Name ________________

Boston Massacre Assignment

Due Thursday, November 1

 

1. You should print out and read the background information that is on my web site at

 

http://home.att.net/~betsynewmark/Bostinfo.html

 

You can also access it from my webpage by going to the Assignment Page.

 

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.

 

Rubric for Boston Massacre Essay - Jurors

 

 

Possible Points

Your Points

Trial Performance: You work quietly during the in-class preparation days.  You listen quietly and attentively during testimony.  You do not say anything that indicates that you have prejudged the case.  When you deliver the verdict, you are able to explain intelligently why you made the decision you did by referring to specific testimony and arguments from the trial.

 

 

10

 

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 from the trial 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.

15

 

TOTAL

 

100

 

 

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.)

 

You may receive two points per day (with a maximum of 10 points) extra credit for turning in this paper early.

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