An extremely important aspect of the Common Core goals is having students engage with secondary sources that are subjective. In this lesson, students read an essay that argues that the South had the right to secede. Students are asked to differentiate between facts and opinions, break down the argument, and write their own rebuttal. 6 of the Common Core standards for reading in social studies are covered in this one-day lesson.

Also, if you like this assignment, you might be interested in Applying Common Core: Civil War Era. It includes 9 reading and writing activities that, as a whole, cover every social studies Common Core standard.

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