The "My Vote" Essay

BACKGROUND: The Presidential Election is tomorrow. Our Unit TWO Exam is the day after. As a Civil Government class, we have spent an enormous amount of time listening, reading and watching stories and debates about the Presidential Candidates and Liberal and Conservative Issues, in general.

REQUIREMENTS: Students will be creating a two page essay (at minimum, 12 pt. font, double spaced) that gives an OPINION regarding the Presidential Election and how the student will/would vote in the election. Students MUST use complete sentences and proper grammar in their writing.

Students MUST include the following information for full credit on this essay, which will be graded as part of the Unit TWO examination:

  • Students must OPEN their essay with general background information regarding the election. Who is running and why?
  • Students must identify specific debate points or material that has been influential in their decision making process towards selecting a Presidential Candidate for which to vote.
  • Students must identify broader issues of controversy that were influential in their decision making process, addressing those issues from a LIBERAL vs. CONSERVATIVE standpoint.
  • Students must REFLECT on the LONG TERM implications of this election and their vote. How does the student see this election as effecting them and their situation into the future?
  • STUDENTS must CONCLUDE their essay with a closing paragraph that summarizes all points for the reader.

A HELPFUL PIECE OF MEDIA:

  • When answering the long term reflection part of this essay assignment, students need to listen to the following story from this morning's National Public Radio broadcast "America's Changing Face Presents Challenges for the GOP": In this story, the changing demographic face of America is considered, with an eye towards how the country may look in YOUR future.

SUBMISSION: Your work should be AT LEAST TWO complete page typed in WORD. The work may also be handwritten, but handwritten essays should be three pages in length. Students will need to turn in a hard copy of their work with their test on Wednesday. Make sure to include your name on the document. I highly recommend using a thought web or a quick outline to plan your writing.

GRADING: This essaywriting will be graded on elements: 1) The writing in the essay- grammar, sentences, topic sentence, logical thought, etc. 2) The content of the essay: proper summary of issues, well-thought out opinions regarding the election, thoughtful reflection regarding future implications of the vote. TOTAL POINTS- 100