B. Haq

The beginning of the 21st century saw a promising trend of youth activism. Since then, many kids have taken up activism for a cause they hold dear to their hearts. Be it advocacy for civil rights or global peace, children and youth are at the forefront with adults.

Activism is working to bring about a change to an issue that the person genuinely cares about. Young people are powerful drivers of change. They have fresh ideas and the desire and energy to carry on and accomplish their goals. Around the globe, they are engaging in social, political, environmental, and economic causes to help bring about a positive change.

For decades, schools have been teaching children to participate in civic activities through community organizations and municipal councils. However, the recent development of youth activism is different. Young people are carving out leadership roles in movements started and organized entirely by them. Malala Yousafzai’s girls’ education, Greta Thunberg’s climate change, and the Movement of Working Children in Peru are a few examples of efforts led by young people.

Activism can start at an early age. Activism provides children and teens a platform for civic engagement and a sense of hope, purpose, and self-identity. They become a part of a community and feel included instead of feeling socially isolated, powerless, and hopeless. Angelina Jolie says that she felt a sense of emptiness growing up until she started on a life of activism.

Parents should help children and youth to explore issues, such as forms of injustice or inequality. They should talk to their children about the values that underlie their social, political, and economic decisions. They should also guide their children in finding a meaningful purpose or cause to care about. With proper support from their parents, children can make their activism more effective.

Sometimes, we see that adults have false beliefs about youth and their activism. They do not take youth activism seriously or may think of it as pointless. Some adults may even be critical of youth who are engaged in activism. They only need to look at the history of the United States. Young people have organized successful movements for peace and civil rights all along. Adults should realize the potential in youth, acknowledge their positive contributions, and assist them in achieving their goals.
Question

Which statement from the text provides evidence to best support the claim that the youth benefit from activism?
Responses

A “Be it advocacy for civil rights or global peace, children and youth are at the forefront with adults.” (paragraph 1)“Be it advocacy for civil rights or global peace, children and youth are at the forefront with adults.” (paragraph 1)

B “Activism is working to bring about a change to an issue that the person genuinely cares about.” (paragraph 2)“Activism is working to bring about a change to an issue that the person genuinely cares about.” (paragraph 2)

C “They become a part of a community and feel included instead of feeling socially isolated, powerless, and hopeless.” (paragraph 4)“They become a part of a community and feel included instead of feeling socially isolated, powerless, and hopeless.” (paragraph 4)

D “They should talk to their children about the values that underlie their social, political, and economic decisions.” (paragraph 5)“They should talk to their children about the values that underlie their social, political, and economic decisions.” (paragraph 5)