·       Choose a current political topic that you feel passionately about (e.g. Richmond smoking ban, minimum wage, stem cell research)

 

·       Write a persuasive letter to your congressman urging him/her to take action on your chosen issue (you can be either for or against the issue)

 

·       Go to http://www.lrc.ky.gov/ to locate a current bill that is in the Kentucky legislature  -or-

Go to http://thomas.loc.gov/r110/r110.html to locate a current bill that is in the U.S. legislature

 

·       Include your chosen bill # in your letter, if the topic that you have chosen is not in legislation at this time, urge your congressman to enact legislation on this issue

 

·       Format your letter in modified block

 

·       Your letter must be addressed to the appropriate congressman, preferably the chair of the committee that the bill is located in currently (you are responsible for locating his/her address)

 

 

 

Scoring Guide:

 

Ø     Addressed to a specific audience:  5pts.

Ø     Format is correctly followed:  5pts.

Ø     Introductory paragraph states topic, purpose, and viewpoint of the author:  10pts.

Ø     At least three reasons given for stance taken, adequate supporting evidence is given to back up each point, each paragraph begins with a clear, concise topic sentence:  30pts.

Ø     Two specific counter arguments are given and spoken against:  10pts.

Ø     Clear use of transition between points; logical flow of ideas is presented:  10pts.

Ø     Specific sources for information presented are given where needed:  10pts.

Ø     Conclusion restates the purpose, summarizes the main point(s):  10pts.

Ø     Appropriate formal tone and vocabulary use for the audience:  10pts.