Social Studies 20-1
Major Writing Assignment
B. Wolfe
Social Studies 20-1: Nationalism
Written Response Assignment II
Examine the following source and complete the assignment. You are to choose one of the
following quotations to write on. YOU ONLY NEED TO WRITE ONE ESSAY, NOT TWO. THIS
IS NOT A SOURCE ANAYSIS THIS IS AN ESSAY. CHOOSE ONE OF THE QUOTES.
Assignment 1
Isolationism among countries is like us minding our own business. If a country doesn’t want
to have contact with other countries, that’s their right. In fact, maybe the world would be
better off if more countries were isolationist and didn’t try to stick their noses into other
countries’ business. We don’t like others telling us how to deal with minorities or the seal
hunt or taxes, so why do we think we have a right to tell other countries how to handle
their own affairs? We should all just look after our own lives.
OR
The world has changed in profound ways since the end of the Cold War, but I fear our
conceptions of national interest have failed to follow suit. A new, broader definition of
national interest is needed in the new century, which would induce states to find greater
unity in the pursuit of common goals and values. In the context of many of the challenges
facing humanity today, the collective interest is the national interest.
- Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations
To what extent should we embrace the perspective(s) reflected in the source?
Write an essay in which you:
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identify and demonstrate an understanding of the perspective(s) reflected in the
source
establish and argue a position in response to the question under discussion
support your position and arguments by using evidence from your knowledge and
understanding of Social Studies
Reminders for Writing
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Plan your essay
Organize your essay in a manner that will best allow you to argue your position
Proofread and edit your writing
All of your notes/outline for this position paper must be hand-written on the next page. These are the only
notes that you will be allowed to bring with you and use on the day of the in-class essay.
Social Studies 20-1
Major Writing Assignment
B. Wolfe