1.
Article
 See below
2.
Event, person, or social issue

Brainstorm events, issues or trends to provoke student interest. For example: o Events – historical moment, political moment (election, debate, court decision),
terrorism o Social Issues – bullying, Gender rights, o Person – historical figure, politician, hero, sports or arts celebrity
3.
Impact

Explanation of how the event, person or issue has made a difference in your life o Because of the death of my dog, I now…. o Because of bullying, I work harder at being kind to everyone. o Because of media’s portrayal of girls, I feel pressure to look a certain way.
Headline
Articles include a headline. Following are different examples with a brief analysis
1.
Includes an explicit thesis statement
Heightened security only increases our fears
Why the best response to the Ottawa shootings is to open Parliament to all Canadians
Poloz says basement kids should work for free
Experience will pay off in long-term
2.
Implicit thesis
Taking selfies in the wrong place
A nationwide conversation about sexual assault has begun. Finally.
3.
Topical statement
Food bank usage spikes across province
Students want gender-neutral school washrooms
The teen rebellion in East Germany before the fall of the Wall

Sample Article
This is a possible article to stimulate discussion about the structure of an article. However, it does NOT address the prompt.: http://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/we-need-less-security-not-more/
MacLean’s magazine, Scott Gilmore, October 23, 2014
Deconstruction
Introduction is 3 paragraphs, with the first two setting the context. The transition to the first point is in the third paragraph – a questions and answer.
Paragraphs 4-6 explain the first point
Paragraph 7 transitions to a new point by referencing the thesis
Paragraph 8 presents a counter point.
Paragraph 9 introduces Canadian identity
Paragraph 10 transitions to the conclusion by referencing the thesis
Paragraph 11concludes with actions that will solidify Canadian identity and connects Canadian identity to the thesis.
What does this article need in order to make it better address the prompt?
This thesis is opinion based. Our prompt asks for less opinion and more explaining. However, at the core of it, implicit opinions are part of an article we are asking for.
Paragraphs 1-3 assume the reader knows the details of the chosen event. Your chosen event/person or social issue will need to be described and explained. If the thesis is not stated in the heading, it will need to be stated in the introductory paragraph(s).
Paragraphs 4-9 present an argument and then a counter argument. The article for this task does not necessarily need that structure. Rather, the body paragraphs should explain 2-3 points with supporting details. The major points should show the reader how Canadian Identity has been formed, challenged, or solidified by the chosen event, person, or social issue. In other words, what is the impact?
Finally, the conclusion should tie all the points together and leave the reader with something that keeps them thinking about the thesis statement.
Rubric Interpretation:
Content/Message includes:

Knowledge of an event, person, social issue

Knowledge of Canadian identity

Explicit explanation of the impact. Impact implies a change or difference being caused by the event, person, or social issue.
Please read the boxes the explain the criteria.