WEST SIDE STORY
WRITING ASSIGNMENT #1
Topic:
In 1999, a Massachusetts high school decided not to produce West Side Story due to
issues regarding race and prejudice throughout the play. Do you agree the production
should have been cancelled? Should an artistic work be censored if it presents a view
that is negative or controversial?
Write a persuasive letter to the Board of Education stating whether you support or are
against their decision to cancel the production of West Side Story.
Focus Correction Areas (FCA"S):
Topic developed through fact and personal opinion: The writer clearly supports each idea within the
essay with both facts and their own personal opinons on the topic. (33 points)
Grammar and spelling: Make sure to watch grammar and verb tense. When complete, read the essay
aloud to yourself in order to hear mistakes. Also, make sure that all spelling is correct. If you are unsure,
look it up! The easiest way to do this is on the computer- spell check! (33 points)
Strong thesis statement exhibited in the paper is proven true (your thesis in this essay is your opinion
on the topic): Students should clearly state the thesis statement in the introduction and conclusion.
Students must prove their thesis statement to be true throughout the paper. (33 points)
Cut here
WEST SIDE STORY Writing Assignment #1
Rubric
FCA
10 POINTS
20 POINTS
Topic developed
through fact and
personal opinion.
No facts were used in
order to develop topic.
Grammar and spelling
Numerous grammar and
spelling mistakes
throughout the essay.
Thesis statement is
unclear and not
supported in the essay.
Strong thesis statement
exhibited in the paper
is proven true (your
thesis in this essay is
your opinion of which
version is better)
Facts were used to
develop topic.
Although, personal
opinion was missing.
Some minor spelling
and grammar mistakes
in the essay.
Thesis statement is clear
but is not supported
strongly in the essay.
33 POINTS
Both facts and personal
opinions were used in
order to develop the
topic.
Essay does not have any
grammar or spelling
mistakes.
Thesis statement is clear
and supported in the
essay.
GRADE: