Newspaper Editorial: Ban Pesticides to Save Bees
Newspaper Editorial: Ban Pesticides to Save Bees
Learner will read a current newspaper editorial and will then answer content-based and vocabulary questions. Learner will then write a basic letter to the editor on a controversial topic.
- Editorial: Ban on Pesticides Task Set
- Pen or pencil
- Computer with word processing software and internet connection (optional if letter is hand written)
- Academic Upgrading Communications - Common Writing Rubric
Skill Building Activities:
- Word vocabulary in the article
- Parts of a formal letter
A1. Read continuous text
Competency A: Find and Use Information
Task Group A1: Read continuous text
Level: 2
At this level, learners: Read texts to locate and connect ideas and information
Performance Descriptors
The learner:
• Makes connections between sentences and between paragraphs in a single text
• Scans text to locate information
• Locates multiple pieces of information in simple texts
• Reads more complex texts to locate a single piece of information
• Makes low-level inferences
• Follows the main events of descriptive, narrative, and informational texts
• Obtains information from detailed reading
• Begins to identify sources and evaluate information
Task Descriptors
• Scope of task is clearly defined
• Involves one text
• Is one paragraph or longer
• May include unfamiliar elements (e.g. vocabulary, context, topic)
Text types:
instructional, descriptive, narrative, and informational texts
Examples:
- Letters
- Emails
- Notices
ESKARGO:
Embedded Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes Reference Guide for Ontario - A1.2
B2. Write continuous text
Competency B: Communicate Ideas and Information
Task Group B2: Write continuous text
Level: 3
At this level, learners: Write longer texts to present information, ideas, and opinions
Performance Descriptors
The learner:
- Writes texts to present information, summarize, express opinions, present arguments, convey ideas, or persuade
- Manages unfamiliar elements (e.g. vocabulary, context, topic) to complete tasks
- Selects and uses vocabulary, tone, and structure appropriate to the task
- Organizes and sequences writing to communicate effectively
- Uses a variety of vocabulary, structures, and approaches to convey main ideas with supporting details
Task Descriptors
- Scope of task may not be clearly defined
- Content of writing may be non-routine
- Addresses a familiar and unfamiliar audience
- Uses conventions of formality, such as tone, appropriate to the occasion, intent, and content
- Is up to a few pages long
- Requires organization to support the message (e.g. paragraphs, headings, sub-headings)
- May include unfamiliar elements (e.g. vocabulary, context, topic)
- May contain specialized vocabulary
Text types:
instructional, descriptive, narrative, informational, and persuasive texts
Examples:
- Letters
- Reports
- Essays
ESKARGO:
Embedded Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes Reference Guide for Ontario – B2.3
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