1. Persuasive speech sample outline – Problem/Solution Format
Student Sample Outline
Name: Sara H.
Call to Action: The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) should
regulate ephedrine.
Introduction
I. Carl Richardson complained of chest pains and later died due to
ephedrine use.
II. Ephedrine is found in hundreds of over-the-counter products
which we all use daily.
III. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) should regulate
ephedrine.
IV. We will first discuss the problem with ephedrine and second
look to a clear solution that eliminates this problem.
(Transition: So let’s begin by looking at the problem with
ephedrine)
Body
I. Ephedrine is a dangerous drug that needs to be controlled.
A. There is a lack of regulation of ephedrine.
1. Ephedrine is easily abused.

2. 2. Very little has been done to control use of this drug.
3. Ephedrine labeling is misrepresentation.
B. Very little has been done to control use of this drug.
1. Ephedrine is easily available over-the-counter.
2. Anyone can buy ephedrine.
C. Ephedrine is a dangerous drug.
1. Public knowledge of ephedrine related deaths is
nonexistent.
2. The effects of ephedrine on the body can be fatal.
(Transition: Now that we understand the problem with ephedrine
we can take a step forward and secondly discuss how to stop this
problem).
II. The FDA should regulate ephedrine.
A. The FDA should create stronger regulation.
1. It should create consistent packaging.
2. It should ban ephedrine over-the-counter.
B. The practical implications of this plan are very strong.
1. It would require limited expenses for the FDA.
2. Consistent labeling has worked for food products in the
U.S.
3. It would not require additional financial support because

3. products are labeled already.
C. Adoption of the plan is something we call all see as desirable.
1. By adopting this plan we protect people who may not
realize the harmful effects of ephedrine.
2. By adopting this plan we prevent unnecessary death and
illness.
Conclusion
I. Ephedrine has many harmful side effects
II. Consistent packaging and stronger regulation would alleviate
many of the problems with ephedrine
III. The FDA should regulate ephedrine.
IV. It may be too late for Carl Richardson but it’s not too late for
the millions of other people who use ephedrine unknowingly, like
you and me.