Please read the following instructions carefully:
Prompt: Write a letter to a friend who did not take this class explaining a concept that you learned
in class this semester. Your goal is to demonstrate your understanding of the concept that you
choose, and why the concept is important. A concept is an important theme or event discussed in
lecture or in the textbook that is related to Canadian politics.
Please write your full name, student number, TA name and section number in the margin of the
top right corner of the letter. This should not take up a lot of space. Please write neatly. If we
cannot read it, we cannot grade it.
In your letter, use language that is accessible to a broad public. Letters should be 2-pages doublespaced and must be written in tutorials. Writing concisely is often more difficult than writing long
papers. Do not write small to squeeze in as much as possible. Do not write in the margins of the
paper.
You may bring an outline to tutorial. This outline will be submitted with your letter. An outline is
a one page double spaced document (about 300 words) to keep track of the topics and points you
plan to include in your letter. Your outline should list the topic of each paragraph along with a few
bullet points (3-4 words) about what goes into that paragraph. Complete sentences in your outline
will be penalized. If your outline is a letter draft or full letter, you will get a zero on this
assignment.
Letters will be graded on:
Mechanics: This criterion is graded on the quality and correctness of the spelling, punctuation,
grammar, tone, flow, format, and length. 4 points
Content: This criterion is graded on the clarity, accuracy, relevance, and originally of the points
you discuss in support of explaining the concept you choose to describe to your friend. A good
letter usually ties together a focused and precisely articulated set of facts, arguments and examples
with an appropriate amount of background information and context for the target audience. 10
points
Structure: This criterion is graded on the organization, coherence, and consistency of the points
you discuss in support of your claims and arguments. In a good letter, information is typically
presented in such a manner that is easy to find and follow. Usually, this involves grouping similar
and/or related information, separating different and/or unrelated information, and sequencing
information in a deliberate and sensible manner, including having brief introductory and
concluding remarks. 6 points