Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

Debate: Is War Ever Justifiable?

Students participate in an in-class debate on the question of whether war is justified.

Throughout the novel, many characters question both the role of the US military in Iraq and whether the war is the correct response by the international community. In this activity, you will consider the role of war generally, and participate in a debate in which you argue for or against the following question: Is war ever justifiable?

• Working with your team, structure your argument so that the team has a unified position.
• Select an order of presentation, with an opening statement, arguments, and possible rebuttals, and finally a closing statement.
• Prepare arguments aloud within your group before presenting to the opposing side.

In your notes or a reading journal following the debate, reflect on the points your side made that you feel were most effective. In what ways are these points supported or challenged by events and character actions in the novel?

Teaching Suggestion: This activity will allow students to practice their debate skills. Support students with time limits for their arguments.