1. Good or bad for the country?
Palm Oil in Indonesia
Good or bad for the country?

2. Background
Although we may not realize it, most of us use a substance called palm oil each day. It is in everything from our soaps and lotions, to the food we eat. Oil palm’s are historically found in Africa and in the mid-20th- century the species was brought to Malaysia and Indonesia for large-scale production.

3. Find Your Own Evidence
On your two strips of paper one partner will write down a fact, stat or quote supporting palm oil is good for Indonesia while the other partner does the same for it being bad.

4. Create an Evidence Spectrum
With your partner move each piece of evidence to a place on the spectrum.

5. Reflection
Choose two pieces of evidence that were more difficult to place by consensus.
Reflect on the process. Why is it more difficult to determine where some pieces of evidence fall on the spectrum? Which evidence is most interesting to discuss with your group? What is the value in discussing the evidence and placing it on the spectrum?

6. Claim Supporting Argument
Choose a side and make a claim. Should Indonesians continue to farm for palm oil?
Begin by determining 2 pieces of evidence from the side of the spectrum that you think make the strongest argument.
Do they have a similar reason?
What can you say about these pieces of evidence together?
Write a clear, arguable claim:
Restate the question + answer + reason
Claim Supporting Argument
Evidence 1
Evidence 2

7. Counterclaim
Determine a piece of evidence from the other side of the spectrum that could be used in a counterclaim. Your counterclaim should NOT be the title of the other side of the spectrum. Your counterclaim SHOULD BE something that you can rebut or challenge with evidence from the same side on which you already created your claim. Counterclaim stems: Others might say that… People on the other side of the argument believe…

8. Reflect on Counterclaiming
Where on the spectrum did you find the best counter- evidence? Is it better to find pieces of evidence that are in direct opposition or pieces that are more nuanced? Why?

9. 3 Paragraph Summary
Use your notes on palm oil to write a 3 paragraph summary.
Follow the handout structure to make sure that you include a claim, two pieces of evidence and the counterclaim.
Make sure to explain why the counterclaim is not as strong as your claim.