Young Voices, Stronger Communities
Who knows what young people need in a community? Adults may have useful ideas, but young people have knowledge to share, too. They notice which places feel welcoming, which programs are hard to reach, and which problems affect their daily lives. International Youth Day is a time to recognize the importance of young people’s ideas and participation.
The United Nations, or UN, is an organization where countries work together on shared challenges. In 1999, the UN General Assembly designated August 12 as International Youth Day. The day has been observed each year since 2000. It draws attention to issues affecting young people and to the ways they can help improve their communities.
More than being heard
Youth participation means taking part in decisions and actions that affect young people’s lives. It can begin with sharing an opinion, but meaningful participation goes further. Young people need chances to ask questions, discuss choices, and see how their ideas are considered. Adults can help by listening carefully and explaining what happens next.
- designated:
- officially named or set aside for a purpose
- observed:
- recognized or marked, as a special day
- meaningful:
- important and having a real purpose or effect
- limited:
- not unlimited; having a set amount
- proposed:
- suggested for others to consider
- contribute:
- to give ideas, help, or effort
- formats:
- different forms in which information can be presented
One passage, many ways to practice
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Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
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Vocabulary
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Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is the main idea of the passage? Give one detail that supports it.
- 2How is meaningful youth participation different from simply sharing an opinion?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“Young Voices, Stronger Communities” is a explanatory article reading passage about Youth participation, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (478 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.