Social Studies 11

Ms. Howard

Agricultural Land Reserve -Understanding a Regional Controversial Issue

Looking at both sides of the story

Part A: Summarize each article Read the articles Delta expansion projects threaten farms and wildlife by Daniel Wood and BCs Agricultural Land Reserve a costly failure responsible for the most expensive house costs in North America by Diane Katz and summarize the key arguments and viewpoints of each article. This summary should take up no more than a paragraph or so. (60-100 words)

Part B: Opinion piece After summarising the article, it is important to consider both sides of the issue. Take a position on the topic and begin to develop some arguments to defend it. A strong defense of your position might draw on evidence from a number of different perspectives - for example legal, moral, scientific or aesthetic viewpoints related to the topic. In 250 words, write a short essay that will state your position on the issue and then detail the arguments you make in support of your position. Part C: Now be contrarian This is sometimes the hard part in any argument. In this case, Im asking you to now argue the other side of the issue. Repeat the opinion piece above from the opposite perspective now describing the opposing viewpoint and highlighting a number of strong arguments in support of your now contrarian position on the issue. Can you think of as many arguments as you did above? (try very hard!). Finally, consider why these perspectives are different than those above. Part D: Reconciliation Is there some common ground between the two viewpoints? Does the problem have an easy solution? (Why or why not?)

Due November 6 Marks 25 Must be typed, Double Spaced. Note: Additional research on this topic is encouraged for a well thought out opinion piece.

Social Studies 11

Ms. Howard