Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell Research

General Purpose: To persuade my audience that stem cell research should be legal and federally funded.

Specific Purpose: To teach the benefits of stem cells.

Central Idea: Stem cells and their research could greatly increase the chances of living for those with life threatening diseases.

Introduction

I. Attention Getting Device: I know when one hears stem cell research they probably do not give it a second thought. You may not even know what it is or what it is capable of. Maybe you would if you knew what it could do for you or your loved ones.

II. Thesis Statement (Topic): Stem cell research can benefit the masses if we would just let it.

III. Listener Relevance: Anyone with a family member with a disease may want to take heed of this speech.

IV. Credibility Statement: I've done a significant amount of research to adequately inform my audience the effectiveness of curing diseases through stem cells.

V. Central Idea: To explain what stem cells are and why researching and utilizing them is so important.

Body

I. Main Point 1 I want to start by explaining what a stem cell is and what it can do for you.

a. Subpoint: A stem cell is essentially a "blank" cell, capable of becoming another more differentiated cell type in body.

i. sub: A stem cell could be used to replace or heal skin, muscle or nerve tissues or cells. They can repair a whole entire system in the body or replenish missing cells.

ii. sub: Today, donated organs and tissues are often used to replace those that are diseased or destroyed. Unfortunately, the number of people needing a transplant far exceeds the number of organs available for transplantation. Enough future stem cell research could replace whole organs.

TRANSITION: Now for what stem cells can specifically do for you and/or your family.

II. Main Point 2 The National Institute of health say doctors are excited about stem cell research because they may one day be used to make cells and tissues for therapy of many diseases, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injury, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis (Bethesda, M. 2009)

a. Subpoint: There are over 73 diseases stem cells could cure if given the chance. Research is currently being done, with great success, for ailments such as Cerebral Palsy, Leukemia, Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis (Burt, H. 2010).

i. Sub: For those of you who do not know, Cerebral Palsy makes the brain unable to control the muscles in the body. Which, according to the Center for Disease Control, impacts as many as 10,000 newborns