Activities

Introduction

If this unit is used at the beginning of the course, take time to discuss the following:

• the purpose of the course
• expectations
• classroom and assignment routines
• evaluation procedures and mark allocations.

If students do not know each other well, have them choose a partner whom they do not know. Alternatively, partners could be assigned randomly. As students enter the classroom, have them take a puzzle piece (half of a newspaper article). They find a partner by joining the two parts of the newspaper article. (The newspaper article could focus upon an issue relevant to young adults.) Have pairs share with each other a controversial issue that they have recently read about or seen on television. From pair discussions, create a class list of issues in which students are interested. Refer back to the list throughout the unit, as appropriate.

Equality

Choose one of the following activities to engage students' attention:

• Use a quotation such as the following to stimulate discussion: "The world is full of controversy. No one can avoid controversy and perhaps we would be bored if we could." What are the positive aspects of controversy? What are the difficult aspects?
• Brainstorm the controversial issues your students believe they face in their personal lives, their community, their country, and the world. What makes these issues controversial? Are they controversial for all people? Why or why not?
• Have students find and clip or photocopy newspaper/magazine articles that illustrate key issues facing the world today. Have students make a collage. Is the emphasis local, national, or international? Who or what determines this emphasis?

Reading Nonfiction

Initial Prompt

Have students conduct a class survey on the topic of "Driver Education". They could consider such questions as the following:

• Do you have a drivers licence?
• If yes, how did you learn to drive? If no, how do you anticipate learning to drive?
• What are the strengths of a driver education course? Weaknesses?
• Are your parents safe drivers? Are you a safe driver? Do you feel your friends are safe drivers?