Critical+Issues

Home 
 * 8th Grade Direct Instruction
 * Each student will choose a critical issue, research and take notes on it, organize his/her notes into an outline and some type of graphic representation, and then write a three to five page paper on the chosen topic.
 * Looking at all sides of a given controversy, students can explore issues in current events



Introduction
Looking at all sides of a given controversy, students can explore issues in current events.

Right now in the United States, people are talking about social problems like the environment, the economy and foreign policy. To be a good citizen in the U.S., you need to be able to join in these arguments intelligently. Democracy works when we resolve these problems by examining both sides and finding solutions. In the final assignment you do for this unit, you will research the pro and con of a question and suggest a solution. In just a few years you will be voting, and you must make hard decisions to answer political questions.

This critical issues assignment will start you thinking about a controversial topic in a new way. You will look at both sides of a controversy and find facts to support both sides. Even if you think you already know the solution for a problem, we want you to understand the problem from different perspectives.

Project Choices for Critical Issues Presentations

1. Advertisement: Create an advertisement for each side of the topic chosen (pro and con). It should convince people of the validity of the argument of each side, using student-created artwork and persuasive rhetoric. The use of creative fonts is encouraged, but all words should be legible and neat.

2. Political Cartoon: Create a political cartoon for each side of the topic chosen. It should use student-created artwork to summarize the opinion/position of each side creatively and clearly. The use of creative fonts is encouraged, but all words should be legible and neat.

3. Time Line: Create a time line of the major events defining each side of the issue. You should have at least five events per side with brief explanations of the importance of each, as well as some type of student-created illustration for each one. All events, explanations, and the title should be typed or very neatly printed.

4. Prezi Presentation: The entire presentation should be well-organized and interesting .



Before beginning your research, keep in mind these concepts:
 * Author's Credibility
 * Evaluating Argument
 * Evaluating Evidence
 * Evaluating Reasoning: Logical vs. Faulty
 * Bibliography: APA Format
 * Notetaking: Paraphrasing and Avoiding Plagiarism

Sections of the Paper
 * Background:
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">How long has your topic been an issue
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">How it began (what made it an issue in the first place)
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Other interesting facts, statistics, evidence that help explain the controversy
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Pros/Cons:
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Groups (if any) who support each side
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Main reasons given for supporting each side
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Statistics, facts, evidence that support the reasons given
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Solutions/Compromises

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">General Resources:
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Books
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Magazine or journal articles
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Newspaper articles
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Encyclopedias, dictionaries or atlases
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Electronic databases
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Websites
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Interviews
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Audio or video sources

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">You must cite your source at the end of your paper in a Works Cited. Use bibme.org (APA format)

= TOPICS  =

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Each student will choose a critical issue (see list below), research and take notes on it, organize his/her notes into an outline and some type of graphic representation (graph, chart, etc.), write a rough draft, edit and then type a three to five page paper on the chosen topic. The student’s paper will include a summary of the controversy surrounding the critical issue, a discussion of the pros and cons of the issue, possible compromises or solutions, and finally, the student’s personal opinion on the issue. A bibliography/works cited is also included at the end of the paper. All research and writing will be done in class. ======

= Possible Topics  = (if you have a different topic you would like to research please ask)

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Is flag burning protected under the right to freedom of speech? Is flag burning so offensive that it should not be protected under freedom of speech? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Should the federal government pass a law so that any U.S. citizen can buy marijuana for medical use? Is the use of marijuana for medical purposes justified? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Is the video games rating system a form of censorship? Is the video games rating system a valid way to protect children? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Should the federal government pass laws to better protect our privacy on the internet? Is our safety endangered due to invasion of privacy by private companies on the internet? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Is the proliferation of security cameras an unacceptable threat to our right to privacy? Does the proliferation of security cameras provide more safety for society in general? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Should the U.S. have English be the official language? Is it discriminatory to expect everyone in the U.S. to be able to speak English? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Does the new immigration law in Arizona violate people's civil rights? Is racial profiling an acceptable method to use to apprehend possible fugitives? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Do the security measures used in airports violate a person's right to privacy? Do the security measures used in airports provide more security for air travelers? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample questions: Can rights to water be bought and sold? Should large corporations be allowed to buy up water rights? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Do we need to reform the way campaigns are financed here in the U.S.? Are corporations persons, and as such, do they deserve the right to freedom of speech? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Should there be strict rules and punishments against professional athletes using performance enhancing drugs? Should all professional athletes be tested for performance enhancing drugs use? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Does advertising adversely affect young girls' body image? Should advertising companies be required to limit the use of underweight models? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Is gambling addictive and should it be legalized? Should gambling be legalized throughout the U.S.? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Question: If a species is becoming endangered is it effective to capture and raise the animals in captivity? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Question: Should the U.S. continue to expand the use of offshore drilling to reach oil reserves? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Should the rights of endangered species outweigh the rights of logging companies to log certain areas? Should car companies be forced to make cars that create less air pollution? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Question: Should the U.S. expand the use of Wind Power to provide electricity? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Do the rights of groups like the Ku Klux Klan to freedom of speech extend to hate speech? Should hate crimes be punished more rigorously than regular crimes? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Should the U.S. government address the problem of poverty in new ways? Is poverty a serious social problem here in the U.S.? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Should the U.S. government outlaw the use of capital punishment? Is capital punishment a deterrent to crime here in the U.S.? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Should the U.S. government enact laws to slow the effects of global warming? <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Is global warming caused by human activity? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Question: Should the U.S. legalize assisted suicide? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Questions: Should companies continue to use animal testing for their products? Is animal testing for medical purposes justified? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Question: Are professional athletes role models for young people, and as such, should they be required maintain high moral standards? ======

=
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">Sample Question: Should the U.S. legalize gay marriage as federal law? Should the U.S. let each state decide gay marriage law? ======

= Research Tips & Resources  =

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #8a8c50; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">[|**http://homeworktips.about.com/od/paperassignments/a/researchnotes.htm**]

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [|http://www.sayreschool.org/page.cfm?p=131#Taking%20Notes] **

=<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Web Resources:** =

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**General Pro Con Resources:**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Pro Con Websites: **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [|Debatepedia--Pro Con website] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Endangered Species:** <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #8a8c50; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">[|Document-article about Endangered species]

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Endangered Species in Captivity**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #8a8c50; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">[|Should zoos keep endangered species article]

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Wind Energy:**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #8a8c50; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">[|World Wind Energy Website]

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Intellectual Property Rights**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Click [|here] for a brief Glossary about Intellectual Property Rights.**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Nuclear Defense Stewardship**

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<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Flag Burning**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Medical Marijuana**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Video Games Rating System**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [|what the rating system is (background)] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Military Draft**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Internet Privacy**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #8a8c50; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">[]

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Patriot Act**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**English as official Language in U.S.**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Arizona Law racial profiling**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Airport Security**

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<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Water rights**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

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<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Mineral Rights:**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [|Deep Background.docx] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [|Native Americans and John Wesley.docx] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Corporations/free speech/campaign finance**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

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<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Steroids in Athletic competitions**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Helmet Safety--Concussions in School**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Professional athletes as role models**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Stem Cell Research**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Corporations and anti-trust laws**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Advertising influences/gender issues**

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<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Sexism**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [|Understanding Sexism website] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Organic, sustainable food sources**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

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<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Vegetarian/Vegan diets**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

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<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Poverty in America**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [|http://www.fightpoverty.mmbrico.com/facts/america.html#facts] **

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<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Capital Punishment**

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<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Global warming**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

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<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Assisted Suicide**

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<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Animal Testing**

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<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Hate Crimes**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [|jr000257c1.pdf] **

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<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Off Shore Drilling**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [|off shore drilling debate article USA Today] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Prison Reform**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [|Prison Reform article & discussion] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Gambling**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [|History of Gambling article] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [|Questions about Problem Gambling website] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">**Professional athletes as role models**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">** [] ** <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> =<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif; font-size: 24px;">Critical Issues-Evaluation <span style="background-color: #f5f5f5; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;">[| Edit] <span style="background-color: #f5f5f5; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;"> 0 <span style="background-color: #f5f5f5; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;">[| 3] <span style="background-color: #f5f5f5; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;">[|…]   = <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">

<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em;">__Notes (40 pts.)__
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Notes from at least five sources, with two being media sources
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Works cited page/card
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Organization of notes, clearly delineating four main sections
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Background information
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Pros
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Cons
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Compromises/Solutions
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Wise use of research time in class

<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">__Outline (30 pts.)__
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Bullet point for introduction/conclusion
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Bullet point for each main section (see above) with topic sentence
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Sub-bullets for reasons/details supporting each main section, including planned transitions

<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">__Rough Draft (30 pts.)__
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Topic sentence for each paragraph
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Paragraphing consistent with outline
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Peer editing completed

= Final Copy (100 pts.) = <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">__**Paper setup (10 points)**__


 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Typed in Times New Roman 12 pt. font, double-spaced, stapled together
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">At least three to five pages in length, not including title page or works cited page
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Title (your critical issue topic)
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Name
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Homeroom
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Header consisting of student’s last name, homeroom, & date - justified right
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">page numbers in the center bottom of each page
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">page numbers in the center bottom of each page

<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">__**Paper (90 pts.)**__
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Introduction with thesis question
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Background information
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">When Issue started
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Pros
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Cons
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Groups (pro & con)
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Solutions/Compromises
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Your opinion
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Conclusion

<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">__**Works Cited page (no page no points):**__
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Five sources, two of which are media sources
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Sources listed in correct APA format

** Rubric for Issues Product Presentations **

=<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Presentation (50 points) =


 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Interesting opening containing thesis question
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Presents main sections in a logical order, using facts, details, quotes, etc. for support
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Clearly and persuasively states own opinion on topic
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Interesting closing that summarizes the main points
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Clear articulation, smooth flow, varied inflection and emphasis engages the audience
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Uses eye contact and body language to show confidence, effectively drawing in listeners
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Correct length of 5-7 min.; did not read

=<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Product (50 points.) = <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">__Advertisement:__
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Two posters, one depicting pro and one depicting con
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Convincing, persuasive rhetoric for each position
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Student-created artwork
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Creative
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Neat, utilizing correct spelling and punctuation

<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">__Political Cartoon:__
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Two cartoons, one depicting pro and one depicting con
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Clear summary of each position
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Student-created artwork
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Creative
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Neat, utilizing correct spelling and punctuation

<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">__Time Line:__
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Five pro events and five con events
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Brief explanation of importance of each event
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Student-created illustration for each event
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Creative
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Neat, utilizing correct spelling and punctuation

<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">__Prezi Presentation:__ <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Relevant, attractive graphics and design
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Organized and interesting information
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Creative
 * <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Correct use of spelling and punctuation