1. Resources in the Middle East
Close Read

2. Instructions
As we answer questions about the text, please try to be specific in your answers. Go back to the text and find words and phrases that help you answer the question.
Everyone’s eyes should be on the text when a question is asked. There is no need to raise hands, because everyone will be called on at some point.
Make sure to discuss the answers with your group.
Make sure to mark up the text as we answer questions. It will make the assessment easier when you go back to the text.
You will notice line numbers. These will help us focus our analysis. Many questions require evidence from multiple areas.

3. Text Dependent Questions
The title of this article considers the control of valuable resources in politics in the Middle East. What do you learn about the significance and qualities of the key resources in the first paragraph?
Former and latter is a structure that can sometimes be confusing. Line 12 says, “Although there is no problem obtaining the latter…” What clue(s) in this paragraph informs you as to which resource is the latter? What, then is the former resource and how is it described in the text?

4. Text Dependent Questions
The scarcity of water is a key factor in the Arab-Israeli conflict and is illuminated in lines 17 – 38. Use two different color highlighters to dissect the problem. Use one color to show Israeli efforts to secure water for their national interests and a second color to show Arab efforts to secure water.
What evidence from this same section, lines 17 – 38, illuminates the fears and concerns the Israelis and Arab people have concerning the lack of water?

5. Text Dependent Questions
Line 40 establishes “points of contention” between the Syrians and Israelis. What actions in that paragraph help define what contention means? Create a definition (not examples) of ‘contention’ – in your own words.
Embargo refers to a restriction placed on a commodity by the supplier. In lines 51 – 57, why does OPEC use this tool in an attempt to achieve its political goals?
On line 59 the author introduces the idea of “using oil as a weapon.” What evidence from lines 59 – 69 describes how this weapon is used as a political tool?

6. Text Dependent Questions
How did the Arab Boycott reach beyond its intended impact?
Rename the article, what would you rename it using the knowledge gained and evidence from the text?

7. Assessment
Using the following map and the article as evidence to write a response to the following question:
How do resources affect cooperation or conflict among Middle Eastern cultures?
Make sure to include at least THREE pieces of evidence from the text and ONE from the map
Make sure to CITE the map or the line numbers from the article when using evidence
Your assignment is due at the end of class