In the Morning Class Trial Rubric

“In the Morning” Class Trial Rubric

You are the Prosecution

A prosecutor’s job is to convince a jury that a person is guilty of a crime by providing evidence. You want to convince everyone that Elias is guilty of causing the chaos in the poem.

Use the poem and your schema to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Elias is the only one responsible for interrupting the morning routine and ruining the peace in the house.

Final product:

Opening statement: A college paragraph (7-9 sentences) which explains why Elias is guilty.
Rebuttal: A college paragraph (7-9 sentences) which argues against any potential defense in Elias’ favor from the other side. (In other words, the other side will claim that he is innocent. Why are they wrong?)

Rating / Comments
ELACC6RL1
Statements cite evidence, using examples from the text
Examples from the text use line and stanza numbers.
Sufficient details are provided to explain each piece of information. / Exceeds Standard
Meets Standard
Approaches Standard
Does NOT Meet Standard
______/30
ELACC6W9
Statements follow the RACEE model.
All necessary pieces of information are present and are presented in an order that the audience can follow. / Exceeds Standard
Meets Standard
Approaches Standard
Does NOT Meet Standard
______/30
ELACC6L2
Correct capitalization, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and mechanics is used. / Exceeds Standard
Meets Standard
Approaches Standard
Does NOT Meet Standard
______/30
Presentation Skills
Student uses a clear voice and correct, precise pronunciation of terms so that all audience members can hear presentation.
 Standard English usage is employed.
Student displays relaxed, self-confident nature. / Exceeds Standard
Meets Standard
Approaches Standard
Does NOT Meet Standard
______/20

You are the Defense

The defense’s job is to convince a jury that a person is innocent of a crime by providing evidence. You want to convince everyone that Elias is innocent of causing chaos in the poem.

Use the poem and your schema to prove that someone other than Elias is responsible for interrupting the morning routine and ruining the peace in the house.

Final product:

Opening statement: A college paragraph (7-9 sentences) which explains why Elias is innocent.
Rebuttal: A college paragraph (7-9 sentences) which argues against any potential accusation against Elias from the other side. (In other words, the other side will claim that he is guilty. Why are they wrong?)

You are Elias

A character witness’ job is to convince a jury convince of a person’s character by providing evidence. You want to convince everyone that Elias (you) is innocent of causing chaos in the poem.

Use the poem and your schema to prove that someone other than Elias is responsible for interrupting the morning routine and ruining the peace in the house.

Final product:

Witness statement: 2 college paragraphs (7-9 sentences) in the first person to explain why your actions do not make you guilty.
You know that there are people who think you are guilty. Why are they wrong?
If you are not guilty, which character is guilty?

You are the Speaker

A character witness’ job is to convince a juryof a person’s character by providing evidence. You want to convince everyone that Elias is guilty of causing chaos in the poem.

Use the poem and your schema to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Elias is the only one responsible for the interrupting the morning routine and ruining the peace in the house.

Final product:

Witness statement: 2 college paragraphs (7-9 sentences) in the first person to explain why your actions were caused by Elias.
You know that there are people who think Elias is innocent because you are guilty. Why are they wrong?

You are Caroline

An eye witness’ job is to convince a jury of your version of events by providing evidence. You want to convince everyone that you are an expert in the situation because you saw everything that happened.

Use the poem and your schema to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that you know what happened on the morning in question.

Final product:

Witness statement: 2 college paragraphs (7-9 sentences) in the first person to retell the plot of the poem
Some people may think that you contributed to what happened. You must remember to explain what you were doing at the time. Were you really in a position to see what happened? Did you cause any trouble?

You are the Legal Reporter

Alegal reporter’s job is to record the evidence for the benefit of the public. You want to become an expert on this riveting case.

Use the poem, your schema, and interviews of the other groups to understand what will be presented during the trial.

Final product:

News report: 2 college paragraphs (7-9 sentences) to summarize the evidence
One paragraph summarizing the prosecution’s argument, including quotes from the lawyers and witnesses.
One paragraph summarizing the defense’s argument, including quotes from the lawyers and witnesses.
Do the prosecution and defense’s arguments relate to the poem? How?