HURRICANE KATRINA PROJECT
GRADING RUBRIC
50 points
Directions: You are now experts on business letter formats. Consequently, I
would like for you to take the Hurricane Katrina Project challenge. You will
use your new knowledge about business letters to write a local business
asking for a donation to the American Red Cross for the Hurricane Relief
Fund. Follow these guidelines and put your hearts into this assignment; you
will be doing a great service to many people.
You will be writing this letter in block format with mixed punctuation.
Please include the following items and be certain every part is error-free:








Your personal letterhead
Today’s date
Inside address of business
Salutation
Body text –include 3 facts about Hurricane Katrina
Complimentary close
Signature line
Enclosure notation
NOTE: Each occurrence of the following counts as one error:







Misspelling
Typographical error
Incorrect punctuation
Incorrect capitalization
Addition of word(s)—each word added is an error
Omission of word(s)—each word omitted is an error
Format error—each mistake will count as one error
Once you have completed this letter, you will need to ask 2 of your peers to
proofread it, make changes as needed, and initial it at the top right next to
your letterhead. Revise your letter and turn it into the appropriate basket. I
will be reading your letters with the expectation that they will be error-free.
You will have one opportunity to edit your rough draft after I have read it
and make any final changes. REMEMBER, these letters are being mailed to
businesses. They must be perfect.
POSSIBLE KATRINA REQUEST LETTER
[Your personal letterhead]
January 30, 2006
Mrs. Kelly Smith
Principal
Corunna High School
417 E. King St.
Corunna, MI 48817
Dear Mrs. Smith:
As part of a service learning project in my Honors English 9 class at Corunna High
School, I am requesting a donation from your business for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
This contribution would be used to help those who witnessed the massive destruction of
Katrina’s winds on August 28, 2005.
Hurricane Katrina was one of the most destructive tropical cyclones to hit the United
States. New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin stated that the death toll of Katrina may be “in the
thousands.” Families have been washed away by the terrible nightmare of Hurricane
Katrina. With the support of businesses in Corunna, I am positive that we can help
rebuild the cities blasted by the storm.
You will find an American Red Cross envelope enclosed if you choose to donate to the
Hurricane Relief Fund. I hope that you can find it in your heart to contribute to this great
cause. We appreciate your humanitarian services if you have already donated. If you
have any questions, please call my teacher, Ms. Tasha Marston, at (989) 463-3111.
Sincerely,
Tasha Marston
Student
Enclosure