In today's lesson, we explore how the concept of identity is portrayed in academic and opinion-based texts. The aim is to help you recognize an author’s perspective and tone, make inferences, and understand how arguments are formed and supported in a written passage. You will practice identifying language that signals perspective, such as evaluative vocabulary and embedded clauses that reveal the writer’s attitude. Through this, you'll become a more critical and confident reader—an essential skill for success on the ITEP Academic-Plus exam and in academic environments more generally.
Understanding Cultural Identity
This short video introduces the idea of cultural identity as a dynamic, multifaceted part of who we are. It highlights how identity shifts across contexts and generations and the role it plays in personal and academic well-being.
Vocabulary
Before diving into the reading, let’s focus on six important words that will help you understand the topic of identity in greater depth.
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| identity | The way individuals or groups define themselves and are perceived by others | Her identity as a bilingual student influenced how she participated in class discussions. |
| heritage | The cultural, historical, or familial background passed down through generations | He proudly celebrated his Indigenous heritage through storytelling and art. |
| assimilation | The process of adopting the culture or language of a dominant group | Some immigrants face pressure to assimilate quickly, which may conflict with preserving their heritage. |
| diversity | The presence of a variety of differences within a group or society | The university's diversity was reflected in its student-led cultural clubs. |
| stereotype | A generalized and often incorrect belief about a group of people | She challenged the stereotype that students from rural areas lack ambition. |
| inclusivity | Creating environments where all individuals are respected and able to participate | The classroom fostered inclusivity by encouraging students to share perspectives from their own cultures. |
Grammar
Understanding how writers structure arguments often involves examining sentence structure, especially the use of embedded clauses and pronouns. These elements give texts precision, depth, and coherence.
Embedded Clauses
Embedded clauses provide extra information within a sentence. For example, “Students who identify with multiple cultures often face unique challenges.” Here, the embedded clause adds important context about the subject. These clauses can clarify, justify, or qualify a noun or idea, helping the reader infer the writer’s deeper point.
Writers often use embedded clauses to express attitudes or assumptions. In the sentence “Those who resist assimilation are often viewed as outsiders,” the clause carries both factual and evaluative meaning.
Pronoun Reference
Pronouns such as they, those, and this help link ideas and maintain flow. However, if the referent is unclear, comprehension becomes difficult. In the sentence “They believe that cultural heritage should be preserved,” we must identify who they refers to—activists, researchers, or immigrants. Effective academic reading requires tracking pronouns to stay connected with the evolving argument.
Reading
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