Speech Essay, Research Paper

SUPPORTING MATERIALS:1. Sources:A. Chelminski, Rudolph. The Great Cities / Paris. Amsterdam: Time-Life. 1977.B. Kovel, Ralph M. Price Guide for Collector Plates, Figurines, Paperweights, and Other Limited Editions. New York: Crown Publishing. 1978.C. Selman, Larry. “Paperweight’s a Beautiful Investment.” 28 Nov. 1997 D. “Tour Eiffel.” A Bit of History. 28 Nov. 1997 .E. “Tourist Paris Monuments.” The Eiffel Tower. 28 Nov. 1997 . 2. Visual Aids: Paperweights,poster, “Sabrina” video OutlineI. Introduction A. Attention Getting Device: Has this ever happened to you? (Walk by the desk, and use wind and hand to knock papers off the desk.) B. Preview Statement: Owning an Eiffel Tower paperweight is not only practical, in cost and size, but also beneficial, with its historical relevance and sophisticated international appearance. II. Body A. You need a paperweight!; but what kind? 1. There are a wide range of paperweights, from perfume bottles to expensive antique glass to doorknobs. One can use almost anything as a paperweight. 2. According to the International Paperweight Society, paperweights are a beautiful investment. In 1990, one rare piece sold for a record-setting price of $285,000. So, paperweights are great items to own. 3. I have found that the best qualities to look for in a paperweight are that it should be practical, inexpensive and historically famous. B. The solution to the paperweight dilemma is to buy an Eiffel Tower paperweight. 1. Why should someone get an Eiffel Tower paperweight? a. Practical aspect: Its physical appearance is that of a small replica of a great monument, which is sturdy, does not fill much space, and is inexpensive. b. Other paperweights have too many disadvantages. i. The Statue of Libert is too tall and it’s not international. In addition, since it originally a gift from France, why not just go with the Eiffel Tower? ii. The ‘59 Corvette is fun, but it may roll off the paper. iii. Fred Flintstone is not as heavy as most other paperweights. c. Historical aspect of the Eiffel Tower i. Construction: It was built in 1889 by the engineer Gustave Eiffel for the World Exposition. It took around 15,000 iron pieces and 40 tons of paint to complete the Eiffel Tower. There are also 1652 steps from the bottom to the top. ii. Size: It started at 984 feet and was increased to 1,051 feet in 1957 when a television tower and antenna were added. It was the largest structure in the world for 41 years, until the Chrysler Building was built in New York. Due to its size and appearance, most of the French wanted it to be dismantled after the Exposition, referring to it as a “hollow candlestick.” It remained standing only due to scientific reasons. However, in 1914, when the Eiffel Tower station picked up details of a German attack on Paris, the French military was able to be strategically placed for the first battle of the Marne. After that, the Tower found its home.

iii. Events: Since the Tower’s beginning, it has been threatened by terrorists’ explosives, “sold” innumerable times to gullible foreigners, bicyclists have ridden down its steps, and zoo animals have walked up them. It once became the world’s largest electric advertising billboard. 2. How can you obtain an Eiffel Tower paperweight? a. Go to France. If you are on a honeymoon or graduation trip, stop by and pick one up. The Eiffel Tower is open everyday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. to visit. There is a gift ship on the first floor. b. Ask a friend or possible a French student or teacher going to Paris to stop by and get you one. I have never been to France, but one of my close friends brought me a gift that I had asked for. c. If there is no possible way to get an official one in Paris, there are many towns called Paris in the U.S. which may have stores that carry Eiffel Tower paperweights. There is Paris, Tennessee which is about 40 minutes away and has a replica of the Eiffel Tower in their town. They also have Eiffel Tower souvenirs that you can use as paperweights. C. If you do not own one already, you could become one of the fortunate people who have an Eiffel Tower paperweight. 1. You will be able to capture this architectural array of beauty and incorporate it into a practical part of college life. 2. If a paperweight is unnecessary for you, this may be a dorm or apartment decoration which adds international class or a sophisticated look to your room. III. Conclusion A. Summary: After revealing the reasons for owning an Eiffel Tower paperweight, I hope you see why you need to go out on a quest to find one. This clip from the movie “Sabrina” may help to motivate you. [Show the movie clip from "Sabrina."] B. Concluding Device: As Harrison Ford points out in one of Julia Ormond’s most dramatic scenes as Sabrina, no time is the wrong time to ask for an Eiffel Tower paperweight.