9.2.7 Practice: An Editorial Response to Imperialism
World History
Points Possible:30
Practice
Name: misha benhamou
Date:
In this assignment you will complete the following steps:
1. Research: Complete a graphic organizer with information about British imperialism and
the Chinese opium trade.
2. Write: Write an editorial from the perspective of a character involved in the
British-Chinese opium trade.
This section is worth 10 points. See the scoring rubric below for more details on how you will be
graded on your research.
China and Great Britain were pursuing competing interests in the 19th century. The British
wanted to create a positive trade balance with China by importing opium into that country. China
wanted to maintain control over its population and trade by restricting foreign influence and
goods. What motivations did each side have in pursuing its respective policies? Think about
how different people on each side may have understood and justified their actions.
Choose one of the following characters/perspectives for your editorial:
? Chinese merchant
? British merchant
? Chinese politician
? British politician
As you do your research, look for reasons why your character might support or condemn the
opium trade. Then, complete the graphic organizer with examples you gather through your
research. Be on the lookout for primary sources such as artwork, official documents, letters,
newspaper articles, and religious documents from the time period to support your conclusions.
Notes
Historical
perspective
Position on the
opium trade
Research Sources (Website,
Book, Article, Etc.)
One strong
opposing point
First supporting
point
Second
supporting
point
Third
supporting
point
This section is worth 20 points. See the scoring rubric below for more details on how you will be
graded on your essay.
Use your research findings to write an editorial. The editorial should be based on the viewpoint
of one of the four perspectives: Chinese merchant, British merchant, Chinese politician, or
British politician. Be sure to include specific information to further your argument.
Use your graphic organizer to guide you as you write. Keep your focus on making a convincing
argument. Your essay should contain the following:
1. A few sentences that introduce the issue
2. A sentence or two that clearly identifies your position
3. At least one strong point in opposition to your position
4. A short rebuttal of that opposing point
5. At least three convincing supporting points for your position
6. A concluding sentence or two
7. A works-cited list: Include a list of all the sources that you used. These should also be
cited within the body of your essay using parenthetical citations. Use the MLA Style
Guide for your citations.

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