Issues Analysis Tasks for Year 12 ESL Studies in the South Australian Curriculum

Abstract

An 'issues analysis' is a requisite component of the South Australian Year 12 ESL Studies subject. This paper explores programming for an issues analysis of rites/rights of teenagers, using comparative data and texts on drinking and driving ages for young people in different states and nations. Two assessment tasks are explained; one a formative task and the other a summative task. Both invite learners to draw on their own experiences and knowledge, so that the tasks have relevance for them and can be related to real life experiences. A range of text genres is explored, and the tasks involve reading, writing, listening and speaking elements, and allow for individual, small group and whole class activities to support learners in a range of learning styles. All activities are also designed to support exam preparation, as the exam constitutes 50% of the final grade for this subject.