Los Angeles has a history of drought and water shortages. In the 1900s, the L.A. Aqueduct was built to help solve this problem. An aqueduct is a channel constructed to take water from one place to another. The L.A. Aqueduct, however, was one of the most controversial projects.
Write a persuasive essay that either supports or opposes the building of the aqueduct. You will research the L.A. water crisis and the construction of the aqueduct. Here are some questions to guide your research:
What was Los Angeles' water crisis?
Who was William Mulholland, and what did he do about the water crisis?
How did the aqueduct benefit Los Angeles?
Why were people opposed to the construction of an aqueduct?
What are some ways to conserve water?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites listed in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above, and write down what you have learned in the note-taking boxes.
You may use search engines to research other Web sites. Or research aqueducts and water conservation at the library. When you have finished, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your essay.
Step 2. Research
Research answers for the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!
Toolbox Tip: Click here to learn how to tell whether a Web site is reliable.
