Social Studies Opinion Write-Up Rubric

Here is the rubric for your Social Studies personal opinion write-ups based on the United States' Presidential debates 2016:

Social Studies – Current Events Opinion Rubric

Program of Studies Learning Outcomes:	1 Not Meeting	2 Basic	3 Good	4 Excellent
Critical thinking is a process of inquiry, analysis and evaluation resulting in a reasoned judgment.	Critical thinking and reasoned judgement are not present in the responses.	Critical thinking is sometimes shown in the responses, at a basic level.	Critical thinking is clearly shown in the responses most of the time.	Critical thinking is always shown in the responses, at an advanced level.
Creative thinking occurs when students identify unique connections among ideas and suggest insightful approaches to social studies questions and issues.	Creative thinking is not present through unique connections.	Creative thinking is sometimes present through unique connections.	Creative thinking is often present, most of the time.	Creative thinking is always shown at an advanced level.
Historical thinking is a process whereby students are challenged to rethink assumptions about the past and to reimagine both the present and the future.	Historical thinking is not present, connecting the past to the present.	Historical thinking is sometimes present, connecting the past to the present.	Historical thinking is often present, most of the time.	Historical thinking is always shown at an advanced level.
Decision Making and Problem Solving: Students develop the ability to make timely and appropriate decisions by identifying the need for a decision, then weighing the advantages, disadvantages and consequences of various alternatives.	Decision making and problem solving are not present throughout social studies questions and issues.	Decision making and problem solves are sometimes present at a basic level.	Decision making and problem solving are present often, most of the time.	Decision making and problem solving are always shown at an advanced level.

Have you formulated a full opinion and can you back it up?      Yes        No

--------------------------------

You are to answer these questions in full sentences, with as much detail as possible. We are looking for this evidence from the Alberta curricular outcomes to back up your opinions: 

• Critical thinking
• Creative thinking
• Historical thinking
• Decision making and problem solving

QUESTIONS:

1. What points do you agree with in regards to both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in the final debate? (Give as many as possible - unless you do not agree at all with one)

2. What points do you disagree with in regards to both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in the final debate? (Give as many as possible - unless you do not disagree at all with one)

3. What questions do you still have for each of the candidates?

4. What questions do you have about the American government and how leaders are put into power?

5. If you were American and you had to vote, who would you vote for? Why? (Give as many reasons and examples for your thinking)

Click here to watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye0Xblp_Nb0

Your typed response is due: Thursday, October 27th, 2016.

THE WHY QUESTION:

1. To aid in the generation of an opinion.
2. To compare American and Canadian governments (Grade 6 Social Studies).
3. To learn how to debate, as we will be practicing debates in class. 
4. To stay up to speed on current events and the world's news.
5. To practice writing with evidence that supports your ideas.