Write a three- to five-minute speech (at least 800 words) about your chosen topic. Choose one of the suggested topics or one your teacher provides.

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Complete each step in the following list as you plan your speech.

1. Decide on the central idea, and form it into one sentence.

2. Choose the main points of your argument, and arrange them in a logical order.

3. Select the specific details or examples that will support each main point.

4. Map out the introduction.

5. Make an outline of the entire speech.

6. Plan the concluding statement.

7. Be sure you have moved smoothly from one idea to another.

8. Type out your speech. The first writing, or rough draft, of your speech has one goal: to get your ideas down on paper in an orderly manner. For this reason, you must follow your outline very closely, filling in each section as you go along.

Once you've completed the writing of your speech, read what you have written. Read it silently the first time, and then read it aloud to see how it flows. Time an oral reading of your speech to see whether the speech meets the time constraints (Three to five minutes will be at least 800 words).