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INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Choose an issue you care about, for example:

• Should We Rename Schools Named for Historical Figures With Ties to Racism, Sexism or Slavery?
• Should the National Anthem Be Sung at Sporting Events?
• Should the school year be extended into the summer for K-12 students to make up the learning they've missed during the pandemic?
• Should athletes or celebrities voice their opinions about political issues? 
• Should student loan debt be cancelled?

2. Write a letter to the Editor of the Seattle Times (use this address (Links to an external site.)) that expresses your opinion about that issue.  Include the following: 

• a conclusion (like a thesis) that lets readers know where you stand on an issue.
• at least one premise (reason) that supports your thesis, along with examples or evidence (from your observation or experience) that support your premise
• at least one counterargument that shows you know why others disagree with your point of view and can respond to one of their arguments.
• ends with a call to action 
• an appeal to ethos or pathos

3. Use the Block Format posted on the Purdue OWL Website (Links to an external site.).  Do not write more than one page.

Rubric

Argument LetterArgument LetterCriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUses appropriate block letter format2 to >1.0 ptsFull Marks1 to >0 ptsNeeds improvement2 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLetter has a clear conclusion/thesis at the beginning.3 to >2.0 ptsMeets criteria2 to >0 ptsNeeds improvement3 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePremise supports conclusion (thesis) with appropriate examples.4 to >2.0 ptsMeets criteria2 to >0 ptsNeeds improvement4 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIncludes counterargument, which counters or refutes what the other side of the argument might say4 to >2.0 ptsMeets criteria2 to >0 ptsNeeds improvement4 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIncludes an appeal to ethos or pathos.2 to >1.0 ptsFull Marks1 to >0 ptsNeeds improvement2 pts
Total Points: 15PreviousNext