Japan's Geography - Advantages vs. Disadvantages

Students used their research skills and persuasive writing skills to compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages to Japan's geography.  After taking notes on both sides, including finding statistics and pictures for each side, students wrote a persuasive essay arguing a thesis either for more advantages or more disadvantages to Japan's geography, including persuasive techniques such as the use of statistics, sentence variety, addressing readers' concerns, providing counterarguments, and even supporting their ideas with citations from resources and endnotes.  Enjoy some student samples below...