Revised 2011
http://members.mobar.org/MoBar_Educators/index.htm
Prompt:
Directions: citing specific examples from history, the Constitution, political philosophy, Supreme Court cases, and/or current events, respond to the above prompt. All responses must be in ink or keyed. In addition, your response must be between one and two paragraphs.
4 Points: Creative thesis statement (This is the main point you want to make or defend).
4 Points: Writing is well organized, logical, and sequential.
4 Points: Historical facts and/or current events are clearly linked to the thesis
statement and prompt.
4 Points: All historical and/or legal terms are defined in context to your thesis statement
and prompt.
4 Points: The conclusion summarizes key points but does not introduce any new
evidence or facts.
Total: __________ (20 points possible)
Suggestions for Writing an Effective Prompt Response
Paraphrase the prompt
After you have read the prompt, rewrite it in your own words. What is the prompt asking you to do? If necessary, review the Process Level Descriptor reference sheet.
Brainstorm
Create several sentences describing your feelings toward the prompt. What position will you take? Why do you feel this way? Do you feel comfortable enough to support the position?
Support
Using reliable material (textbooks, newspapers, internet, etc.), make a list of facts, details, quotes, and other information you can use to support your position.
Understand
Brainstorm ideas, concepts, and political statements to support your response to the prompt. Make a list. Narrow your list. Make an outline of the most important information.
Apply
Review your thesis statement and supporting information. Does all of your information support your thesis statement? Does it relate specifically to the topic?
Create
Write your first draft. When you are finished, proof read your response. Ask another person to proof your response. Have you included all of the components of the thesis statement?