Topics for paper

1) Write a paper arguing that Webster’s method is the best apportionment method. Pretend that your local representative is the intended audience.

2) Write a paper arguing that the method of Huntington-Hill is the best apportionment method. Pretend that your local representative is the intended audience.

3) Write a paper arguing that the City of Los Angeles should use the Single Transferable Voting (STV) method to elect city council members. Pretend that the citizens of Los Angeles are the intended audience.

4) Write a paper arguing that San Francisco should abandon the use of the Instant Run-off Voting (IRV) method to elect members of the Board of Supervisors. Pretend that the citizens of San Francisco are the intended audience.

Timeline

1) By Friday, March 14: Pick a topic and identify five (5) appropriate sources for paper.

2) By Friday, April 11: Hand in first draft.

3) By Friday, May 9: Hand in final draft.

Rubric for paper

	2	1	0
C o n t e n t	Main theme is identified. The argument is presented with sufficient depth and completeness, strong support and adequate detail. At least one counterargument is presented and refuted. Mathematical concepts are clearly explained.	Main theme is identified. The argument is presented not as deeply as necessary. Counterarguments are not adequately dealt with. Mathematical concepts are unclear or lacking.	Main theme is poorly identified or not identified at all. Counterarguments are missing. Mathematical concepts are not present
O r g a n i z a t i o n	Writing demonstrates a unified and consistent organization. The order of and structure of the paper, the paragraphs, and sentences are compelling and move the reader through the text easily.	Writing demonstrates a logical order and structure that is inconsistent. Paragraphs, sentences, and/or transitions are sometimes effective but sometimes not.	Writing lacks a clear structure or order. Paragraphs and sentences are convoluted and difficult to decipher. Transitions are abrupt and reasons for them are unclear.
C o n v e n t i o n s	Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary usage are correct.	Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary usage contain some flaws but do not impede readability.	Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary usage contain major flaws that impede readability.
R u l e s	The paper fulfills the assignment and was turned in on time.	The paper only partially fulfills the assignment or was turned in late.	The paper does not fulfill the assignment.