Conquer It

In this activity, you will learn about another woman who is important in modern world history. She was both an environmental and political activist. You will read two articles and then use what you have learned about informative/explanatory writing to write an informative/explanatory essay explaining the importance of Wangari Maathai to Africa and the world.

Use the following websites to conduct your research.

Wangari Maathai Biography opens in new window

Wangari Maathai Biographicalopens in new window

Write an essay that explains the importance of Wangari Maathai to Africa and the world. Your essay needs to include an introductory paragraph, at least one paragraph providing support for your main idea, and a concluding paragraph.

Questions you will need to address in your essay include the following:

  • Who is Wangari Maathai?
  • Why is she an important figure in world history?
  • What causes did she support?
  • How did she achieve her goals?
  • What is her legacy?

You may use the Explanatory Writing Diagram and Graphic Organizer to guide your writing, or use a graphic organizer of your choice through the link to additional graphic organizers.

Explanatory Writing Diagram and Graphic Organizeropens in new window

Additional graphic organizers for writing explanatory textopens in new window

After you have written your informative/explanatory draft essay explaining the importance of Wangari Maathai, use the following writer’s checklist to review your work. Use your checklist as a guide to revise your draft and submit your final copy to your teacher.

Wangari Maathai Checklist