speech purpose.

 Audience-analysis is not evident.  Unorganized.

 Contains incomplete sentences or phrases.  Is based entirely on biased information or unsupported opinions.

 Uses fabricated supporting material or deliberately distorted evidence.  Uses bullet points or paragraph form.

 No references present.  Is plagiarized.