Proctor's plea. Salem jail, the night before the execution. John Proctor writes to the court to defend his name, explain why he will not sign, and accuse the court of injustice.
An op-ed on rumour today. Write an article for a newspaper: "Witch hunts did not end in Salem." Use the play, McCarthyism and today's social media to warn your readers.
Checklist
A clear purpose and addressee
Three arguments with real examples (Salem 1692, HUAC, pile-ons)
One short quotation from the play, correctly attributed
A concession and a strong conclusion
No real person you know, no personal story
Sentence starters
To the honourable judges of this court,...
I have confessed my sins to God, but...
You may take my life, but...
In 1692, Salem hanged nineteen innocent people. Today,...