Name _______________________________________________ Period ________ Date __________________
Unit III: The U.S. Role in a Changing World
Four Options and Political Spectrum Reactions
3-2-1
PART I: Read the summaries of Foreign Policy Options 1-4 and take reaction notes on the table
below. Your reaction notes should identify the following: 3 key facts about the option, 2
opinions pertaining to the option (one pro and one con), and 1 “Big Idea” (a two-three sentence
description that sums up the whole option). Then rank the four options with #1 being the one you
like the most and # 4 being the one you like the least.
Future
Reaction Notes
3:
2:
1:
3:
2:
1:
Option 1
“Lead the World
to Democracy”
RANK # ______
Option 2
“Protect U.S.
Global Interests”
RANK # ______
3:
2:
1:
3:
2:
1:
Option 3
“Build a More
Cooperative
World”
RANK # ______
Option 4
“Protect the U.S.
Homeland”
RANK # ______
Part II: Your OP-ED
Part II: Choose one of the positions from the activity that you agree with. Use the notes you
recorded from this position to answer the essential question for Unit III: “What role should the
U.S. play in the world today?” Please provide a thorough answer to this question, utilizing
concepts from the reading activity, readings in class, and our classroom discussions.
Your response:
*Should be typed, 12 point font Times New Roman, include a creative title that supports your position,
and a typed heading that includes your name, teacher’s name, class, and date (should be in the top right
hand corner of the paper).
*Should be two pages. Please staple your activity sheet to the back of this.
*Should be succinct, while providing factual information to support your overall position
*Should include at least ONE in-text citation from an outside source (please properly cite your source
on a separate sheet). You may include more than one in-text citation to enhance your overall product
(this is always recommended).
Your paper will be a total of 25 points:
Content (10 points)
•
•
•
Specific and substantial evidence to address prompt
Evidence is factually accurate
Demonstrates substantial understanding of topic
Organization (5 points)
•
•
•
•
Well-structured introduction that provides purposeful context
Sharply focused opinion
Supporting paragraphs that clearly and consistently relate to your opinion
Well-structured conclusion that strongly reaffirms thesis
Conventions (5 points)
•
•
•
•
Clear and understandable writing
Control of grammar, spelling, sentence formation
Paragraphs flow smoothly and transitions are effective
Citations are formatted correctly
Debate (5 points)
•
•
Effectively articulates position at some point during the classroom debate.
Student’s participation added to the overall discussion and was relevant to the topic