Iraq WebQuest: Letter to the Editor - 140 points

CATEGORY Attention Grabber 10 - Above Standards The introductory paragraph has a strong hook or attention grabber that is appropriate for the audience. This could be a strong statement, a relevant quotation, statistic, or question addressed to the reader. The position statement provides a clear, strong statement of the author's position on the topic. Includes 3 or more pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the position statement. The writer anticipates the reader's concerns, biases or arguments and has provided at least 1 counter-argument. 6 - Approaching 8 - Meets Standards Standards The introductory paragraph has a hook or attention grabber, but it is weak, rambling or inappropriate for the audience. The author has an interesting introductory paragraph but the connection to the topic is not clear. 4 or below - Below Standards Score The introductory paragraph is not interesting AND is not relevant to the topic.

Position Statement

The position statement provides a clear statement of the author's position on the topic. Includes 3 or more pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the position statement.

A position statement is present, but does not make the the author's position clear. Includes 2 pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the position statement.

There is no position statement.

Support for Position

Includes 1 or fewer pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences).

Accuracy

All supportive facts Almost all and statistics are supportive facts reported accurately. and statistics are reported accurately.

Most supportive facts and statistics are reported accurately.

Most supportive facts and statistics were inaccurately reported.

Closing paragraph

The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader solidly understanding the writer's position. Effective restatement of the position statement begins the closing paragraph.

The conclusion is recognizable. The author's position is restated within the first two sentences of the closing paragraph.

The author's There is no position is restated conclusion - the within the closing letter just ends. paragraph, but not near the beginning.

Grammar, Spelling, Author makes no Punctuation errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation that distract the reader from the content.

Author makes 1-2 errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation that distract the reader from the content.

Author makes 3-4 errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation that distract the reader from the content.

Author makes 5 or more errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation that distract the reader from the content.

Presentation in Class

Group presented in class. All group members participated in the presentation. Presentation is original and interesting. Letter, presentation, and teacher observation displays excellent understanding of the topic. Excellent work done overall. Project was interesting, informative, and followed the guidelines given. Group emailed letter to newspaper and attached a copy of the email to the teacher. All names of group signed to letter.

Group presented in class. One (or two) group members do not participate in the presentation. Presentation is somewhat interesting. Letter, presentation, and teacher observation displays good understanding of the topic. Good work done overall. Project lacked either interest, information, or following guidelines given. Evidence shown of letter emailed to newspaper, but did not attach a copy of the email to the teacher. All names of group signed to letter. Grade based off individual participation rubric (separate). Group members and teacher evaluate. 40 points total.

Group presented in class. Two or more group members do not participate in the presentation. Presentation lacks interest or originality. Letter, presentation, and teacher observation displays average understanding of the topic. Average to below average work done overall. Project lacked both interest, information, or following guidelines. Evidence shown of letter emailed to newspaper, but did not attach a copy of the email to the teacher. Some names of the group are not signed to letter. Grade based off individual participation rubric (separate). Group members and teacher evaluate. 40 points total.

Group did not present in class or presentation was dull and boring.

Understanding

Letter, presentation, and teacher observation displays poor understanding of the topic. Project lacked interest, information, and following guidelines. Poor work done overall.

Overall Project

Submitted

Group showed no evidence of submitting letter to newspaper or was not submitted on time.

Individual Rubric Grade (40 Points)

Grade based off individual participation rubric (separate). Group members and teacher evaluate. 40 points total.

Grade based off individual participation rubric (separate). Group members and teacher evaluate. 40 points total.