Us vs. Them

Worksheet Description

This Argumentative Research worksheet is centered around the exploration of polarizing issues in U.S. politics. Students are tasked with identifying what they believe to be the most divisive issue currently, conducting research on this topic, and determining the best criteria to judge the polarizing nature of the information they find. They are encouraged to list out these issues and then formulate their own position based on the evidence gathered. Ultimately, students are to write a paper on their chosen issue, substantiating their stance with the researched evidence and including a bibliography of sources.

The worksheet is teaching students how to engage with contentious topics critically and constructively. It helps them develop their skills in researching current political issues, evaluating information critically, and determining the relevance and polarization of different pieces of evidence. Students learn to articulate and support their positions on complex issues, a valuable skill for academic writing and informed citizenship. The task also encourages students to practice writing argumentative essays that are well-researched and evidence-based.