Letter to a Political Representative
Due Monday October 13, 2014 (first minute of class)
Assignment:
Write a persuasive and/or informative letter to one of your representatives about a topic that is important to you and has significant value and meaning to you. You may write to the President, to one of your Senators, your Representative, the Governor, a California state Senator/Representative or a local City Council member, School Board Member, Administrator, Teacher etc….
Topics:
A. Young Adult/Teen Issues
B. Current Event Issues
C. Government or Political Issues (Local/State/USA/Global)
D. 2014 Mid Term Election Issues
E. Social Justice/Humanitarian Issues
F. Other (must be pre-approved by your teacher BEFORE you begin your letter)
Requirements:
A. Typed, 12 point font, Times New Roman, 1 inch margin, single-spaced, and spelling & grammar must be checked!
B. Your ideas must be clearly expressed, organized and concise
C. 300-400 words approximately (about 1 page)
D. Include bold print/highlights to capture the reader’s attention and/or your point of view.
E. The Letter Must Include:
1. An introduction of yourself (who you are, etc.)
2. An explanation about why this issue is important to you
3. Why you are writing the letter, why you chose this issue (include details of how your topic has impacted your life)
4. Describe why this issue is important to many citizens and how it can positively or negatively impact their lives.
5. Discuss what the representative has done and/or should do regarding the issue. Discuss your feelings and point of view.
6. State that you would appreciate a letter in response to yours.
F. Your letter MUST show that you RESEARCHED THE TOPIC ISSUE and that you know what you are writing about, and what you want done/changed etc.
G. Your letter must be written in proper letter format.
Some Possible Internet Sources for your Research for Statistics/Facts
International Information: www.cia.gov (go to the “World Fact Book”)
United States Information: www.census.gov
California Information: www.ca.gov
San Diego Information: www.sandiego.gov
Health Information: www.cdc.gov
Grading:
A. Approximately 350 words (1 page)
B. Have perfect spelling, punctuation and grammar (proofread; check spelling/grammar)
C. Show evidence of RESEARCH AND THINKING. Evidence can be shown in rough drafts/research notes and it should be OBVIOUS that you’ve put a lot of thought into YOUR LETTER.
D. Typed with bold print
E. Written in appropriate format (you may use the attached format)
F. Turned in on time with the envelope addressed and with a stamp. You may email your letter, but you must also mail in a letter with a stamp, in an envelope.
G. Be turned in with 2 COPIES OF THE LETTER ON THE DUE DATE One to mail and one for me to grade and the other copy to mail.
H. The 2 letters, one letter in an envelope, addressed correctly and stamped must be turned in within the first minute of class on the due date.
I. If you email the letter you MUST bring in a copy of the letter you emailed!! SEND ME THE EMAIL BEFORE CLASS and turn in A COPY OF THE EMAIL the first minute!
***If this criteria is not met, students will automatically receive a grade of 50% or lower.***
THIS IS THE “VERY BASIC” FORMAT: EXPAND WITH YOUR OWN PERSONAL STYLE, OPINIONS AND RESEARCH!
Date (Sept 30, 2014)
Your name
Your address
Representative’s name
Representative’s address
To the Honorable or Dear Mr. President (etc.)
1. Describe yourself and perhaps your family.
2. Your reason for writing.
3. Background knowledge. Introduce the issue/any knowledge you have about the issue.
4. Why is this issue important to you? How has this issue impacted you and your life? Who else is this issue important to and why?
5. Would you like to see changes? What changes, discuss? What is your purpose behind writing the letter?
6. Do you have questions or concerns?
7. Plea for a response.
8. Include some form of evidence of research on this topic.
Sincerely,
Your signature
Your typed name
Letter to Representative Rubric
Name______
1. Paragraph Length and Format
- 5 sentence minimum per paragraph
- Approximately 350-400 words
- Introduction, 2-3 Body Paragraphs, Conclusion _____/20
2. Research and Evidence
- Evidence of research and thinking
- Statement relating to why you are writing the letter?
- Your plea/concern is clearly stated
- How the topic impacts your life
- What you want done
- Appropriate Topic _____/25
3. Grammar and Spelling
- Correct Grammar
- 12 Font
- Times New Roman
- 1 inch margins
- Correct Spelling and Punctuation
- Typed _____/10
4. Correct Format
- Informative/Organized letter
- Your Address
- Representatives Address
- Date
- Signature
- Bold Print/Highlights _____/10
5. Topic/Thesis/Content
- Clearly Stated
- Relevant issue
- Addresses the issue
- Evidence of research and thinking ______/25
6. Copy of letter even if it was emailed
- I/Ms. Love need a letter to grade AND proof that you
mailed, or will mail YOUR copy of the letter
- Stamped and Addressed Envelope (if mailing)
- 2 letters _____/10
Total ____/100