TRADE IMPASSE
Discussion Questions, Summary Writing, Role Play, and Vocabulary
By Laura Greenwald Frommer, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Washington, DC

Objective:
This lesson plan is most appropriate for World studies and/or Economics classes. It focuses on international trade, specifically highlighting the recent collapse of the World Trade Organization conference in Cancun, Mexico. Students will debate real world issues by watching and discussing three NewsHour reports, Trade Impasse, Subsidy Struggle and Textile Blues. Trade Impasse includes discussion of the recent WTO conference in Mexico; Subsidy Struggle examines the impact of U.S. cotton subsidies on Malian cotton farmers; and Textile Blues focuses on the connection between U.S. trade policy and the plight of textile workers in North Carolina. Students will develop their critical thinking skills and ability to understand the key points of the debate on free trade and U.S. trade policy, compare and contrast attitudes, and formulate their own opinions on the topic. This lesson consists of four parts, which can be used separately or together:

• What is free trade? Students will become familiar with the topic by reviewing pre-listening discussion questions. Students will express their views on free trade and the impact of globalization.
• Comparison and Contrast/Summary Writing:After listening to the video, students will complete a short True/False section and will compare and contrast attitudes of interviewees during the NewsHour discussion.
• Role-Play: After choosing a country, students will conduct research on their country's views on international trade. Students will write a position statement for presentation at the WTO conference.
• Vocabulary Practice: Students will complete a vocabulary matching exercise.

Resources:

1. The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer (September 15, 2003): Trade Impasse
   http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/international/july-dec03/wto_9-15.html
2. The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer (September 23, 2003): Textile Blues
   http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/economy/july-dec03/textile_9-23.html
3. The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer (September 9, 2003): Subsidy Struggle
   http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/international/july-dec03/farmers_9-09.html

Handouts and answer sheets:

1. Pre-listening discussion questions
2. True/False questions
3. True/False answer sheet
4. Compare and Contrast questions
5. Roleplay statement
6. Vocabulary handout
7. Vocabulary answer sheet
8. Summary writing assignment

Correlations to National Standards:

Procedure:
Each student should receive a handout with the pre-listening discussion questions and the following NewsHour and WTO Web sites for background research:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/international/wto/

http://www.wto.org

After students have reviewed both Web sites, place students in small groups of three or four before the class joins together in a larger discussion. Students will write short answers to the pre-listening discussion questions based on their small group interaction. (These questions may also serve as essay questions for homework).

Viewing Activities for Trade Impasse:
Now, join the class for viewing of the background report and discussion entitled "Trade Impasse". Each student should receive a handout with the True/False section and discussion questions. After listening to the report, review the answers to the True/False section (answer sheet).

Then, place students in small discussion groups so they can share ideas about the main themes, compare and contrast attitudes, and express opinions on key issues. Students should write short answers to the discussion questions based on the small group interaction. Then, moderate a larger discussion.

Role Play Procedures:
Ask students to form small teams. They will role play as trade representatives from a country of their choice. Students will prepare a statement outlining their country's perspective on international trade for presentation at the Cancun WTO conference. Students may want to conduct background research for homework before presenting statements to their classmates.

Summary Writing:
These additional comparison/contrast activities can be used as a supplement to the Trade Impasse lesson. Tasks can be completed in class on school computers or as individual homework assignments on home computers. First, read or watch the reports to familiarize yourself with the programs. Ask students to listen to one or both reports online on school or home computers. Using the handout, students should write concise summaries that highlight the main ideas of the report. Check that the students have used their own words when writing their summaries. It is important that they avoid plagiarism. After students complete their summaries, you may want to break the class into two groups so students can share their summaries and opinions with their classmates.

Vocabulary Practice:
The vocabulary activities may precede or follow the viewing of the Trade Impasse. Students may work in pairs for both exercises. Pass out the handout and ask students to read the excerpts from report; excerpts are provided so students may study new vocabulary in context. For each excerpt, students should match vocabulary words with definitions. Check answers against the teacher key.

Correlations to National Standards:
National Council for the Social Studies Global Connections IX:
b.Explain conditions and motivations that contribute to conflict, cooperation and interdependence among groups, societies and nations;
e.Analyze the relationships and tensions between national sovereignty and global interests, in matters such as territory, economic development, nuclear and other weapons, use of natural resources, and human rights concerns;
g. Describe and evaluate the role of international and multinational organizations in the global arena.

Author Laura Greenwald Frommer teaches English for International Relations at the Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, DC. She has a Master's Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from the Monterey Institute of International Studies and a Master's Degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University SAIS. She has a B.A. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University.

To find out more about opportunities to contribute to this site, contact Leah Clapman at extra@newshour.org.