You will write a letter in the first person. You will become Christopher Columbus and will write to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Your task is to convince the king and queen to fund your voyage. Below are the project guidelines along with the rubric that will be used to score your letter. Be creative and have fun with it! Click on the words below to jump to the section you want to read.
Guidelines Rubric Back To Writing Page
Letters From Columbus Persuasive Letter Guidelines
Salutation: Dear King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella
Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself
· Who are you?
· What is your theory?
· Why are you qualified to do this?
· What do you want?
Paragraph 2: Tell
· What you need in order to make your voyage (equipment, crew, supplies)
· Why do you need these particular things?
Paragraph 3: Tell
· What is in it for them? (What will they get in return for their support)
Paragraph 4: A summary/closing paragraph
· Restate what you want
· Make a final plea for their help
· Remind them what they will get in return
· Thank them for listening to you
Closing: Your Most Humble Servant
Signature: Christopher Columbus
Letters From Columbus Persuasive Letter Rubric
5 Superior Quality- Includes all four paragraphs and each paragraph follows the guidelines. Each paragraph has at least 6-8 sentences. There are no errors in spelling, punctuation or grammar. This project is neat and easy to read. There are transitions between paragraphs. There is a true sense of first person which does not break throughout the letter. Rich vocabulary is used. This project includes extra details and is creatively presented.
4 Good Quality- Includes all four paragraphs and each paragraph follows the guidelines. Each paragraph has at least 6 sentences. There are no errors in spelling, punctuation or grammar. This project is neat and easy to read. There is an attempt at transitions between paragraphs. There is some attempt at use of rich vocabulary. There is an overall sense of first person.
3 Average Quality- Includes all four paragraphs and each paragraph follows the guidelines. Each paragraph has at least 4 sentences. There are few errors in spelling, punctuation or grammar. This project is neat and easy to read. Rich vocabulary is not used. Transitions between paragraphs are weak. Use of first person is attempted, but not consistent.
2 Somewhat Below Quality- Includes at least 3 paragraphs and each paragraph may have some missing information the guidelines. Paragraphs are too short (3 sentences). There are errors in spelling, punctuation or grammar. This project may not be neat and easy to read. Rich vocabulary is not used. Transitions between paragraphs are not used. First person feeling is attempted but falls short.
1 Major Errors Present- Includes at least 2 paragraphs and may have missing information. Paragraphs are way too short (1-2 sentences). There are major errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Project is sloppy and hard to read. No transitions are used between paragraphs. Vocabulary is repetitious and weak. No attempt made at using first person.
0 Incomplete or not attempted- Did not hand in at all or did not write to the topic at all. Handed in unfinished.