Name ________________

Mock Trial Assignment

Due Tuesday, February 11

1. 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 either for the plaintiff or the defendant. You must convince the reader using detailed examples from the trial.

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 Mock Trial 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: 1. Each body paragraph should support your thesis. 2. 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. 3. Each paragraph has only one main idea and does not repeat what is said is elsewhere. 4. 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