Diversity makes the world go round(1) Even though Aotearoa New Zealand is a multicultural society, New Zealanders still judge
and discriminate against others because of difference. Recent attacks against Islamic centres, the vandalism of Jewish graves, anti-gay rallies, not to mention school bullying and unfriendliness, prove that NZ still has a way to go in its struggle for human rights. (5) Take a look around you. Most likely you are surrounded by diversity. Gay, black, Asian, redheads, comic nerds, rappers, ballerinas, rugby-heads. It's time to realise that the very nature of humanity is diversity. We do not all look, feel, dress or act the same. How boring would the world be if we did? I mean, puleease, I'd rather stare at a brick wall than live in a bland world where people are not brave enough to celebrate difference. (10) Perhaps we are all a little guilty of judgement. It's easy to judge what we do not know. Most attacks against people from ourselves are due to insecurity: a fear that aliens will take over or that I might become gay if I actually decide to befriend a gay person. Sorry to burst the cosy little bubble that you've snuggled yourself into, but that won't happen. So why not be kind instead/ (15) Diversity teaches us about the world we live in. It teaches us compassion and kindness towards the people who have every right to share our school grounds. if we don't accept diversity on a small level, how can we ever expect world peace? Source: (edited); http://jetmag.co.nz September 2005 TEXT A: Diversity Makes the World Go Round (magazine article) 1. In your own words, identify ONE reason stated in the text that people do not easily accept people who are not the same as them. 2. (a) Identify ONE verbal language feature used in lines 5–9 (“Take a look around you … celebrate difference.”) to try to persuade you to agree with the writer. Give an example of this feature. Verbal feature: Example: (b) Explain how this verbal feature could help persuade you to agree with the writer. 3. Explain how the final paragraph (lines 15 - 17) helps support the writer's ideas. ANSWERS (NCEA Level 1 English revision guide. 2007 edition, Really Useful Resources, pg. 28) (NCEA Level 1 English revision guide. 2009 edition, Really Useful Resources, pg. 34) (NCEA Level 1 English revision guide. 2011 edition, Really Useful Resources, pg. 16) |