Name(s):_______________________________________

P:_____

ISRAEL/PALESTINE TWO VOICE POEM

A two voice poem compares and contrasts two perspectives on a
similar issue. For this assignment, you must compare and contrast the
experiences, thoughts, feelings, and actions of both Palestinians and Israelis
through juxtaposed couplets. See example of a couplet below:
I never thought I would lose my home and have to start anew in a place hundreds of miles from my home
in Germany
I never thought I would lose my home and have to live life as a refugee escaping my razed home in
Palestine

In the couplet above, the Palestinian perspective is in italic and the

Israeli perspective is above it. Both lines in the couplet discuss the
similar theme of the 1948 war and, shockingly, both characters
experience similar feelings about it for different reasons.
The best poems will give each character a name, develop
personalities (is your character Israeli a Zionist? Do they want peace?
Does your Palestinian fight back? Do they want revenge?), cite historical
moments, and talk about multiple issues in depth.
For this assignment, you have the option of working with a
partner. If you choose to do so, you must be able to meet outside of class
time. You must each take on a different perspective and stick to that role:
writing lines for your specific character.
In order to receive a four on this assignment, you must meet all
requirements listed on the following page and attach this assignment
sheet to both your FIRST and FINAL DRAFT.

Name(s):_______________________________________
P:_____

PARTNER POEM REQUIREMENTS

INDIVIDUAL POEM
REQUIREMENTS

AT LEAST 16 couplets
Cite 3 historical events
Describe 3 issues facing
Palestinians and Israelis in depth
Ex: Temple Mount,
US aid, Settlements, Wall,
Water, Education/Wage Facts,
Maps
Research and cite 2 aspects of
both Palestinian and Israeli
culture (4 total)
Research food,
religion, etc.
*Empathize with both Palestinians and
Israelis

AT LEAST 8 couplets
Cite 2 historical events
Describe 2 issues facing
Palestinians and Israelis in depth
Ex: Temple Mount,
US aid, Settlements, Wall,
Water, Education/Wage Facts,
Maps
Research and cite 1 aspect of
both Palestinian and Israeli
culture (2 total)
Research food,
religion, etc.
*Empathize with both Palestinians and
Israelis

Fill out chart below:

I did my poem with a partner

I did my poem alone

Write the name of the person who wrote

the lines for each character
Israeli voice
_________________________________

Which voice am I most proud of and why?

Palestinian voice
_____________________________
PEER EDITING (To be filled out by peer editor):
Peer Editor Name ____________________________________________________
What you did well

What needs improvement

Name(s):_______________________________________
P:_____

After someone peer edits your work, rewrite your poem with changes. Highlight the
changes you made.
TWO VOICE POEM (First Draft)
Hint: In order to discuss issues in depth, you may need to use the same theme more
than once.
Theme

Poem Couplets

Ex:

Ex:

1948 War

I never thought I would lose my home and have to start anew in a place hundreds
of miles from my home in Germany
I never thought I would lose my home and have to live life as a refugee
escaping my razed home in Palestine

Name(s):_______________________________________
P:_____

Name(s):_______________________________________
P:_____

*Add more paper if necessary