Name ___________
Boston Massacre Assignment
Due November 13
1. You should read the background information. This information is very important to understanding the events witnesses will be testifying to during the trial. Attorneys should read my advice and take it to heart.
This information is very important to understanding the events witnesses will be testifying to during the trial. Witnesses will be vulnerable to scathing cross-examination if they don't read this information and know it well.
2. Prepare for your part. Memorize the material that you are given. Witnesses will not be allowed to bring notes up to the witness stand with them. Try to anticipate the questions you will be asked on cross-examination.
3. When the trial is over, you will write an essay that is a closing argument to persuade the reader (or jury) to find the defendants either guilty or not guilty. You must convince the reader using detailed examples from the trial and from the history that we've studied this year.
Your paper must be neatly typed and have this rubric attached on top. When you type your paper, use a 12 point font and double space it. (You will lose five points apiece if you do not.)
Rubric for Boston Massacre Essay
|
|
Possible Points |
Your Points |
|
Introduction: It should engage the reader's interest, state your thesis and introduce the major points you will be making. |
15 |
|
|
Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should support your thesis. Each should contain a topic sentence that goes to prove your thesis and also use specific details, explanations, examples and quotations to support the topic sentence. Each paragraph has only one main idea and does not repeat what is said is elsewhere. Transitional devices connect the paragraphs. |
45 |
|
|
Conclusion: It should reestablish your thesis, summarize and/or evaluate your main points and ends with a powerful finish. |
15 |
|
|
Style and Mechanics: You should employ accurate, appropriate language and well-designed sentences. You should avoid spelling, punctuation, and grammar/usage errors. |
25 |
|
|
TOTAL |
100 |
|
You may also want to check out these web sites with information on the Boston Massacre. Lawyers may bring in evidence that they find on the web or at the library.
Captain Thomas Preston's Account of the Boston Massacre - Also link to an anonymous account, and John Hancock's speech
Background on the Boston Massacre - From the American Revolution Online
Anonymous Account of the Boston Massacre - Account from the time
Paul Revere's Etching of the Boston Massacre - Background Information
Crispus Attucks - Information from PBS
Essay on Boston Massacre - Tribute to Crispus Attucks
John Adams and the Boston Massacre - Information from online textbook
Excerpts from Testimony and John Adams' Diary - from the History Net