China Mega Dam Argumentative Paper 7 th Grade Social Studies Mr. Rothe

Transcription

1 China Mega Dam Argumentative Paper 7 th Grade Social Studies Mr. Rothe Spring 2014

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3 (attach to the back) Name China Mega Dam Graphic Organizer Date Hr While viewing the Discovery Channel s movie on the China Mega Dam on the Yangtze River, watch/listen for information to answer the following question? Should China have built the China Mega Dam? Advantages/Pros/Yes Disadvantages/Cons/No

4 China Mega Dam Argumentative paper Requirements: 2 pages 12 point Times New Roman double spaced Must include in the upper right hand corner - Example Name (First Last) 7 th Grade Social Studies China Mega Dam Paper Date Hour TITLE of PAPER Your paper must reference the two of the attached articles ARTICLE 1 Background information on China and their water policies A Crisis to Come? China, India, and Water Rivalry ARTICLE 2 Argumentative Style and more information on dams Pros and Cons of Hydroelectricity You can also reference the two Language Arts Articles: Ethiopia Dam Article 2012 & Africa Tech cities and mega dams 2013 Attach the following three items: Must attach the rubric to the front of the paper Must attach the Final Argumentative Graphic Organizer to the back Must attach the Pro/Con Graphic Organizer to the back Needs the following paragraphs: I Introduction & state claim and purpose of the paper, II 1 st point/information III 2 nd point/information IV 3 rd point/information V 4 th point/information VI 5 th point/information VII counterargument paragraph VIII conclusion paragraph restate the claim again, closing

5 Argumentative Essay : China Mega Dam Student Name: Date Hr CATEGORY Attention Grabber Claim or Thesis Statement Support for Position Evidence and Examples Accuracy 10 - Above Standards The introductory paragraph has a strong hook or attention grabber that is appropriate for the audience. This could be a strong statement, a relevant quotation, statistic, or question addressed to the reader. The claim/ thesis statement names the topic of the essay and outlines the main points to be discussed. Includes 3 or more pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the position statement. The writer anticipates the reader\\\'s concerns, biases or arguments and has provided at least 1 counterargument. All of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author\\\'s position. All supportive facts and statistics are reported accurately. 7 - Meets Standards The introductory paragraph has a hook or attention grabber, but it is weak, rambling or inappropriate for the audience. The claim/ thesis statement names the topic of the essay. Includes 3 or more pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples, reallife experiences) that support the position statement. Most of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author\\\'s position. Almost all supportive facts and statistics are reported accurately. 4 - Approaching Standards The author has an interesting introductory paragraph but the connection to the topic is not clear. The claim/thesis statement outlines some or all of the main points to be discussed but does not name the topic. Includes 2 pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the position statement. At least one of the pieces of evidence and examples is relevant and has an explanation that shows how that piece of evidence supports the author\\\'s position. Most supportive facts and statistics are reported accurately. 1 - Below Standards The introductory paragraph is not interesting AND is not relevant to the topic. The claim/ thesis statement does not name the topic AND does not preview what will be discussed. Includes 1 or fewer pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences). Evidence and examples are NOT relevant AND/OR are not explained. Most supportive facts and statistics were inaccurately reported. Sequencing Arguments and support are provided in a logical order that makes it easy and interesting to follow the author\'s train of thought. Arguments and support are provided in a fairly logical order that makes it reasonably easy to follow the author\'s train of thought. A few of the support details or arguments are not in an expected or logical order, distracting the reader and making the essay seem a little confusing. Many of the support details or arguments are not in an expected or logical order, distracting the reader and making the essay seem very confusing.

6 Grammar & Spelling Author makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Author makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Author makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Author makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Capitalization & Punctuation Audience Closing paragraph Author makes no errors in capitalization or punctuation, so the essay is exceptionally easy to read. Demonstrates a clear understanding of the potential reader and uses appropriate vocabulary and arguments. Anticipates reader\'s questions and provides thorough answers appropriate for that audience. The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader solidly understanding the writer\'s position. Effective restatement of the position statement begins the closing paragraph. Author makes 1-2 errors in capitalization or punctuation, but the essay is still easy to read. Demonstrates a general understanding of the potential reader and uses vocabulary and arguments appropriate for that audience. The conclusion is recognizable. The author\'s position is restated within the first two sentences of the closing paragraph. Author makes a few errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader\'s attention and interrupt the flow. Demonstrates some understanding of the potential reader and uses arguments appropriate for that audience. The author\'s position is restated within the closing paragraph, but not near the beginning. Author makes several errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader\'s attention and interrupt the flow. It is not clear who the author is writing for. There is no conclusion - the paper just ends. Date Created: Apr 07, :41 pm (CDT)

7 ARTICLE 1 Background information on China and their water policies A Crisis to Come? China, India, and Water Rivalry Brahma Chellaney, Ashley J. Tellis September 13, 2011 Washington, D.C. China's unique status as the source of transboundary river flows to the largest number of countries in the world and its water disputes with virtually all riparian neighbors has serious implications for its major south-westerly neighbor, India. Both China and India are major rising powers; both states have exhibited high rates of economic growth; and both states are heavily reliant on natural resources especially water for their sustained development. China s control over the source of major Indian rivers, its construction of mega-dams, its ambitious water management plans, and its rejection of institutionalized watersharing cooperation creates a potential for serious conflict with India. How can a Sino-Indian water war be averted as China seeks to disturb the status quo on international river flows? Brahma Chellaney, professor of strategic studies at the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi, and author of Water: Asia s New Battleground (Georgetown University Press, September 2011), discussed tensions that could result from China s control over important water sources. Ashley J. Tellis moderated the discussion. China as Hydro-Hegemon Chellaney described several ways that China has acted as a hydro-hegemon: Headwaters: China is the largest source of transboundary river flows, including many, such as the Brahmaputra River, that flow from the Tibetan Plateau to much of South Asia. Dams: No country in history has built more dams than China, and it has built more dams than the rest of the world combined. Environmental practice: China s use of rivers has been ecologically unsafe, which has had devastating consequences for the environment. Increasing Tensions Over Water Dams: Having saturated its internal rivers with dams, China is increasingly orienting its dam building toward rivers that flow out from China into neighboring countries, Chellaney said. Unilateral approach: China has increasingly taken a unilateralist approach to its use of rivers and its dam construction, Chellaney noted, as shown by its unwillingness to consult with other countries about how a new dam might affect them. Water agreements: While Chinese participation is critical to establishing any multinational water management institutions, Beijing has eschewed any sort of legally binding commitment on water and refused to address its neighbors concerns, Chellaney observed. While almost all of China s neighbors have water agreements among themselves, not one has a water agreement with China. Unsurprisingly, Chellaney added, China is involved in water disputes with almost all of its neighbors, including friendly states such as North Korea and Pakistan.

8 China and India: Potential for Conflict Brahmaputra River: After many years of denying plans to build a mega-dam on the Brahmaputra River, one of the major rivers in Asia, China recently announced plans to begin construction, Chellaney said. This river is one of India s and Bangladesh s largest sources of water, and any water diversions could be devastating to both countries. Territorial dispute: Moreover, Chellaney added, the Brahmaputra River supplies water to the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, which is China s largest territorial dispute. He warned that there is a significant possibility of security tensions and the politicization of water if China s dam building plans go through. Tellis noted that while the water issue remains extremely important, it transcends traditional security disputes between states. He argued that its significance stems from the fact that transboundary water problems lay at the interstice of several larger regional and international issues, including climate change, the character of the international order, and the preferences and actions of states themselves. Tellis further added that if water was a purely private resource, then reliance on markets would provide adequate solutions in principle; however, since river flows cross borders and are not privately-owned, there is a need for institutions to assure equitable and practical solutions to any riparian rivalry. Chellaney concurred, adding that although there is a desperate need for China to respect the water-sharing status quo, a united front of China s downstream neighbors is extremely unlikely due to internecine fighting between the downstream states over their own water issues. Both Chellaney and Tellis warned that the water conflict between China and its neighbors has real national security implications, and that it is a problem that will only become worse. This event is the first in the "China and India: Rising Powers, Rising Risks?" series, supported by a grant from the MacArthur Foundation. The next will be "China and India: How to Recognize Rivalry" on September 26th. About the Asia Program The Carnegie Asia Program in Beijing and Washington provides clear and precise analysis to policy makers on the complex economic, security, and political developments in the Asia-Pacific region. About the South Asia Program The Carnegie South Asia Program informs policy debates relating to the region s security, economy, and political development. From the war in Afghanistan to Pakistan s internal dynamics to U.S. engagement with India, the Program s renowned team of experts offer in-depth analysis derived from their unique access to the people and places defining South Asia s most critical challenges.

9 ARTICLE 2 Argumentative Style Pros and Cons on Hydroelectricity Hydroelectricity Pros and Cons Hydroelectricity is increasingly being looked at as a feasible source of renewable energy. On that note, let us have a look at some hydroelectricity pros and cons. Hydroelectricity, in the simplest of terms, is the electricity that is generated using flowing water, or that water which is stored in a reservoir. In both cases however, the fundamental principle of power generation remains the same. For all you curious souls, here is an explanation of how hydroelectricity is generated. A large volume of water is stored in a reservoir at a high altitude. A power generation plant, consisting of multiple turbines is constructed downstream, at a much lower altitude. The reservoir and the power generation plant are connected by large pipelines known as penstocks. When water is released from the reservoir, it flows down the penstock at a high speed towards the turbine. Naturally, the speed at which the water flows down the penstock will be directly proportional to the difference between the altitudes of the reservoir and the turbine. As the water flows down, its potential energy gets converted into kinetic energy, which therein works the turbine blades and produces electricity. This is how hydroelectric power is generated. Now that you are aware of how hydroelectricity is generated, let us take a look at the various pros and cons of hydroelectricity. First, the good part, i.e. the pros or advantages of hydroelectricity. Pros Hydroelectricity is undoubtedly the most widely-used form of renewable energy as compared to other energy forms such as solar energy, tidal energy, wind energy, etc. It is also the most feasible of all renewable energy options and therefore, the most popular. In terms of reliability and consistency, hydroelectricity is way ahead of its other renewable energy counterparts. No wonder then, that hydroelectric power is a preferred choice, not just for small-scale industries, but also for heavy-duty industries and manufacturing plants. Hydroelectric power is completely independent of fossil fuels or other perishable resources. It does not involve any combustion or burning of fuel, coal, etc. and therefore, does not release any toxic chemicals in the atmosphere and nor does it create any harmful byproducts. A hydroelectric power installation can be beneficial for fish breeding. The operational cost is quite low and it is also a clean way of producing energy. Also, the water can be reused for agriculture, irrigation, civic water supply, etc., therefore losses are minimal. Also, the large volume of water in the reservoir often serves the purpose for recreational activities such as water sports, which makes the location a tourist spot as well. Hydroelectricity power stations have a really long life and hence, they can generate electricity for many years, rather decades. The time required for a hydro power station to shut down and restart is way too less than other power stations. Where other power stations, normally take eight hours to restart, a hydro power station can restart in just a few minutes (sometimes even seconds). Cons One of the major cons of hydroelectricity is the need for a large enough reservoir. Constructing a large reservoir is a major challenge, both in terms of time and money. Also, it often involves relocation of families who happen to be residing in the area that has been approved for the

10 construction of the reservoir. Regardless of how strong and unbreakable a reservoir may seem, there is always the theoretical risk of the reservoir giving way in the event of unexpected heavy and prolonged torrential rain. Although such incidents are rare, if they indeed do happen, they can cause mass damage to livelihood. In some cases, constructing a reservoir or damming a river at a certain location may lead to adverse ecological effects on its immediate surroundings. In other words, it cannot be constructed just anywhere; a proper land examination is a must prior to hydro power station construction. Since the amount of power generated depends largely on the altitude difference between the reservoir and the turbine, finding a suitable place for both the reservoir and the turbine often becomes a problem. Droughts can have a severely adverse impact on hydroelectric power generation. Silt is a problem that adversely affects quite a few reservoirs, and consequently, the respective hydroelectric power plants as well. Earthquakes is another major concern when it comes to hydroelectricity generation. It has been observed that in China and Uttarakhand (India) large dam constructions are responsible for the massive earthquakes occurred in these regions. Land usage is a crucial factor in hydroelectricity generation. If not planned wisely, a dam construction can amount to wastage of land. The driveways constructed to access the dam also leads to more land usage. Although hydroelectricity is a renewable and highly beneficial energy resource, it is essential to consider its possible negative effects on the environment and take necessary steps to prevent any environmental loss.