U.S.

History
Primary Source Writing: Logistics and
Rubric Evaluation
A primary source is an object (letter, photograph, painting, diary entry, etc.)
that has not been altered in any way and comes from a specific time period. In this
in class essay you will be creating a primary source using a RAFT chart. This primary
source document will be written throughout unit, it will be turned in at the end of
the unit, and will be used as your assessment for this unit. Any prewriting materials
that used for the paper will be turned into me when you turn in your essay. If you
didnt use any prewriting materials then none will be turned into me. You will also do
research using your book and/or the internet to help with your outline and your
essay. Your sources must be cited in MLA format. This essay will be written outside
of class and must be turned in or shared with me using Google Doc before you come
to class that day.
Essay Logistics:

500-1000 words
MLA format for citing sources only
Be creative.
o Misspelled words are okay
o Make the letter seem as real as possible

Raft Chart:
Role
Reporter

Audience
Citizens of the U.S.

Format
Newspaper Article

Farmer

The President of
the United States
Future Generations

Letter

A Family Member

Memo

Young girl or boy

Congressman or
Congresswomen

Diary Entry

Topic
Hoovers Response
to the Depression
Life During the
Depression
Causes of the
Depression
The New Deal

Essay Rubric:
Exceeds
Standards

Meets
Standards

Proper
Selection

N/A

Knowledge

Shows

Appropriate
topic is
selected
Uses

Almost
Meets
Standards
N/A

Limited use

Does Not
Meet
Standards
Appropriate
topic is not
selected
Barely

Proper
Selection
Knowledge

of
Historical
Context

Word
Choice

Creativity

Specific
Assignmen
t Directions

evidence of
thorough
knowledge
of period in
which the
primary
source was
written.
Strong,
vivid words
and
description
s
throughout.
Words are
above
average,
and used
appropriate
ly
throughout
the work.

previous
general
historical
knowledge
to write the
primary
source.

of previous
historical
knowledge
without
complete
accuracy.

indicates
any
historical
knowledge.

of
Historical
Context

Strong
words and
description
s
throughout.
Many
words are
above
average
and used
appropriate
ly
throughout
the work.

Some strong
words and
descriptions.
Some above
average
word choices
however,
many words
are used
inappropriat
ely.

Poor word
choice and
description
s
throughout.
Elementary
word
choices and
many
words
misused.

Word
Choice

Writing is
extremely
creative.
Ideas and
style is
refreshing
and
imaginative
.
Exceeds all
requiremen
ts specified
for this
assignment

Writing is
somewhat
creative.
Some new
and
imaginative
ideas

Writing
contains a
few creative
ideas but
style is
mostly
uninspired.

Writing
contains
many
clich ideas
and an
uninspired
style.

Creativity

Meets all
requiremen
ts specified
for this
assignment

Meets some
of the
requirements
specified for
this
assignment

Meets
few/no
requiremen
ts specified
for this
assignment

Specific
Assignment
Directions