English Worksheet for 13-Year-Olds — Create Written & Spoken Texts to Raise Issues, Report Events & Express Opinions (VC2E8LY08)

Instructions

1. Read the scenario below about a debate happening in the fictional town of Oakwood.
2. Complete the activities in each part, which will help you analyze different types of communication.
3. Use the planning guide in Part 3 to prepare for creating your own text.
4. In Part 4, create your own piece of communication based on your plan.
5. Finish by completing the reflection and the optional challenge question.

Part 1: The Scenario – The Oakwood Skate Park Debate

The local council of Oakwood is considering a proposal to build a new, modern skate park in the town's largest public space, Central Park. The project has divided the community.

Many young people and their parents are thrilled, arguing it will provide a safe, healthy, and dedicated space for skaters, scooter riders, and BMXers. They believe it will reduce boredom and keep kids active.

However, a group of local residents is concerned. They worry about potential noise, litter, and safety. They also argue that the proposed location will take away peaceful green space used by families and dog walkers.

The council has scheduled a public meeting to hear from the community before making a final decision.

Part 2: Analyze the Message

Different people are communicating about the skate park in different ways. Read the three text snippets below. Analyze their purpose, audience, and language choices by filling in the table.

Text A: From the local newspaper's website.
"Oakwood Council announced today that the public meeting regarding the Central Park skate park proposal will be held on June 5th at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall. The agenda includes a presentation from the project planners and a public comment period."

Text B: From a sign held up at a student protest outside Town Hall.
"More Skating, Less Waiting! Our Park, Our Future! Give us a place to be active and safe. Vote YES for the skate park!"

Text C: From a flyer being mailed to homes near Central Park.
"Are you concerned about the peace and safety of our neighborhood? The proposed concrete skate park will destroy our beautiful green space, create constant noise, and could attract anti-social behavior. Let's protect Central Park for everyone."

Part 3: Plan Your Communication

Now, it's your turn to create a text about the Oakwood Skate Park debate. A good text starts with a good plan.

1. Choose Your Stance & Purpose: What is your main goal?

My Stance: (Circle one)     For the Park     |     Against the Park     |     Neutral/Reporting

My Purpose is to: ________________________________________________________________

(Example: to persuade the council, to inform other teens, to warn residents)

2. Choose Your Audience: Who are you trying to reach?

My Audience is: _______________________________________________________________

(Example: Town council members, parents, other teenagers, local newspaper readers)

3. Choose Your Format: How will you deliver your message? Choose one.

• Written Opinion Piece: A short article (approx. 150 words) for the local newspaper's opinion page.
• Spoken Speech Script: A powerful 1-minute speech to be read at the town council meeting.
• Digital/Multimodal Plan: A plan for an Instagram post. You will write the caption and describe the visual element (e.g., a photo, a short video, an infographic).

4. Brainstorm Deliberate Language: List 3-5 powerful words, phrases, or techniques you will use to make your message effective for your audience.

• _________________________________________________________
• _________________________________________________________
• _________________________________________________________

Part 4: Create Your Text

Using your plan from Part 3, create your text in the space below. Remember to use deliberate language, structure, and (if applicable) multimodal elements that are appropriate for your chosen format and audience.

Part 5: Reflection & Challenge

Reflection: How did your choice of format (newspaper article, speech, or social media post) affect the language and style you used? Explain in 1-2 sentences.

Answer Key

Part 1: Warm-Up
Answers will vary.
Example Pro: Gives teens a safe place to hang out; promotes physical activity.
Example Con: Could be noisy for nearby residents; takes up green space.

Part 2: Analyze the Message
Student answers for "deliberate language choice" may vary but should be logical.

Part 3: Plan Your Communication
Answers will vary based on student choices. A good plan will have clear and logical entries for all four steps.

Part 4: Create Your Text
Answers will vary. A successful response should:

• Clearly match the format, purpose, and audience chosen in Part 3.
• Use some of the deliberate language brainstormed in the plan.
• Be well-structured (e.g., a speech has an opening and closing; an article has a clear point).
• If the digital option is chosen, the description of the visual element should be clear and relevant to the caption.

Part 5: Reflection & Challenge
Reflection: Answers will vary. Example: "My speech used short, powerful sentences and rhetorical questions to persuade a live audience, while a newspaper article would have needed more formal language and detailed paragraphs."
Challenge: Answers will vary. The student should demonstrate an understanding of how to adapt their message by clearly changing the purpose, audience, format, and language style.