Writing Assistance Theme: Change [Individuals Who Have Changed History]—Nelson Mandela

Step 1&2: Use active reading strategies to understand the task.

The beliefs and achievements of individuals have changed global history. These beliefs and achievements have had positive and negative effects on society. Theme: Change [Individuals Who Have Changed History]

Identify two individuals who have changed global history and for each Explain one belief or achievement of that individual Explain one belief or achievement of that individual Discuss the positive and/or negative effects of the individual’s belief or achievement Discuss the positive and/or negative effects of the individual’s belief or achievement Task:

Explain means “to make plain or understandable; to give reasons for or causes of; to show the logical development or relationships of.”

Discuss means “to make observations about something using facts, reasoning, and argument; to present in some detail”

Step 3: Formulate a preliminary claim (it might need revision later).

The beliefs and achievements of individuals have changed global history. These beliefs and achievements have had positive and negative effects on society. One individual who has had a huge impact on history is Nelson Mandela.

Steps 4 & 5: Collect information and record it on a graphic organizer.

Change [Individuals Who Have Changed History] Individual Nelson Mandela (South Africa, 20 th Century— ) Positive and/or negative effect One belief or achievement Nationalism End of apartheid South Africa was controlled by the Dutch and the British during the Age of Imperialism. As a result, when South Africa became independent, the white minority (10%) controlled the country shut other races out of politics. In the 1940’s, a new political party took over and implemented the policy of apartheid, which were strict laws separation of races in South Africa. The laws were designed to maintain white power and keep minorities powerless. Lawyer Nelson Mandela joined the movement to protest apartheid. He became a leader of the African National Congress (ANC). In addition to protests (that often erupted in violence), the ANC and Mandela orchestrated acts of terrorism against the oppressive white government. As a result of his hand in violence, he was arrested and charged with treason. He was then sent to prison for 27 years. Despite his imprisonment, Mandela became an international symbol because he was viewed as a political prisoner—or someone who is jailed for their beliefs. His story brought world-wide attention to the injustice of apartheid and other countries pressured South Africa to end it by putting economic sanctions on the country (the refusal to trade as a punishment to get a country to change policy). As a result of the sanctions, the white government began to negotiate with Mandela about freeing him and ending apartheid. They were concerned that violence and civil war would result as blacks sought revenge against the whites who oppressed them. Mandela was freed and blacks were enfranchised, which means given the right to vote. In the first election allow blacks to vote, Mandela was elected president. South Africa has struggled since the ending of apartheid. Blacks are still very poor and have few opportunities as the result of the years of oppression.

Step 6: Revisit your claim. Revise it, if necessary.

Step 7: Write your response, using your graphic organizer to guide you. Make sure your points are in a logical order.

Step 8: Re-read and edit your response. Remember, capitalization counts in this class.