Assignment task:
Write an initial response to the following question: Is the death penalty cruel and unusual punishment? Why or why not?
For this assignment, consider using the outline for effective paragraphs to help structure your response.
Below are some things to consider in writing good responses to the discussion topics:
? Do not merely copy sentences or parts of them from textbooks and/or other sources unless you include in-text citations and a works cited list at the bottom of your paragraph. Do not merely introduce an idea, and then cite your inspiration. You cannot show YOUR UNDERSTANDING any other way. Explain the purpose, meaning, and effect of the ideas you incorporated in your writing.
? Be specific. If you write in overly generalized terms, you are not thinking deeply enough about the topic-you are being superficial. Any knowledge you might show is shallow. It is impossible to be general and vague, and still show your new insight.
? Be thorough. When you breeze through your answer, you will miss links in the chain, and your answer will be incomplete.
? You may write in first person only if the assignment indicates (Review rubrics after you view the directions/instructions for each assignment).