Abraham Lincoln – Self-Determination


“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Abraham LincolnBig Idea
Students are fed the consistent message that they can achieve anything in life if only they just work hard at it. They are in control of their future. But students are also aware of the fact that much of their future is out of their control and that no matter how hard they try, they will never achieve certain things. These two forces– the internal force of their own desires and the external force of the world acting upon them– conspire to shape their life experiences.
Claim
According to Abraham Lincoln, you can make things happen if you want them to happen.
Counterclaim
Your future is determined for you. You are not in control.
Essential
Question
Do you have control over your future?
Student Video


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