Choose one issue or conflict that affects the Middle East today. Think back to the Issues in the Middle East activity for ideas. Why do you think it’s difficult to find a solution to this issue? What needs to be considered in seeking a solution?
For this graded assignment, you will plan, organize, and write an essay on the topic described above.

Issue: Syria and the Civil War

1. Provide information below for the issue you selected. Use information from the summaries you wrote in the Issues in the Middle East activity, your book, and any other resources you have. Not all of the categories below may apply to the topic you selected.

A. History of the Issue

B. Groups Affected by the Issue

C. Attempts to Solve the Issue

D. What to Consider in Seeking a Solution

E. Obstacles to Solving the Issue

2. Now you need to organize the information and write the essay. Include the following in your essay:
an introductory paragraph that includes a thesis statement introducing the topic
one or more paragraphs that provide details and support your thesis
a concluding paragraph that restates your thesis

Below, organize the information for your essay. First, write a thesis statement—a clear sentence introducing the topic you have chosen and stating your position on its solutions. Then outline, or add bullet points to, the information you will use in the order in which the information will appear in your essay. Be brief— after the thesis statement, use words and phrases, not whole sentences. Finally, use the information you have organized to write your essay.
You will be graded on content, organization, and spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Refer to the scoring rubric and scoring instructions on the following page to see how your teacher will score your essay.