The document discusses a potential discussion assignment on whether the United States should declare English as the official language. It asks students to state their position on this issue, explain the advantages and disadvantages of having an official language, and discuss the potential impact on non-English speaking citizens. Students are to submit a 100-150 word initial response by June 14th and review peers' responses by June 18th. The assignment will be graded based on addressing the prompts, writing skills, and accurate use and citation of sources.

1. Assignment 1: Discussion—An Official Language
Currently the United States does not have an official language.
Citizen’s actions groups—US English and ProEnglish have been
lobbying to have English declared as the official language of
the United States since the time of John Adams.
Using the introduction and topic sentences writing skills,
respond to the following:
Should the United States declare English as the country’s
official language? Support your position by citing at least two
different sources.
What are the advantages and disadvantages to having an official
language?
What could be a potential impact of having English as the
official language on the non-English-speaking citizens?
Write your initial response in about 100–150 words. Apply APA
standards to citation of sources.
By
Saturday, June 14, 2014
, post your response to the appropriate
Discussion Area
. Through
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
, review and comment on at least two peers’ responses.
Grading Criteria and Rubric
Assignment 1 Grading Criteria
Maximum Points
Using the introduction and topic sentences writing skills,
explained if the United States should declare English as the
country’s official language. Provided two sources to justify the
answer.
20
Described the advantages and disadvantages to having an
official language.
8
Identified the potential impact of having English as the official

2. language on the non-English-speaking citizens.
8
Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated
ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of
sources; displayed accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
4
Total:
40