This is an Assessment for Learning, so no marks will be assigned; instead, the assessment will help you determine where you are in your learning, where you need to go, and how best to get there. You will be provided with computer-based feedback on your work. This feedback will help you in your future learning.
Based on what you’ve learned so far in this course, as well as your own research, use the following quiz to identify the qualities you'd look for in a “model” active citizen. Feel free to look back and review the information in this lesson. Once you have created your list of qualities, you will use it in the next task.
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Select your answer, then click Submit to see if you are right!
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They take action in the local, national, or global communities.
They focus on the “common good,” not themselves.
They are willing to negotiate and find common ground with others.
They are personable, optimistic, and have perseverance.
They are leaders.
They find responsible solutions to issues.
They are visible in the community.
Now that you have a list of qualities that identify an active and engaged citizen, take a look at an example of a role model – Craig Kielburger – the founder of WE Charity (formerly Free the Children) and ME to WE.
Craig Kielburger is an individual who's aware of his role as a citizen of Canada and the world. He's actively engaged in making a difference.
To learn more about how Craig Kielburger became a social activist, in the accompanying tab, watch the short video clip about him from a documentary called “The Story of Craig Kielburger.”
As you watch the video, use the document called “Example of active citizenship” to record an example of each quality listed. You can watch the video as many times as needed to complete all the answers.
Craig Kielburger
Video
Compare your work with the suggested answers provided, and reflect on the similarities and differences.
Task 3: Writing your opinion paragraph
Instructions
Earlier in this lesson, you formed an opinion based on the data you had collected, and then wrote an opinion paragraph. If you want a refresher, return to the lesson topic called “Inquiry activity” to walk through the process.
Next, you will write an opinion paragraph in answer to this question:
Question
What do you think Craig Kielburger's most important reason is for engaging in civic action? Give reasons to support your viewpoint.
Paragraph checklist
Check paragraph structure
Topic sentence(s):
States your position and “previews” your supporting point
Body of paragraph:
1st, 2nd, and 3rd supporting points stated and backed up with facts, examples, and/or evidence
Concluding sentence:
Restates and reinforces your position and summarizes the supporting points
Check content and flow
Read the paragraph out loud. This can help you pick up on anything that sounds repetitive, awkward, or choppy.
Ask yourself the following questions about the content and flow:
What should I add?
What should I take out?
What should I move?
Is the paragraph clear and easy to follow?
Are there transitions between ideas? (e.g., Have I used words such as “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “Thirdly,” “Finally,” “Thus,” “Therefore,” and so on?)
Check style and format
Remember to use the proper paragraph structure described earlier in the lesson. If you need to review it, take a look at the section called “Writing an opinion paragraph.” Write a rough draft first, before you move on to the Paragraph tab.
When you've completed writing your rough draft, use this paragraph checklist to ensure that you didn't forget anything:
Is the first line of the paragraph indented?
Is the paragraph complete (correctly structured)?
Are all of the sentences complete?
Does each sentence begin with a capital letter?
Does each sentence end with a punctuation mark?
Is each sentence free of spelling and grammatical errors?
Your opinion paragraph
Now you are ready to fill in your final opinion paragraph.
Question
What do you think Craig Kielburger's most important reason is for engaging in civic action? Give reasons to support your viewpoint.
Exemplar
Like most paragraphs, an opinion paragraph includes a topic sentence, followed by three (minimum) to nine sentences to support it, and a concluding sentence. In total, it should be made up of five to 11 sentences.
Click each sentence below to see a detailed explanation.
The topic sentence is typically the first sentence (or two) in an opinion paragraph. It introduces the reader to the main idea to be presented in the paragraph. In an opinion paragraph, the topic sentence expresses your stand or position on an issue or a question, and “previews” how you'll support it.
The supporting sentences explain the ideas presented in the topic sentence and relate to the paragraph topic. In an opinion paragraph, the body would include supporting sentences that help you “prove” the position you took in the topic sentence by adding facts, examples, and/or evidence.
Each supporting point in the paragraph should be backed up with evidence, facts, or examples. It is important to thoroughly explain and support each point.
The supporting sentences explain the ideas presented in the topic sentence and relate to the paragraph topic. In an opinion paragraph, the body would include supporting sentences that help you “prove” the position you took in the topic sentence by adding facts, examples, and/or evidence.
Each supporting point in the paragraph should be backed up with evidence, facts, or examples. It is important to thoroughly explain and support each point.
A concluding sentence is the last sentence of the paragraph. It wraps up the paragraph and restates your position and support points in a way that brings closure to the paragraph and is memorable to the reader. The reader isn't left in “mid-air,” awaiting a conclusion.
