1. Name_____________________________________________________Class_________Date_________________
The Modern Middle East Metaphor
For this project, you will create a metaphor that completes this comparison: “The modern Middle East is
like a…” You will also design and create an illustration for your metaphor, complete with a brief written
explanation of why your metaphor is accurate. Your group’s metaphor must have the following features:
1. An accurate metaphor. The major challenge of the group is to choose a metaphor that you think
accurately completes the statement, “The three branches of government under the Constitution are
like a….” You may choose from the following list of ideas, or you can come up with one of your own:
• A garden
• A building
• A family
2. Use of proper materials. 1 piece of poster board, markers or colored pencils, creative minds
3. Title. At the top of your poster, you must have a title, written clearly and in large letters, that reads,
“The modern Middle East is like a _________.”
4. Visual Image. Create a central image for your metaphor. Your image should be both bold and
artistic. It can involve drawing, cutting out magazine pictures, or both. Create a visual or part of a
visual that represents each of the items you choose below. Be sure they are labeled and that they fit
in with the theme of your metaphor.
5. Labels. Your metaphor must make direct comparisons between the modern Middle East and the
metaphor. In doing so, you must label, using 1-3 complete sentences, the following items:
Overview of the Middle East (include at least 3 of the following items): Judaism, Christianity,
Islam, ethnicity, literacy, Arabic, Hebrew, Shi’ite, Sunni
State Formation (include at least 5 of the following items): Ottoman Empire, Western
imperialism, World War I mandates, Arab nationalism, OPEC, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon,
Jordan, refugees, stateless nation
The Arab-Israeli Conflict (include at least 5 of the following items): Palestine, Zionism,
United Nations, Israel, 1948 War, 1967 War, Intifada, PLO, Jerusalem, Golan Heights, West
Bank, Gaza Strip
6. Summary Statement. Write, on your own, 5-7 complete sentences that explain your metaphor. This
statement must start with “The modern Middle East is like a __________ because….” Be sure to
include at least 3 reasons that each use examples form your poster to support your claim.