Geography class academic reading: Upfront monthly

Geography class academic reading: Upfront monthly
Originally uploaded by trudeau

critical thinking

President Obama’s campaign slogan was “Yes We Can.” As a candidate, what issues did Obama promise to tackle, if elected? Which of those issues has he already addressed, and how? Which ones has he not addressed, and why?

Do you think the slogan “Yes We Can” still generates the same enthusiasm as it did during the campaign?
Why or why not?

writing prompt

Choose an issue
faced by the Obama administration that is important to you. Write
an editorial discussing the background of the issue, how Obama
is addressing it, and whether you think he will be successful in his
efforts, and why.

Debate

Take a side: Should the
government help bail out failing companies at taxpayer expense?

DiScUSSion QUeStionS

Is it important for the U.S. to have a positive image overseas?

What has Obama done to help repair the nation’s economy? What still
needs to be done to bring about a recovery?
Do you think Obama is trying to accomplish too much at once? Does he have a choice? Explain.

Obama has said that U.S. troops will be out of combat in Iraq by August
2010. Do you think that is a sensible timetable?
Why or why not? How do you feel about the changes Obama plans to
make in the health-care system? Do you think
these changes will lead to better, more equitable health care, or make the situation worse? Explain.

Have your views about Obama changed since the election? Explain.

faSt factS

The Obama White House is the first to have a YouTube channel (with
75,000 subscribers so far). Obama is also the first President to carry a
BlackBerry. •

whitehouse.gov