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Writing Prompt: The Death Penalty WritingWriting Prompt: The Death Penalty Writing
Publisher
Carolina K-12
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
9th - 12th
Subjects
Social Studies & History
3 more...
Resource Type
Writing Prompts
Audiences
For Teacher Use
1 more...
Duration
1 hr
Instructional Strategy
Writing
Usage Permissions
Fine Print: Educational Use
Writing

Writing Prompt: The Death Penalty

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Is the death penalty unjust because it violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution, "cruel and unusual punishment"? Or is it just a form of permissible capital punishment? After weighing arguments for and against the death penalty, your young historians will write a letter to their state legislators stating whether they believe it should be permitted in their states.

75 Views 56 Downloads
CCSS: Adaptable

Concepts

capital punishment, persuasive arguments, justice, the justice system

Additional Tags

capital punishment, social studies

Instructional Ideas

  • Include a discussion or readings of other primary/secondary sources before administering this writing prompt

Classroom Considerations


Pros

  • Includes summaries of arguments in favor of and against the death penalty
  • Primary source quotations regarding the death penalty from US Supreme Court justice, former governor, and ACLU

Cons


Common Core

WHST.11-12.1.a WHST.11-12.4 WHST.9-10.1.a WHST.9-10.4

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