Letter of Persuasion Assigned 10/14/14 Due 10/16/14
Letter to the governor of Salem
Imagine you are a citizen of Salem, 1692. Write a letter to the governor demanding that the witch trials end. Use
evidence from the historical websites and your reading of The Crucible to support your demand. Be sure to argue
against others who would like to see the trials continue. Of course, you may wish to plea for a continuance of the
trials. If so, be persuasive. (400-500 Words)
Performance Standards
The persuasive letter to the governor must:
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o
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structure ideas and arguments in a sustained and logical fashion
use specific rhetorical devices to support assertions
clarify and defend positions with precise and relevant evidence including direct quotes
from the play.
address readers' concerns, counterclaims, biases, and/or expectations
Scoring Guide
At each of the six score points for on-topic papers, descriptors of writing performance are lettered so that:
a = response to the topic
d = organization, development, and support
b = understanding and use of the passage
e = syntax and command of language
c = quality and clarity of thought
f = grammar, usage, and mechanics
Score of 6: Superior - A 6 essay is superior writing, but may have minor flaws. (A)
A typical essay in this category:
a. addresses the topic clearly and responds effectively to all aspects of the task
b. demonstrates a thorough critical understanding of the passage in developing an insightful response
c. explores the issues thoughtfully and in depth
d. is coherently organized, with ideas supported by 6 or more well-chosen examples that are quoted accurately
e. has an effective, fluent style marked by several complex sentences and uses of parallel structure
f. is generally free from errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics
Score of 5: Strong - A 5 essay demonstrates clear competence in writing. It may have some errors, but they are not serious enough to
distract or confuse the reader. (B)
A typical essay in this category:
a. addresses the topic clearly, but may respond to some aspects of the task more effectively than others
b. demonstrates a sound critical understanding of the passage in developing a well-reasoned response
c. shows some depth and complexity of thought
d. is well-organized and developed with ideas supported by 4- 5 well-chosen examples that are quoted accurately
e. displays some complex sentences and uses of parallel structure
f. may have a few errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics
Score of 4: Adequate - A 4 essay demonstrates adequate writing. It may have some errors that distract the reader, but they do not
significantly obscure meaning. (C)
A typical essay in this category:
a. addresses the topic, but may slight some aspects of the task
b. demonstrates a generally accurate understanding of the passage in developing a sensible response
c. may treat the topic simplistically or repetitively
d. is adequately organized and developed, generally supporting with 3-4 examples that are quoted accurately
e. demonstrates some complex sentences and uses of parallel structure
f. may have some errors, but generally demonstrates control of grammar, usage, and mechanics
Score of 3: Marginal - A 3 essay demonstrates developing competence, but is flawed in some significant way(s). (C-/D+)
A typical essay in this category reveals one or more of the following weaknesses:
a. distorts or neglects aspects of the task
b. demonstrates some understanding of the passage, but may misconstrue parts of it or make limited use of it in developing a weak response
c. lacks focus, or demonstrates confused or simplistic thinking
d. is poorly organized and developed, presenting generalizations without adequate and appropriate support or presenting details without generalizations
e. has limited control of syntax and vocabulary or uses mostly simple sentences
f. has an accumulation of errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics that sometimes interfere with meaning.
Score of 2: Very Weak - A 2 essay is seriously flawed. (D)
A typical essay in this category reveals one or more of the following weaknesses:
a. indicates confusion about the topic or neglects important aspects of the task
b. demonstrates very poor understanding of the main points of the passage, does not use the passage appropriately in developing a response, or may not use
the passage at all
c. lacks focus and coherence, and often fails to communicate its ideas
d. has very weak organization and development, providing simplistic generalizations without support
e. has inadequate control of syntax and vocabulary
f. is marred by numerous errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics that frequently interfere with meaning
Score of 1: Incompetent - A 1 essay demonstrates fundamental deficiencies in writing skills. (D-/F)
A typical essay in this category reveals two or more of the following weaknesses:
a. suggests an inability to comprehend the question or to respond meaningfully to the topic
b. demonstrates little or no ability to understand the passage or to use it in developing a response
c. is unfocused, illogical, or incoherent
d. is disorganized and undeveloped, providing little or no relevant support
e. lacks basic control of syntax and vocabulary
f. has serious and persistent errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics that severely interfere with meaning
Ida Genius
Mrs. Chavez
English 3CP
10 October, 2014
The Crucible Persuasive Letter
October 14, 1692
Dear Deputy Governor Danforth,
Over the past few months, the young girls of Salem have risen to power. They are revered by many
citizens and by your court. However, they do not deserve this exalted status. Furthermore, they are
abusing this power by accusing innocent people of witchcraft. They are naïve and vulnerable.
Therefore, the witch trials must be stopped.
When the accusations first began, Abigail was angry at Elizabeth Proctor for firing her from her job. I
overheard her tell her uncle Parris, “She hates me uncle, she must, for I would not be her slave” (144).
But the truth is, Abigail was obsessed with Mr. John Proctor and Elizabeth fired this girl to save her
marriage.
There is much evidence to suggest that Abigail continues to be jealous of Elizabeth. Just outside the
meeting house, my husband and I heard her saying to John, ``Oh I marvel how such a strong man may
let such a sickly wife be...'' (150). Abigail wants to steal John away from his wife. There is an additional
rumor that John confessed in court. The girls were discussing that they heard him say, ``I have known
her, sir.
Abigail is also accusing good women, like my dear grandmother Rebecca Nurse. In the town center
where Abigail walks, ``the crowd will part like the sea for Israel'' (180). Has this town gone mad?
Abigail is compared to Moses; surely our community has gone to the devil if this is the case. The whole
town considers her a saint and I hope you haven't been brainwashed. My grandmother is an innocent
victim and is being targeted simply because she was trying to persuade you to drop the case.
Finally, Reverend Hale, an educated man of God, doubts that Abigail is truthful and has begun to
question her motives. He has pleaded with the officials of the court saying, “you cannot believe them”
(192). But Parris and Abigail continue their lies. Later he states, “I denounce these proceedings, I quit
this court” and stormed out of the court house (194). I hope you will trust that Mr. Hale sees the truth
and call him back here.
I plead with you Governor, Danforth – stop these witch trials and let the innocent people return to their
families.
Sincerely,
Anna Rebecca Nurse
Concerned Salem Citizen and Loving Granddaughter