It is 1 200 years ago, and the leader of an ancient New World agricultural community would like to discuss with you an important matter in which you happen to be an expert.

This agricultural community is doing well but the leader would like to bring more prosperity and guarantee economic stability to the community members. This community has no written language, but the leader has heard about it. You have been brought here to discuss the benefits of adopting a writing system as well as the potential downsides.

The Dialogue

For this assignment, you will write a dialogue between yourself and the community leader.  

Part 1

The leader describes the community to you including its location, the climate, crops, people and culture. 

Part 2

You respond by explaining what writing is and what benefits it might bring to the community. 

Part 3

The leader asks specific questions about problems that might arise because of this change. All techniques are double-edged swords. All change requires effort and can bring disruption. 

Part 4

You respond with potential issues that you can foresee. You make your recommendation based on your appraisal of the entire situation. 

Part 5

The leader thanks you for your wisdom and lets you know what the final decision is based on your advice. 

This will be marked out of 48 according to the rubric below.