Name:_____________________________
13 Colonies Break Up Letter Essay-Rubric
Hour:______
The Declaration of Independence is one of the most well written break-up letters in history.
Thomas Jefferson was not writing a normal break up letter though this letter signifies the
breakup of two countries and millions of people. To show you understand why the colonists
wanted to “break-up” with King George III, you will create a break-up letter….but with a twist.
You must write like Britain is an actual person and you are the 13 colonies doing the breaking
up. I want you to use your own words don’t just copy from the Declaration. You
may use your notes, Chapters 4 from your textbook, and videos we have watched for
inspiration.
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Must include the same four parts that are included in the Declaration of Independence:
 Paragraph #1 Preamble- Explain why you are writing this letter.
o Refer to background of the relationship and how it has gone bad.
o Incorporate the line “Breaking up is hard to do…”
o Describe how you tried to change /fix the relationship or situation, but how it still didn’t
work.
o 20 Points____________________
 Paragraph #2 Natural Rights- Explain what rights the 13 colonies should have
that is not allowed because of your relationship with Britain.
o Give at least three examples and explain how he has taken them away.
o 20 Points_____________________
 Paragraph # 3 List of Grievances (complaints) - Write about the colonies
complaints about the British government, single out King George III and
Parliament.
o Give at least FOUR examples and be specific (name specific taxes, acts, or events etc.)
o Incorporate the line “Your Tea sure looked sweet in the Harbor” or “My best friend was
Crispus Attucks.”
o 25 points_______________________
 Paragraph #4 Resolution of Independence- Announce that you are free and
independent.
o Give at least two historical examples of what the colonies as an independent nation
are going to do.
o Incorporate the line “I hope we can one day be friends…”
o 20 points________________________
 Finishing Touches
o Include a salutation at the beginning of your letter and a closing at the end.
o Sign your “John Hancock” at the end of the letter-> make it pretty. 
o Black or Blue ink (or typed) and Loose leaf (or plain white paper)
o Attach this rubric to the final letter
o 15 points________________________
Final Score:__________________________________
***BONUS: 7 Points: Put your letter in an envelope with only six words written on the front & your name on
the back. DO NOT SEAL IT!