1. Instructions:
In your response, make an argument for whether it is better for Waketown to build its new Wake
Heights subdivision or to preserve the Wake Wetland Preserve. Use evidence from at least two
of the sources below to support your claim. Be sure to introduce your precise claim, develop the
claim with evidence from the sources, and demonstrate relationships between ideas. (15 points)
Excerpt from Source #1: "Housing Leads to Income," article from Waketown News by Jed Harris
A planned housing development in northern Waketown could bring much needed revenue to
area businesses. Developers plan to build 100 homes, 300 apartments, and 200 townhouses for
the Wake Heights subdivision. According to town mayor Hector Ruiz, the new housing is exactly
the boost the struggling economy of Waketown needs. "Waketown is a community of small
businesses," says Ruiz. "These businesses depend on those living in the area to survive.
Adding thousands of people to the town will mean more people will shop at our markets, gas
stations, and restaurants. The influx of money to these businesses will help them stay afloat."
Excerpt from Source #2: "Wetland Ecosystems at Risk," article in Wetlands Journal by Dr. Mia
Sander, biologist
Wetland ecosystems are fragile and their survival depends on each part of the ecosystem
working as it should. If part of the ecosystem is damaged, the entire ecosystem will eventually
fall apart. Take, for instance, the wetlands in the Wake Wetland Preserve in northern
Waketown. This area is home to nearly a hundred species of wildlife and thousands of species
of plant life. All of these life forms thrive because of the wet environment. Drawing water away
from this area to provide water for a housing development would significantly reduce the amount
of wetness in the area. If this marsh were to be dried up, the plant and animal life would perish.
Excerpt from Source #3: Study on Economic Growth in Waketown by Waketown Town Council
Economic Statistics for Waketown 1980-2020 (projected)
Year Average Profit of Local Business Average of nearby town (Northville)
1980-1985 $700,000 $650,000
1986-1990 $725,000 $675,000
1991-1995 $600,000 $700,000
1996-2000 $610,000 $725,000
2001-2005 $600,000 $770,000
2006-2010 $600,000 $800,000
2011-2020 (projected) $1,000,000 $900,000
Key Events in Waketown
1990: Wake Wetland Preserve established by the state government. The animals and plants in
the area were protected by park rangers. No business could buy land or build in this area.
2000: Wake Wetland Preserve expanded.
2010: Wake Heights subdivision proposed. Wake Wetland Preserve loses its government
protection.
2011: Building begins in Wake Heights neighborhood.
In your response, make an argument for whether it is better for Waketown to build its new Wake
Heights subdivision or to preserve the Wake Wetland Preserve. Use evidence from at least two
of the sources below to support your claim. Be sure to introduce your precise claim, develop the
claim with evidence from the sources, and demonstrate relationships between ideas. (15 points)
Excerpt from Source #1: "Housing Leads to Income," article from Waketown News by Jed Harris
A planned housing development in northern Waketown could bring much needed revenue to
area businesses. Developers plan to build 100 homes, 300 apartments, and 200 townhouses for
the Wake Heights subdivision. According to town mayor Hector Ruiz, the new housing is exactly
the boost the struggling economy of Waketown needs. "Waketown is a community of small
businesses," says Ruiz. "These businesses depend on those living in the area to survive.
Adding thousands of people to the town will mean more people will shop at our markets, gas
stations, and restaurants. The influx of money to these businesses will help them stay afloat."
Excerpt from Source #2: "Wetland Ecosystems at Risk," article in Wetlands Journal by Dr. Mia
Sander, biologist
Wetland ecosystems are fragile and their survival depends on each part of the ecosystem
working as it should. If part of the ecosystem is damaged, the entire ecosystem will eventually
fall apart. Take, for instance, the wetlands in the Wake Wetland Preserve in northern
Waketown. This area is home to nearly a hundred species of wildlife and thousands of species
of plant life. All of these life forms thrive because of the wet environment. Drawing water away
from this area to provide water for a housing development would significantly reduce the amount
of wetness in the area. If this marsh were to be dried up, the plant and animal life would perish.
Excerpt from Source #3: Study on Economic Growth in Waketown by Waketown Town Council
Economic Statistics for Waketown 1980-2020 (projected)
Year Average Profit of Local Business Average of nearby town (Northville)
1980-1985 $700,000 $650,000
1986-1990 $725,000 $675,000
1991-1995 $600,000 $700,000
1996-2000 $610,000 $725,000
2001-2005 $600,000 $770,000
2006-2010 $600,000 $800,000
2011-2020 (projected) $1,000,000 $900,000
Key Events in Waketown
1990: Wake Wetland Preserve established by the state government. The animals and plants in
the area were protected by park rangers. No business could buy land or build in this area.
2000: Wake Wetland Preserve expanded.
2010: Wake Heights subdivision proposed. Wake Wetland Preserve loses its government
protection.
2011: Building begins in Wake Heights neighborhood.
