Break-Up Letter

Here is the Break-Up Letter assignment sheet for printing.

This paper is designed to get you back into writing and using the writing process. The organization of your letter is predetermined as it must follow the basic outline of the Declaration of Independence:

• Lay out the situation in broad strokes.
• Describe what the person/thing/situation you are breaking up with is like.
• List/explain the mean things they've done.
• Explain why you don't deserve to be treated like that. Provide good reasons (remember the founding fathers cited the laws of God and of nature).
• Provide a good ending that leaves no room for doubt and explains what is next for you.

This paper should be 1-2 pages long and typed in MLA format (See the MLA links to the left for a reminder or if you haven't mastered that style).

Rough Draft Due September 10, 2012
Final Draft Due: September 11, 2012

Peer feedback will be conducted on September 10th.

What follows is a descriptive rubric. This paper will be graded on the Clarity & Depth standard with the bonus that the organization is already chosen for you. Thus your grade will rest to a certain degree on your ability to follow that organizational model and primarily on the clarity, depth, complexity and development of your thoughts. Remember the rhetorical triangle and the relationship between speaker, subject, and audience (remember I’m not the audience -- what you’re breaking up with is the audience). The scale is as follows.

Scale
A         Exceeds standard; Truly exceptional
B         Meets standard
D/C     Approaching standard, but skills not there yet
F          Attempted, but far below standard


Descriptive Standards Rubric

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Clarity & Depth
Ideas/Content: This trait addresses the writer’s theme along with the supporting details that develop and enrich that theme. Regardless of the type or purpose of writing, ideas should be clear, complete, and well-developed. Avoid oversimplification. One clear focus should be apparent, but development and details should be thorough, balanced, and well suited to audience and purpose.
Organization: This trait addresses the structure of a piece of writing including the thread of central meaning and the patterns that hold the piece together. Regardless of the type or purpose of writing, a well-thought out order of ideas should be apparent. The structure should suit the topic, with a consciously planned opening and closing, each paragraph specific to one central idea, and transitions that tie the details together.

Style
Voice: The type of voice will vary according to the purpose and type of piece, but it should be appropriately formal or casual, distant or intimate, depending on the audience and purpose.
Word Choice (diction): This trait reflects the writer’s use of specific words and phrases to convey the intended message in an interesting, precise, and natural way appropriate to audience and purpose.

Mechanics of Writing
Sentence Fluency (syntax): This trait addresses the rhythm and flow of language. Sentence structure should be strong and varied.
Conventions: This trait addresses the mechanics of writing, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and paragraph breaks. It can also include proper format.
MLA: follow the format