The Crucible Webquest & Request Letter

The Crucible WebQuest & Request Letter

Task 1:

List the characters (and their fate) from the play in one column. In another column, list the characters (and their fate) in the Witch Trials Chronology. What conclusions can you draw about the following?

1.  The accuracy of the play.

2.  How would you describe the area of Salem, Massachusetts in the 17th century?

3.  Who were the accused--their genders, occupations, ages, status in the community? Of what were they accused? Were men and women treated differently?

4.  In the trial, what evidence was presented?

5.  If you were to protest all this, what points would you make?

Sites:

Salem Tales (historical articles) –

http://www.salemweb.com/tales/

Salem Witch Trials Memorial –

http://www.salemweb.com/memorial/stonesintro.shtml

The Salem Witch Trials 1692: A Chronology of Events –

http://www.salemweb.com/memorial/index.shtml

The Crucible @ About.com – http://womenshistory.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.curriculumunits.com%2Fcrucible%2Fmain3.htm

Salem Witchcraft Trials : 1692 (contains a chronology and original documents)–

http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/salem/salem.htm

Salem: Witchcraft Hysteria –

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/salem/

Task 2:

Imagine you are a citizen of Salem, 1692. Write a letter to the governor demanding that the witch trials end. Use evidence from the webquest and your reading of The Crucible to support your demand. Be sure to argue against others who would like to see the trials continue. Of course, you may wish to plea for a continuance of the trials. If so, be persuasive.

The persuasive letter to the governor must:

o  Follow proper letter writing format.

o  Structure ideas and arguments in a sustained and logical fashion

o  Use specific rhetorical devices to support assertions

o  Clarify and defend positions with precise and relevant evidence

o  Address readers' concerns, counterclaims, biases, and/or expectations

Proper Letter Writing Format

Friendly or Personal Letters

Personal letters, also known as friendly letters, and social notes normally have five parts:

1. The Heading. This includes the sender’s address, line by line, with the last line being the date. Skip a line after the heading. The heading is indented to the middle of the page. If using preaddressed stationery, just add the date.

2. The Greeting. The greeting always ends with a comma. The greeting may be formal, beginning with the word "dear" and using the person's given name or relationship, or it may be informal if appropriate.

Formal: Dear Uncle Jim, Dear Mr. Wilkins,

Informal: Hi Joe, Greetings,

3. The body. Also known as the main text. This includes the message you want to write. Normally in a friendly letter, the beginning of paragraphs is indented. If not indented, be sure to skip a space between paragraphs. Skip a line after the greeting and before the close.

4. The complimentary close. This short expression is always a few words on a single line. It ends in a comma. It should be indented to the same column as the heading. Skip one to three spaces (two is usual) for the signature line.

5. The signature line. Type or print your name. The handwritten signature goes above this line and below the close. The signature line and the handwritten signature are indented to the same column as the close. The signature should be written in blue or black ink. If the letter is quite informal, you may omit the signature line as long as you sign the letter.

Postscript. If your letter contains a postscript, begin it with P.S. and end it with your initials. Skip a line after the signature line to begin the postscript.