For the next assignment we will be integrating work you are doing in Math/Science with a Humanities letter writing activity. In this assignment you are asked to respond in letter form to one of the political cartoons another classmate has created.
Your letter should identify the ethical issue related to genetic engineering being taken up in the cartoon and then state your position on this issue. Ensure to include the following elements:
- Header, date, inside address (use the classroom addresses and correct spacing)
- Salutation with colon (:)
- Short introduction paragraph where you introduce yourself, why you are writing this letter. You may choose to briefly outline the message of the political cartoon along with the ethical issue raised.
- Body paragraph should include your interpretation of the cartoon, clearly identify the ethical issue being raised and then where you stand on this issue. Ensure to develop your insights and back up your position with supporting details and facts. You may also include solutions or how we might think about this issue differently.
- Closing should be short and include something like: Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I look forward to hearing your response.
This is due Monday, November 5th. Please hand into Edmodo and post your letter on your blog. The blog post should include a link to the political cartoon your classmate created, but here you do not need to include the address portion.
This assignment will be evaluated out of 40 as follows:
- Correct business letter formatting /10: one mark off for each mistake
- Content /20:
- /4 your ability to clearly and effectively interpret the message of the cartoon
- /4 your ability to clearly identify and communicate the ethical issue being raised.
- /12 your ability to use the SES (State, Explain, Support) format where you clearly state your position on this issue, explain and develop your thoughts, and then support this with facts and independent research. Here, you should include your sources. According to...
- Style /10: here I will focus on your voice, control of sentence structure, grammar, along with transitions and flow.
We have been working on writing a great deal this term and this is an opportunity to show me what you can do. For this assignment I want to see what you are capable of doing independently and will not be available to provide formative feedback. Please proof read your work several times before handing in as this will have a great impact on your final mark this term.
