Name: ____________________________ Date: ___________________________
Informative Essay & Presentation: Middle East
(135 points)
Due Date: __________________________________________________________
Introduction:
Events in the Middle East impact the people and government of the United States
of America. These events are found on the nightly news and in our newspapers
daily. Most Americans, including students, do not know a lot of information about
this region of the world. In order to become more informed and involved, we will
investigate the land and people of the Middle East. The different countries that
we will research are:






Iraq
Iran
Afghanistan
Syria
Pakistan
Saudi Arabia
Task:
You will write an informative essay about a country in the Middle East. In order to
find information and current event articles about your country, please use the link
“Ms. Kelly-Middle East Research Paper.” This link is found on the West Essex
Middle School Library website.
Format for Paper:
 Typed paper
 Size 12, Times New Roman font
 MLA format
1
 Title (Name of Country)
 5 Paragraphs:
o Introduction
o Physical geography of country
o Human geography of country
o Current events going on in your country
o Conclusion
 Works Cited page
 Proper spelling and grammar
 Include at least 2 citations
 Must be submitted to turnitin.com
Format for Poster:






Include name of country
Include your name and class period on the back
You may use your information in your essay on your poster!
Include map of country
Include picture of flag
Make it colorful and be creative!
Grading:
Criteria
Points
Introduction
15 points
Physical Geography
15 points
Human Geography
15 points
Current Events
15 points
Conclusion
15 points
Works Cited
10 points
Include at least 2 citations
10 points
Proper Format/grammar/spelling
10 points
Poster
25 points
Presentation
5 points
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS
135 points
*Five points will be deducted for each day a paper/poster is turned in late!*
2
Daily Checklist: (subject to change)
Directions: Please check off each as you complete!
Day 1-2:
_____________ Review assignment, make 1 citation on Noodle tools
____________ Fill out the attached graphic organizer to research your country
Day 3-4:
____________ Write a rough draft of your paper and create a works cited page
Day 5:
____________ Peer edit and conference with another student
____________ Conference with Ms. Kelly
Day 6-8:
____________ Prepare/print a final draft of your paper and works cited page,
design a poster with information
Day 9:
____________ Presentation- Students will have an opportunity to share their
papers/posters and brainstorm different issues and potential solutions in the
Middle East
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Informative Essay & Presentation: Middle East
I am aware that my son/daughter has this assignment for Social Studies class.
__________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
______________________________
Date
Please contact Ms. Kelly at jkelly@westex.org if you have any questions or concerns.
3
Name: ____________________________________ Date: __________________
Graphic Organizer: Middle East
Paragraph 1: Introduction
 Introduce country
 Interesting facts about the country
 Thesis statement
Paragraph 2: Physical Geography
Bordering Countries
4
Land
Climate
Paragraph 3: Human Geography
Population
Language
5
Religion
Holidays
Schools
Government
Money & Economy
6
Paragraph 4: Current Events
WHO:
WHERE:
WHAT:
WHEN:
WHY:
HOW:
Paragraph 5: Conclusion
7