Thirteen Days; a Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. The importance of risk as a theme cannot be overlooked in Thirteen Days. With the stakes high for action or inaction, every decision is a risk. In an essay, develop an argument either for or against taking risks in political situations. Identify JFK's attitude toward risk as well as one of his opponents. Conclude with an analysis of risk and the possible repercussions.

2. Write an essay examining the importance of peer evaluation. Develop an argument that is either for using groups or against it. Was the group effort successfully used for Ex Comm? Why or...
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