New Deal Debate: Did the New Deal save the U.S.?
Overview: You will be researching the New Deal to determine if it actually helped bring the country out of the
Depression. You will be writing a 1-2 page position paper and participating in a debate on the issue.
Position Paper Instructions:
1. Research different positions on the New Deal and its impact on the economy during the Depression. Go to OLC
for links to articles on the issue.
2. After conducting research, determine your own view on the issue.
3. Write a 1-2 page position paper stating why the New Deal was or was not effective in ending the Depression.
a. Your paper should be typed in MLA format.
b. Your paper should include the following:
i. Introduction
1. Provide some background on the issue.
2. Thesis statement: Needs to clearly state your position and the 3 main points to support
your argument.
3. Remember, you are arguing a point that you are proving with fact, so do not use weak
statements such as I believe, I think, In my opinion, etc.
ii. Body
1. Need at least one paragraph per main point.
2. You MUST cite resources you used to support your points.
3. Make sure you are sources are supporting your position and are accurate.
4. Do not base your statements on your opinion. Use facts to prove your opinion is
correct.
5. Again, avoid weak statements such as I believe, I think, in my opinion, etc.
iii. Conclusion
1. Wraps up your argument and reiterates the point you are making.
2. Try to close with something that the reader will remember and take with them to know
your argument was correct.
iv. Works Cited
1. A minimum of 3 sources.
2. MLA format
Debate Instructions:
1. We will divide the class into two groups, one in support of the New Deal, and one in opposition to the New Deal.
2. After the completion of research, each side will need to organize their opinions and prepare the following
presentations:
a. Opening Statement/Introduction
i. This will lay out the main points of the argument that your side will be presenting and should
include the following:
1. Background information that helped to determine your group’s perspective.
2. Highlight the three main points your group will make in the presentation.
ii. Choose one person to present the introduction.
b. Argument
i. This will be the support for the three main points your group is making.
ii. Choose three people to present this information, one for each point.
c. Closing
i. This should wrap up the argument you are making.
ii. Choose one person to present this information.
d. Rebuttal
i. Each group will have the opportunity to provide a rebuttal.
ii. Prepare some points in response to the arguments you anticipate the other side making.
iii. Prepare responses as the other group presents their arguments.
iv. This is also an opportunity to bring in some other minor points from your research.
v. Choose one or two people to present this information.
3. I will judge the debate presentation for the most complete, accurate, and convincing presentation. The winning
team will earn bonus points on their paper grades.
Paper Rubric:
Introduction x 2
Body
1st point x 2
2nd point x 2
3rd point x 2
Conclusion x 1
Works Cited and
Citations x 1
/40
Percentage Grade
4
Includes
background,
transition to the
thesis, and a strong
thesis statement
Includes strong,
accurate factual
support for each
point, in text
citations, and a
graphic
Wraps up argument
with key points and
strong closing
thought.
Includes in text
citations as well as a
works cited page
3
Thesis needs
strengthened or
more background or
transition is needed.
2
Thesis needs
strengthened and
more background or
transition is needed
More factual
support is needed
to strengthen
argument, or
citations or graphic
missing
Missing key point or
strong closing
thought
Little factual
support and or one
or both citations
and graphic are
missing
Missing key point(s)
and/or strong
closing thought
Missing Citations or
Works Cited Page
1
Very weak thesis
and more
background and
transition are
needed
No factual support,
argument is based
on opinion
Weak conclusion
that is missing key
points and strong
closing thought