JFK Assassination: Questions

Introduction | Definitions | Internet | Questions

Here are a few questions you might want to read, think, talk, or write about as you explore the resources on this topic:

1. Concept Safari: Search the web for the following concepts. Use the search technique described in the University of Illinois Grammar Safari page to find uses. Find example pages, print them out, and be prepared to share with the class. Be sure to save the exact URL of each example you collect.
   conspiracy theory
   cover-up
   grassy knoll
   magic bullet theory
   Warren Report
2. Vocabulary Safari:
   conspiracy
   evidence
   lone
   wound
   • Locate 6 examples of the word by using the search techniques described on the Grammar Safari page. Try to locate 3 examples from web pages related to the issue of abortion and 3 from pages related to other topics. Copy the examples to a word processing file to save for later.
   • Paraphrase the example sentences.
   • Write 2 sentences using each word.
   • List and practice: write these words on a small index card. Keep it with you and use each word at least twice a day for the next 5 days.
3. Both Sides: write or prepare for oral presentation a brief summary of the arguments for issues of the Kennedy Assassination. Support your explanation with references to online resources. You might want to use one or more of the following questions as a basis for you presentation:
   • What are the main points of the argument that Oswald acted alone?
   • What are the main points of the argument that there was a conspiracy?
   • Why do you think that some people claim there was a cover-up, while others say that there was none?
4. Role-play: With another student, prepare and present to the class a role-play in which both sides of the Kennedy assassination controversy are played out.
5. Essay: choose one of the questions below and write a one- or two-page typed essay which answers it. Use at least two or three references to internet resources, and be sure to cite them correctly (check our guide to citations if you need help):
   • Narrative essay: What is the history of the controversy surrounding the Kennedy assassination?
   • Argumentative essay: Where do you opinion on the Kennedy assassination. Explain what you think may have happened, including both those areas in which you are certain of your opinion, and those areas in which you are less sure.
6. Website analysis: Choose a website from among the links on this page, or find another on the topic. Write a short paper or prepare an oral presentation answering the following questions:
   • What is the site's purpose?
   • What is the intended audience of the site?
   • Is the site's information up-to-date; how can you tell?
   • Is the site's information reliable; how can you tell?
   • For what kind of writing would this website be an appropriate source?
7. Poster project: Create a poster showing the site of the Kennedy assassination and showing, in numbered steps, what happened on the day of his death. Explain the poster to the class.