Name______________________
TOWN MEETING ESSAY ASSIGNMENT
50 POINTS
1. WRITE A ONE OR TWO PAGE ESSAY AFTER ATTENDING THE
2. THE ESSAY SHOULD DESCRIBE THE DEBATE ON THE ISSUE AND REPORT THE
RESULTS OF THE MEETING VOTE. THE STUDENT SHOULD INCLUDE PERSONAL REACTION
OR OPINION ON THE ARTICLE. USE SPECIFIC NAMES AND INFORMATION.
3. STUDENTS SHOULD CHECK-IN WITH THE TOWN OFFICIALS IN THE MULTI-PURPOSE
ROOM OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER IN ORDER TO GET A “VISTOR’S PASS” AND A COPY OF
THE WARRANT. IF THE STUDENT IS A REGISTERED VOTER, THEN THEY SHOULD CHECK-IN
AND GET A VOTING CARD. PLEASE “CHECK-IN” WITH MR. HOUSTON NEAR THE AREA OF THE
ENTRANCE TO THE GYM IN ORDER TO BE SURE TO GET THE PROPER CREDIT FOR THIS
WORK. SEE MR. HOUSTON THE WEEK BEFORE THE TOWN MEETING IF YOU HAVE ANY
QUESTIONS/CONCERNS ABOUT ATTENDANCE AT THE MEETING OR WRITING THE
ASSIGNMENT. ONLY STUDENTS WHO SEE MR. HOUSTON AHEAD OF TIME WILL BE
ELIGIBLE FOR AN ALTERNATIVE ASSIGNMENT. THE STUDENTS WITH LEGITIMATE REASONS
FOR ABSENCE WILL INTERVIEW A LOCAL CANDIDATE FOR OFFICE IN LIEU OF THE ESSAY.
4. STUDENTS MUST SIT IN THE NON-VOTING AREA OF THE GYM WHEN THEY
ENTER. THE STANDS IN THE “FRONT, LEFT” OF THE GYM ARE DESIGNATED FOR THAT
PURPOSE. PROPER PERSONAL BEHAVIOR IS ESSENTIAL WHILE ATTENDING THE MEETING.
SINCE THIS IS A SCHOOL ACTIVITY, SCHOOL RULES APPLY.
5. IF THE STUDENT CHOOSES AN ARTICLE THAT APPEARS LATE IN THE WARRANT,
THEN THE STUDENT MAY FOLLOW THE DEBATE ON THE CABLE CHANNEL AND COME TO THE
MEETING WHEN THE PROPER ARTICLE IS UP FOR CONSIDERATION.
6. AS THE DEBATE UNFOLDS FOLLOW THE REACTIONS OF THE DIFFERENT TOWN
BOARDS AND THE DIFFERENT CONSTITUENCIES WITHIN THE VOTING MEMBERSHIP. INCLUDE
YOUR OBSERVATIONS IN THE REPORT. USE SPECIFIC NAMES AND DETAILS.
7. THE FINAL ESSAY MUST BE TURNED IN TO MR. HOUSTON WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF
THE LAST DAY OF THE TOWN MEETING IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE CREDIT.
GRADING RUBRIC:
I. Does the essay sufficiently explain the meaning of the
warrant article?
Little explanation Moderate
explanation Excellent
explanation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
II. Does the essay sufficiently explain the various
points of view expressed in the debate?
Little explanation Moderate
explanation Excellent
explanation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
III. Does the essay sufficiently explain the outcome of
the vote and its significance?
Little explanation Moderate
explanation Excellent
explanation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
IV. Does the essay sufficiently explain the point of view
of the student on the issue?
Little explanation Moderate
explanation Excellent
explanation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
V. Does the essay provide sufficient detail in names and terminology?
Is the essay well-written according to
standard grammar, usage, and mechanics?
weak moderate excellent
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Total score:________________________