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Mock Trial Assignment for Any Story or Novel – Script, Outline, Universal Rubric

Grade Level:

7-12

Subjects:

Project-Based Learning, New Calendar Year, End of the Year, Novel Studies, Speaking & Listening, Classroom Fun & Games

Standards (CCSS)

RL.7.1, RL.8.1, RL.9-10.1, RL.11-12.1, RI.7.1, RI.8.1, RI.9-10.1, RI.11-12.1, W.7.1, W.7.1a, W.8.1, W.8.1a, W.9-10.1, W.9-10.1a, W.11-12.1, W.11-12.1a, SL.7.1, SL.7.3, SL.7.4, SL.7.5, SL.8.1, SL.8.3, SL.8.4, SL.8.5, SL.9-10.1, SL.9-10.3, SL.9-10.4, SL.9-10.5, SL.11-12.1, SL.11-12.3, SL.11-12.4, SL.11-12.5

Learning Expectations (Ontario)

D1: Developing Ideas and Organizing Content; D2: Drafting and Revising Texts; D3: Applying Knowledge of Conventions; D4: Publishing Written Work; E1: Reading for Meaning; E2: Understanding Form and Style; E3: Reading With Fluency; E4: Reflecting on Skills and Strategies; F1: Listening to Understand; F2: Speaking to Communicate; F3: Reflecting on Skills and Strategies

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Make literature come alive with this mock trial assignment! Includes a legal slideshow, 30+ student roles, objection cheat sheet, editable rubrics, and role outlines. Perfect for any story or novel, with digital resources for Google Classroom® and flexible for Grades 7–12.

$6.00

Description

Mock trials don’t need to be daunting! Your students will absolutely love this assignment for any story or novel. Includes mock trial script, 30+ mock trial roles, an objection cheat sheet, an editable mock trial rubric, and more. Suitable for online learning with digital worksheets for Google Classroom®!

 

Included with this Mock Trial Assignment for Any Story or Novel:

  • Legal Trial Slideshow – Microsoft PowerPoint®, Google Slides®, and PDF
  • Various Mock Trial Role Descriptions for up to 30+ Students
  • Mock Trial Objections Cheat Sheet
  • Editable Mock Trial Judge Script – Digital & Print
  • Editable Trial Time Table – Digital & Print
  • Editable Role Outlines for Each Role – Digital & Print
  • Universal 4-Level Mock Trial Rubric – Editable & Ready-to-Print
  • BONUS: News Report Outline for Media Representative Roles
  • Teacher Instructions for using this resource

 

How to use this Mock Trial Assignment for Any Novel or Story:

Guide students to a deeper understanding of the overarching themes and underlying message within any short story or novel using this exciting Mock Trial Assignment!

This resource includes everything you need to lead a successful and engaging Mock Trial Assignment with your students. Over 30 students can participate in this mock trial activity, and each student will have a role that will prompt them to critically examine the actions of any literary character.

You can begin this Mock Trial Assignment with the Legal Trial Slideshow provided. This slideshow will guide students through important terminology and key figures in the courtroom so that they can better understand the trial process. It also includes descriptions with videos that explore each step of a legal trial.

You can then assign student roles using the Mock Trial Assignment Role Descriptions provided. There are 32 roles provided; if you have fewer than 32 students, you can eliminate duplicate roles. If you have more than 32 students, you can duplicate roles. Assigning roles can be done at random or by selecting the roles that are best suited for each student in your classroom.

Students will use the Mock Trial Assignment Role Outlines to prepare for their roles. Each outline has a unique set of instructions and includes all of the guidelines necessary to prepare students for a successful mock trial. These outlines include:

  • Key talking points for opening and closing statements

  • A detailed facilitator script for the judge

  • Guidelines for how to conduct oneself during the Mock Trial Assignment

  • Differentiated graphic organizers for writing a news report (media representative roles)

  • A trial timetable (timekeeper role)

  • Researching specific identities (witness roles)

  • Guidelines for direct examination and cross-examination

  • Instructions for written response

All of the Mock Trial Assignment Role Outlines are formatted for Google Docs® and editable in order to customize to meet the unique needs of your classroom.

This resource also includes an Objections Cheat Sheet for the prosecutor and defense attorneys to reference during the Mock Trial Assignment.

Finally, to assess this activity, a universal rubric has also been included. This 4-level rubric is formatted for Google Docs® and editable in order to customize to meet the unique needs of your curriculum. A ready-to-print rubric has also been provided.

Note that in addition to preparation periods, the duration of this Mock Trial Assignment is approximately 75-90 minutes. Please see the instructions within the resource for further directions.

 

✨ Kindly note that due to copyright restrictions, this resource is not editable. This is a common practice within the online marketplace in order to protect the clipartists and software providers that have authorized their intellectual property for the development of this resource.

 

See what other teachers are saying about this Mock Trial Assignment:

“I used this resource as a cumulative task for a play we studied and my class could not stop talking about it. They were completed engaged the entire time and all of the students talked about how the mock trial was the highlight of the semester for them. I will absolutely use this assignment again!”

– Samantha M.

 

⭒ For classrooms utilizing Google Classroom® ⭒

To access the digital version of these worksheets, simply follow the instructions within the resource to copy the files directly to your Google Drive®.

Additional Product Information

What grade level is this resource designed for?
This resource is designed for the following grade levels: 6-12.

Are these resources editable?
Kindly note that due to copyright restrictions, Mondays Made Easy resources are not editable unless otherwise noted. This is a common practice within the teacher-author marketplace in order to protect the clip artists and software providers that have authorized their intellectual property for the development of these resources.

If you require resources that support students using screen readers, adaptive software, or any other accommodations, please reach out at [email protected]. We are always happy to help!

How do I access my files?
After completing your purchase, you will be directed to an order confirmation page. On this page, scroll to the "Downloads" section and click the button provided. Your file will begin downloading automatically.

Please note: If the download does not start, a pop-up blocker may be preventing it. We recommend temporarily disabling any pop-up blockers to ensure a smooth download.

You will also receive an email with a link to download your files. If you don’t see the email, please check your ‘Promotions’ and spam folders. If it’s still missing, allow up to 30 minutes for the email to be delivered. If you haven’t received it after that time, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] for assistance.

Can I share these resources with my colleagues?
You are welcome to use and distribute copies of this resource within your own classroom. You may not redistribute this resource with other educators or professionals. Resources are only licensed for a single use and must be repurchased or downloaded from Mondays Made Easy.

How are refunds handled?
Due to the nature of digital products, we do not typically offer refunds for downloaded products. Please review your order carefully before completing your purchase. If this resource does not meet your needs, please reach out at [email protected] with any issues or concerns, and we will do our best to get you sorted!

Customer Reviews

Based on 11 reviews
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H
Heather W.

This resource was great practice for my students after reading a story and before beginning argumentative writing. Thank you so much!

A
Alicia D.

This resource was very helpful with the culminating activity for our Serial podcast unit. Seniors completed a mock trial. The materials were helpful in preparing students for the trial and helping them organize their information in preparation for the trial itself.

K
Kathleen K.

Super easy to use and follow. Makes holding a mock trial a breeze!

S
Samantha M.

I used this resource as a cumulative task for a play we studied and my class could not stop talking about it. They were completed engaged the entire time and all of the students talked about how the mock trial was the highlight of the semester for them. I will absolutely use this assignment again!

T
Tiffany L.

My students really enjoyed this resource.

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