Name: __________________________________

Date: ______________

Period: _____

Do You Believe in the Green Wall of China? (with Academic and Accelerated Assessments)
Directions: Part 1 Today, we will be discussing the Green Wall of China and its potential impact on modern-day Chinese society. The goal for todays class is for you to decide whether or not the Green Wall is an effective solution to Chinas issues with desertification. We will watch a short video from BBC that will give you more information on the Green Wall and its potential effectiveness. Before we get to the video, please answer the following questions. Use your notes from the Prezi to help you complete this portion of the assignment.
1) What is desertification? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

2) Why does desertification present a serious problem for China today? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

3) What is the Green Wall of China? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

Directions: Part 2 While you are watching the video, please note the benefits and drawbacks of building the Green Wall and write them down in the t-chart below. The benefits should be written under the pro column, while the drawbacks should be listed under the con column.

Pros

Cons

Directions: Part 3 (Academic Classes) Now that we have watched the video about the Green Wall and discussed the topic as a class, you are ready to answer the big question. Do you think the Green Wall of China is an effective way to combat desertification? You will have the chance to respond to this question in two ways. For the first portion of this assessment, you will draw a picture that illustrates whether or not you believe the Green Wall of China is an effective solution to desertification in China. Your picture must show at least three ways that the Green Wall is effective or ineffective. These ways will be based off of the information that you have recorded in your t-chart and that we have discussed in class. Once you have completed your picture, you will use it to help you write a short paragraph that explains your opinion on the Green Wall. You will start off this paragraph with your thesis statement, in which you will state whether or not you believe the Green Wall is an effective solution. Next, you will provide one reason to support your opinion. Your reason must be backed with evidence from the video and/or our discussion. Finally, you will briefly present your argument explaining why your evidence shows that the Green Wall is a good or bad solution. Written Portion Template: Thesis The Green Wall of China (is/is not) an effective way to combat desertification because Reason The reason that the Green Wall is (effective/ not effective) is Evidence A creditable source on the subject, the BBC Video, stated During our class discussion, we discussed. Argument This evidence helps explain that the Green Wall is a (good/bad) solution because You must have at least 3 sentences in your argument to get full points!

3.5

2.5

1.5

1.2 Understand key elements of culture (geography) and the role they play in the development of civilizations, including the modern world

I can successfully show whether or not the Green Wall is an effective way to solve the desertification crisis WITH a detailed argument
- The picture clearly shows position on the issue and the paragraph is complete and thoughtful. Argument section of paragraph has AT LEAST 3 sentences.

I can successfully show whether or not the Green Wall is an effective way to solve the desertification crisis
- The picture clearly shows position on the issue and the paragraph is complete and thoughtful

I can somewhat show whether or not the Green Wall is an effective way to solve the desertification crisis
- The picture clearly shows position on the issue, but the paragraph is incomplete or missing OR The paragraph is complete and thoughtful, but the picture is missing

I am unable to form an opinion about whether or not the Green Wall is an effective way to solve the desertification crisis -The assignment is
largely incomplete, or there is an obvious lack of effort

Directions: Part 3 (Accelerated Classes) Now that we have looked at multiple sources regarding the Green Wall and discussed the topic as a class, you are ready to answer the big question. Do you think the Green Wall of China is an effective way to combat desertification? You will respond to this question by writing a short letter to Chinese leaders heading the project. Your letter does not have to be written like a formal essay, but it should express your argument for or against the Great Wall using three pieces of evidence from our sources and/or discussion. The letter should follow the format below: Introduction Dear Green Wall Project Leaders, My name is ______________, and I am writing to inform you that I respectfully believe the Green Wall project (is/is not) an effective way to combat desertification in China. The three reasons that I (believe/do not believe) in this project are the following: (Reason #1, Reason #2, and Reason #3) Body Paragraphs Topic Sentence: I believe that the Green Wall (is/is not) an effective solution because (Restate Reason #1, #2, or #3) Evidence: A source on the subject, (BBC video, Washington Post Article), states that Argument: These facts support that the Green Wall (will/will not) be an effective solution because

Conclusion Again, I respectfully (believe/do not believe) that the Green Wall of China is an effective way to combat desertification, based on the reasons that I provided above. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Your Name

3.5

2.5

1.5

3.2 Write like a historian by crafting insightful claims that are thoroughly supported with evidence and discussion

I can provide a detailed argument and rationale as to why the Green Wall is or is not an effective way to solve the desertification crisis
-The letter presents a wellthought out argument that draws upon evidence from multiple sources and goes beyond the minimum requirements outlined in the assignment

I can successfully argue whether or not the Green Wall is an effective way to solve the desertification crisis
- The letter is complete, thoughtful, and follows the format outlined in the assignment

I can somewhat argue whether or not the Green Wall is an effective way to solve the desertification crisis
- The letter is partially complete, somewhat thoughtful, and has parts of the format outlined in the assignment

I am unable to form an opinion about whether or not the Green Wall is an effective way to solve the desertification crisis -The letter is missing
several parts, or there is an obvious lack of effort