Written Report and Oral Presentation on a Current News Topic

Competency A: Find and Use Information

Task Group A1: Read continuous text

Level: 3

At this level, learners: Read longer texts to connect, evaluate, and integrate ideas and information

Performance Descriptors

The learner:

• Integrates several pieces of information from texts
• Manages unfamiliar elements (e.g. vocabulary, context, topic) to complete tasks
• Identifies the purpose and relevance of texts
• Skims to get the gist of longer texts
• Begins to recognize bias and points of view in texts
• Infers meaning which is not explicit in texts
• Compares or contrasts information between two or more texts
• Uses organizational features, such as headings, to locate information
• Follows the main events of descriptive, narrative, informational, and persuasive texts
• Obtains information from detailed reading
• Makes meaning of short, creative texts (e.g. poems, short stories)
• Identifies sources, evaluates and integrates information

Task Descriptors

• Scope of task may not be clearly defined
• May involve more than one text
• Is typically longer than one paragraph
• May include unfamiliar elements (e.g. vocabulary, context, topic)
• May contain specialized vocabulary

Text types:
instructional, descriptive, narrative, informational, and persuasive texts

Examples:
• Newspaper articles
• Textbook entries
• Newsletter articles
• Short creative texts

ESKARGO:
Embedded Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes Reference Guide for Ontario - A1.3

Competency A: Find and Use Information
Task Group A3: Extract information from films, broadcasts and presentations
The tasks in this task group are not rated for complexity

ESKARGO:
Embedded Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes Reference Guide for Ontario – A3

Competency B: Communicate Ideas and Information
Task Group B1: Interact with others
Level: 3

At this level, learners: Initiate and maintain lengthier interactions with one or more persons on a range of topics

Performance Descriptors

The learner:

• Shows an awareness of factors that affect interactions, such as differences in opinion and ideas, and social, linguistic, and cultural differences
• Manages unfamiliar elements (e.g. vocabulary, context, topic) to complete tasks
• Participates in lengthier exchanges to problem solve and explore issues
• Varies speed, tone, and emphasis to increase effectiveness of exchanges
• Uses strategies to maintain communication, such as encouraging responses from others and asking questions
• Speaks or signs clearly in a focused and organized way
• Chooses appropriate strategies to check and increase understanding
• Uses and interprets non-verbal cues (e.g. body language, facial expressions, gestures)

Task Descriptors

• Scope of task may not be clearly defined
• Involves one or more persons
• Is longer in duration
• Addresses a familiar or unfamiliar audience
• May include unfamiliar elements (e.g. vocabulary, context, topic)
• May require specialized vocabulary
• Requires varied communication approaches

Interaction Types:

• Share ideas and information
• Exchange opinions
• Explain and discuss concepts
• Give presentations
• Participate in interviews

ESKARGO:
Embedded Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes Reference Guide for Ontario – B1.3

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: 1
At this level, learners: Perform simple digital tasks according to a set procedure

Performance Descriptors
The learner:

• Follows simple prompts
• Follows apparent steps to complete tasks
• Interprets brief text and icons
• Locates specific functions and information
• Requires support to identify sources and to evaluate and integrate information
• Begins to perform simple searches (e.g. Internet, software help menu)

Task Descriptors

• Scope of task is limited
• Contains common, familiar vocabulary
• Has a familiar context
• Requires up to a few steps to complete
• Requires the use of a limited range of features and options
• Has a set procedure
• Has a highly explicit purpose
• Uses a very simple format
• Contains brief text, icons, or both
• Text and icons required to complete tasks are apparent
• Contains little or no distracting information
• Interface offers very few options

ESKARGO:
Embedded Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes Reference Guide for Ontario – D.1

Competency F: Engage With Others
The following performance descriptors are not organized by levels; however, descriptors have been provided because they are indicators of learners’ readiness to make successful transitions.

Performance Descriptors

Collaboration:
The learner:

• Understands one’s role; seeks clarification as required
• Recognizes roles of others
• Acknowledges/identifies responsibilities
• Accepts one’s share of responsibilities
• Acknowledges and accepts others’ perspectives
• Adapts behaviour to the demands of the situation
• Shows an awareness of group dynamics
• Meets group expectations (e.g. is prepared to participate, meets deadlines)
• Demonstrates tolerance and flexibility
• Demonstrates a willingness to help others
• Makes contributions that take into account one’s strengths and limitations

Conflict Resolution:
The learner:

• Recognizes areas of agreement and disagreement
• Identifies options for resolving disagreements
• Contributes to finding a mutually agreeable resolution
• Takes actions to resolve the conflict

ESKARGO:
Embedded Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes Reference Guide for Ontario – F