Lesson Plan - Could You Pass the U.S. Citizenship Test?
About the Article
Learning Objective
Students will learn about how some immigrants become U.S. citizens and test their own knowledge of U.S. history and government.
Curriculum Connections
• Civics and Government
• Citizenship
• The U.S. Constitution
• Immigration
Key Skills
Social Studies:
• Study the ideals, principles, and practices of citizenship
• Consider the roles and responsibilities of citizens
• Expand knowledge of institutions and history
English Language Arts:
• Learn and use domain-specific vocabulary
• Identify central ideas and key details
• Evaluate ideas and think critically
Key CCSS Standards
RH.6-8.1, RH.6-8.2, RH.6-8.4, RH.6-8.7, WHST.6-8.4, RI.6-8.1, RI.6-8.2, RI.6-8.4, RI.6-8.7, W.6-8.4, SL.6-8.1
1. Preparing to Read
Engage and Build Vocabulary
Ask students to respond to this prompt: What do you think should be the requirements to be a U.S. citizen (a legal member of the country with certain rights)? What should people who weren’t born in the U.S. have to know and do before they become citizens? Discuss responses. Then use the Skill Builder Words to Know to preteach the domain-specific terms federal, birthright, immigrant, citizen, civics, and naturalized.
2. Reading and Discussing
Read the Article
Read the article aloud or have students read it independently. As students read, direct them to underline or take notes about the requirements for becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Answer Close-Reading Questions
Have students write their responses or use the Close-Reading Questions to guide a discussion.
• What are the requirements for becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen? (Key Details)
Immigrants who apply to become U.S. citizens have to answer at least 12 of 20 questions correctly on a civics test. They also must have immigrated legally and been permanent residents for at least five years. They can’t have committed any serious crimes and must pass background checks. Additionally, they have to prove that they can read, write, and speak basic English.
• Which of the sample questions seem most challenging to you? Which questions do you think are most important for Americans to know? Why? (Evaluating Ideas)
Responses will vary.
3. Skill Building
Practice Taking the Civics Test
Challenge students to see how much they know about U.S. history and government. Have them answer the questions on pages 22-23 or take the Interactive Citizenship Test at junior.scholastic.com, which includes detailed explanations. You might have virtual teams compete in a game. Then review responses and discuss students’ reactions to the questions.
Printable Lesson Plan
