In many places in the world one's social age plays a more important role than one's biological age. Achieving a new status in society is based on participation in formal initiation rituals. The number and type of these ritual, called rites of passage, varies from society to society. Rites of passage may celebrate the changes of puberty, confirm a new adult's status in the society, define sex roles, or proclaim a person eligible for marriage. Often these initiation ceremonies involve a separation and ensuing reunion with the community and may include a period of testing.

You will be assigned topics that describe the purpose behind rites of passage in a variety of societies. Assuming the point of view of an adolescent in one of the cultures, use what you have learned to delivery an oral history, in which you describe your thoughts, feelings, and observations during your initiation ceremony. To prepare your story, you will research adolescence and initiation ceremonies in a variety of cultures.

Look at the photograph below. Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

In Kenya, it is traditional for dancers to be separated by gender, and it is rare for male and female partners to hold each other while dancing. However, when being on the dance floor together is permitted, each group uses the occasion to check out the other gender and do a little flirting.

• What emotions might these teenagers be feeling as they prepare for their initiation ceremony?
• What lessons might a society be teaching to these adolescents?

Use the World Cultures Today articles listed below to research a variety of adolescent rites of passage. As you read, keep your topics and point of view in mind. Remember that your story will need to include specific details about adolescent life in your culture.

Use the Main Ideas chart to organize your information. Write your three topics in as the main ideas and fill in the blanks with details and examples that illustrate each main idea.

Work in groups to conduct your research. Discuss your findings and point of view with your group members. Write your own oral history. Remember to use first-person point of view. Be sure to include at least two specific details for each topic that you address in your story. When prompted by the teacher, delivery your oral history to the class. Remember to use good public speaking skills, such as enunciation, eye-contact, and appropriate intonation.

Your teacher will use these questions to assess your writing:

• Did your oral narrative include at least two specific facts and examples?
• Did your narrative incorporate elements of setting, character, and sensory details?
• Did you adjust your delivery to fit the needs od the audience?