RAFT Historical Fiction Writing

Task

The goal of this activity is for you to creatively demonstrate your knowledge of the time period.  Write a letter (or other format by approval) from around 1912 (1865-1914) following the RAFTED writing technique and the rubric guidelines.  You can use textbook chapters 18-20, books, class notes and activities, video notes, and the Internet to help you.

What is RAFTED Writing?

The RAFTED writing technique is modified for social studies from the RAFT system to help you understand your role as a writer, the audience you will address, the varied formats for writing, and the expected content. It is an acronym that stands for:

• Role of the writer – Who are you as the writer? Are you President Teddy Roosevelt? Jane Addams?  Ida B. Wells? Thomas Edison? A farmer? Part of a minority? Artist?  Politician?  Union worker?  Scientist? Child laborer?  Recent immigrant?  Think of this as your character.  You can pick a real person or make one up.

• Audience – To whom are you writing? Is your audience the people of America? A friend? Brother/sister?  Wife/husband? Readers of a newspaper? The president?  Mayor?  Yourself in a journal?

• Facts – The main point of this activity is for you to demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history between 1865 and 1914.  You must use accurate, relevant facts that support your topic.  Facts include: terms, names, dates, numbers, and specific events. You can use chapters 18-20, books, class notes and activities, video notes, and the Internet to help you find facts.

• Topic – What’s the subject?  A new invention?  Working conditions?  Segregation? Standard Oil?  Living conditions in the city? What’s the point of this piece? 

 Final draft is due Wednesday and Thursday.
 
 
 

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