Compare and Contrast

Worksheet Description

The worksheet provides a structured template for students to compare and contrast the positions of two political candidates on four key campaign issues: the U.S. economy, the environment, health care, and foreign policy. The layout features two columns, one for each candidate, and rows dedicated to the mentioned topics. By filling out this sheet, students are encouraged to analyze and summarize the views and proposals of each candidate on these crucial subjects, offering a side-by-side evaluation for easy comparison.

To effectively utilize this worksheet, students should first research the stated positions of the two candidates on each of the given issues. This could involve reviewing campaign literature, watching debates, reading news articles, or analyzing official statements and policy proposals. Once they’ve gathered the necessary information, students can succinctly jot down the main points or stances of each candidate in the respective boxes, ensuring clarity and brevity. By the end of the exercise, they should have a clear visual representation of how the two candidates differ or align on the selected issues.

Through this exercise, the worksheet aims to cultivate several vital skills in students. Firstly, it promotes critical thinking as students must sift through information to understand and interpret each candidate’s viewpoint. Secondly, it fosters research skills, teaching students to gather and analyze data from reputable sources. Furthermore, by comparing and contrasting different perspectives, students are trained to discern nuances in political discourse and form more informed opinions. Lastly, the exercise underscores the importance of being an informed voter or observer in democratic processes, highlighting the value of understanding policy positions before forming judgments.