The document outlines the evaluation criteria for a writing assignment composed of a background analysis and a formal letter to an elected official. It includes specific scoring metrics, such as quality of writing, organization, quality of sources, and the strength of the arguments presented. Students are expected to conduct research on a current political issue and effectively communicate their concerns and proposed solutions in a formal letter format.

1. Exceeds Expectations
Meets Expectations
Slightly Below Expectations
Below Expectations
Quality of Writing (10 points)
Sentence Structure
All sentences are well-constructed with varied structure.
3 points
Most sentences are well-constructed with varied structure.
2 points
Some sentences are well-constructed but some lack structure
and appear incomplete or rambling.
1 points
Sentences lack structure and appear incomplete or rambling.
0 points
Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation & Capitalization
Writer makes no errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation or
capitalization so the paper is exceptionally easy to read.
4 points
Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation or
capitalization but the paper is still easy to read.
3 points
Writer makes a few errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation or
capitalization that catch the reader's attention and distract the
reader from the content.
2 points
Writer makes several errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation
or capitalization that catch the reader's attention and greatly
distract the reader from the content.

2. 0-1 points
Organization
Information is very organized with well-constructed paragraphs
and subheadings.
3 points
Information is organized with well-constructed paragraphs.
2 points
Information may be disorganized, paragraphs are not well-
constructed therefore distracting the reader.
1 points
The information is disorganized and difficult for the reader to
understand.
0 points
Quality of Sources in Background Analysis (10 points)
Number of Sources
Two to Three unique sources are integrated into the paper.
4 points
One unique source is integrated into the paper.
2 points
No unique sources are integrated into the paper.
0-1 points
Bibliography Attached
Yes
3 points
No
0 points
Citation
All sources are accurately documented in MLA or APA.
3 points
All sources are documented, but a few are not in the desired

3. format.
2 points
All sources are accurately documented, but many are not in the
desired format.
1 points
Some sources are not accurately documented or cited within the
text.
0 points
Quality of Information in Background Analysis (12 points)
Accuracy
All facts are reported accurately.
4 points
Almost all facts are reported accurately.
3 points
Many facts are not reported or reported inaccurately.
2 points
Most facts are not reported OR are inaccurately reported.
0-1 points
Amount of Information
All topics are addressed and all questions are answered
completely.
4 points
All topics are addressed and most questions are answered.
3 points
All topics are addressed but many of the specific questions are
not answered.
2 points
One or more topics were not addressed or most of the questions
are not answered.
0-1 points
Quality
Information clearly relates to the topic. It includes several
supporting details and/or examples.
4 points
Information clearly relates to the topic. It provides 2-3
supporting details and/or examples.

4. 3 points
Information relates to the main topic. No details and/or
examples are given.
2 points
Information has little or nothing to do with the main topic.
0-1 points
Letter (18 points)
Provides a well-reasoned and articulate request for action.
Provides clear and concise summary of issue, and compelling
arguments. Shows respect for opposing views.
16-18 points
Formal letter has gaps or problems in reasoning, information, or
request for action.
10-15 points
lacks an issue statement, objective or solution. Not addressed to
appropriate official. Makes ad hominem attacks or other
fallacious arguments.
0-9 points
Writing Assignment #3
Letter to an Elected Official
Note: There are two parts to this written assignment, a
background analysis and a formal letter. In order to receive full
credit for the assignment, you must submit both parts.
1. Think of a political issue that is important to you. The issue
should be currently debated nationally and covered by the
media.
2. Prepare a background analysis in order to organize your
thoughts and educate yourself about the issue. Use Ivy Tech's
Virtual Library to find 2-3 articles about the issue. Your
background analysis must include:

5. · Identification of the people or groups involved in the debate,
· Description of conflicting viewpoints surrounding the issue;
and
· Various policy outcomes that are desired by the different
participants in the debate.
· Students may use either APA format or MLA format, but
academic standards require that all sources used must be cited.
(Click on the links to learn more about MLA and APA)
3. Identify the most appropriate federal, state or local elected or
appointed official who can assist in affecting change. Find the
address, or email address, of the official you've written to.
4. Using formal correspondence style, prepare a letter informing
the official of your concern and offering a solution or making a
request for action. CAUTION: Yours may be an emotional
issue, but your argument must be based on reason, not just
emotion. Support your position, and refute opposing positions,
with factual information and well-reasoned arguments.
5. Send an email to the selected official and submit your
background analysis and letter.