Demonstration

This demonstration will show that students have understood what they have read and are able to retell the information. It may be a demonstration of the ability to convey a main idea in a paragraph (Level 2) or to write a short summary, presenting opinions based on reading (level 3). It might also be used as an oral presentation. At both levels, the requirement is that the information be presented coherently and appropriately.

Instructions to the student:

Level 2

Your class is doing a project on the history of Canada. Everyone has to choose a different topic. Since it is almost tax time, you think it might be interesting to write about Canada's tax system.

Using the information you have just read, write at least one paragraph in your own words about the history of taxation in Canada. You might want to use some of the 5 Ws to help you to organize your thoughts.

If you wish, you may present your summary orally to your class.

Level 3

Imagine you are part of a letter-writing exchange with a school in another country. You want to explain Canada's taxation system to the students in this other school. Using the information you have just read, write a short summary of the history of taxation in Canada. Your summary should have an introduction and a conclusion, and should contain examples of things we have paid taxes on and give some of the reasons why we had to pay taxes.

If you wish, you could start your summary like this:

"You asked me to tell you about our tax system here in Canada. First of all, I'll tell you a bit about the history of our taxes. … "

You could also give an oral presentation to your class on this subject.