Writing an Essay to Express an Opinion

Competency A: Find and use Information

Task group A1: Read continuous text

Level: 1

At this level, learners: Read brief texts to locate specific details

Performance Descriptors
(Please note that not all might apply)

The learner:
•    Decodes words and makes meaning of sentences in a single text
•    Reads short texts to locate a single piece of information
•    Follows the sequence of events in straightforward chronological texts
•    Follows simple, straightforward instructional texts
•    Identifies the main idea in brief texts
•    Requires support to identify sources and to evaluate and integrate information

Task Descriptors
(Please note that not all might apply)

•    Scope of task is limited
•    Involves one text
•    Is up to one paragraph in length
•    Contains common, familiar vocabulary
•    Has a familiar context
•    Addresses concrete, day-to-day topics
•    Has a highly explicit purpose

Text Types:
Instructional, descriptive, narrative, and brief informational texts

Examples:
•    Notes
•    Simple directions
•    Instructions
•    Brief emails
•    Simple narratives

ESKARGO:

Embedded Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes Reference Guide for Ontario - A1.1

Competency B: Communicate Ideas and Information
Task Group B1: Interact with others
Level: 1
At this level, learners: Participate in brief interactions to exchange information with one other person

Performance Descriptors

The learner:

• Conveys information on familiar topics
• Shows an awareness of factors such as social, linguistic, and cultural differences that affect interactions in brief exchanges with others
• Chooses appropriate language in exchanges with clearly defined purposes
• Participates in short, simple exchanges
• Gives short, straightforward instructions or directions
• Speaks or signs clearly in a focused and organized way
• Repeats or questions to confirm understanding
• Uses and interprets non-verbal cues (e.g. body language, facial expressions, gestures)

Task Descriptors

• Scope of task is limited
• Involves one other person
• Is brief
• Addresses a familiar audience
• Contains concrete and familiar content
• Has a highly explicit purpose
• Is informal

Interaction Types:

• Exchange information
• Give instructions
• Provide directions
• State preferences

ESKARGO:

Embedded Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes Reference Guide for Ontario – B1.1

Competency D: Use Digital Technology
Level: 2
At this level, learners: Perform well-defined, multi-step digital tasks

Performance Descriptors
The learner:

• Selects and follows appropriate steps to complete tasks
• Locates and recognizes functions and commands
• Makes low-level inferences to interpret icons and text
• Begins to identify sources and evaluate information
• Performs simple searches using keywords (e.g. Internet, software help menu)

Task Descriptors

• Scope of task is clearly defined
• May include unfamiliar elements (e.g. vocabulary, context, topic)
• Requires multiple steps to complete
• Requires the use of a limited range of features and options
• May be completed in more than one way; each way has a set procedure
• Uses a simple format
• Contains text, icons, or both
• Text and icons required to complete tasks are easy to interpret
• May contain distracting information
• Interface offers a variety of options through menus

ESKARGO:
Embedded Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes Reference Guide for Ontario – D.2