GRADE 10

PT3-REVISION NOTES

Difference between being an adult and being a responsible adult:

Being an adult and being a responsible adult are related concepts, but there are distinctions
that highlight the importance of responsibility in adulthood. Here are two key differences:
1. Autonomy vs. Accountability:
- Adult: Simply reaching the age of majority, usually 18 or 21, marks the transition into
adulthood. At this point, individuals gain legal rights, such as voting and entering into
contracts. However, being an adult doesn't necessarily imply a high level of responsibility.
- Responsible Adult: In contrast, a responsible adult not only has the autonomy granted by
adulthood but also understands and accepts the accountability that comes with it. They take
responsibility for their actions, make informed decisions, and consider the consequences of
their choices on themselves and others. This involves being accountable for meeting
obligations, fulfilling commitments, and contributing positively to society.
2. Rights vs. Responsibilities:
- Adult: Adults have certain legal rights and freedoms, such as the right to work, drive, and
make decisions about their lives. These rights are granted based on age, but they don't
inherently ensure responsible behaviour.
- Responsible Adult: A responsible adult not only exercises their rights but also
acknowledges and fulfils their societal and personal responsibilities. This includes duties like
maintaining a job, paying bills, taking care of dependents, and contributing to the
community. Responsibility goes beyond personal desires and involves a commitment to
ethical and considerate behaviour.
Six Key Qualities of a responsible adult:
The Quality of setting and implementing goals:
Goal setting removes stress of not knowing what you want to achieve, in both your social
and professional life.
Rationality:
Rationality is the way we understand the importance of how we feel about something, and
how that feeling may influence what we know is the right thing to do.
The Quality of personal power:
Personal power has a positive effect on all of us. It gives us the ability to consciously control
the environment around us, in a positive way, by helping us keep our thoughts and emotions
in check.
Equality:
The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.
Non-Defensiveness and Non-Confrontionalism:
It means we need to respond to situations in a non-defensive way. The most important aspect
of being non-confrontational is to let the other person know that what you want most is to
find solution, and not just complain.

Creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment is crucial for fostering open
discussions and ensuring that all students feel comfortable sharing their opinions. Here
are two guidelines to promote such an atmosphere:
1. Promote Respectful Communication:
- Encourage Active Listening: Emphasize the importance of active listening, where students
genuinely pay attention to their peers without interrupting. This helps in understanding
different perspectives and fosters a sense of respect.
- Establish Ground Rules: Collaboratively establish ground rules for discussions,
emphasizing the importance of respectful language and disagreement. This can include
guidelines such as avoiding personal attacks, using "I" statements, and recognizing the value
of diverse opinions.
2. Create a Judgment-Free Zone:
Emphasize Inclusivity: Highlight the diversity of perspectives within the class and stress the
value of different opinions. Make it clear that everyone's experiences and viewpoints are
valid and contribute to a richer learning environment.
Address Teasing or Bullying Promptly: Actively address any teasing or disrespectful behavior
immediately. Establish a zero-tolerance policy for bullying or ridicule, ensuring that all
students feel protected and supported in expressing their thoughts.
By implementing these guidelines, educators can cultivate an environment where students
feel safe, respected, and encouraged to share their knowledge without fear of judgment or
ridicule. This helps create a positive learning atmosphere that fosters open communication
and a sense of belonging for all students.

Open-mindedness
When a person is receptive to new viewpoints, practices, or ideas than that person is
considered to be open-minded. Open-mindedness is connected to the willingness to share
and acknowledge viewpoints other than your own, without resistance to the people
sharing them with you.
Closed-mindedness
Close-mindedness is the opposite. It occurs when an individual is resistant or has a
restricted mind-set that leads them to be unwilling to consider that there may be an
alternative way of behaving, thinking, or doing things. This type of person is often referred
to as a ‘close-minded individual’.
Close-minded person is someone who has a strong viewpoint, and who is not willing to
consider any argument or comment that may oppose their own point of view from
another person or a group.
To become open-minded, although the process may vary in duration and success depending
on the individual. Several factors contribute to the possibility of someone transitioning from
a close-minded mindset to an open-minded one:
1. Willingness to Change:
- A key factor is whether the individual is open to the idea of change. If a person recognizes
the limitations of a close-minded perspective and expresses a willingness to consider
alternative viewpoints, they are more likely to undergo a transformation.
2. Exposure to Diversity:
- Exposure to diverse experiences, cultures, and perspectives can broaden one's
understanding of the world. Interacting with people who hold different beliefs or come from
varied backgrounds can challenge preconceived notions and encourage a more open-
minded approach.
3. Education and Learning:
- Continuous learning and education play a significant role. Engaging in new information,
staying curious, and being open to expanding one's knowledge can lead to a more open-
minded mindset. Education provides the tools for critical thinking and questioning
assumptions.
4. Self-Reflection:
- Engaging in self-reflection allows individuals to assess their beliefs, biases, and the
reasons behind their close-mindedness. Recognizing the need for personal growth and
understanding the impact of one's mindset on relationships and personal development can
be a powerful motivator for change.
5. Cognitive Flexibility:
- Developing cognitive flexibility, which is the ability to adapt and shift one's thinking when
presented with new information, is crucial. This skill allows individuals to consider
alternative perspectives without feeling threatened or defensive.
6. Empathy and Compassion:
Cultivating empathy and compassion towards others can break down barriers and open the
door to understanding different points of view. Empathy encourages individuals to connect
emotionally with others and appreciate the diversity of human experiences.
While change is possible, it's important to note that transforming from close-mindedness to
open-mindedness is often a gradual process. Patience, support from others, and a genuine
commitment to personal growth are essential elements in facilitating this transformation.
People can evolve and develop a more open-minded approach when they actively engage in
self-reflection and are receptive to the influences of new experiences and perspectives.
Peer Pressure
The difference between pressuring and encouraging someone lies in the nature of
influence and the impact on the individual's autonomy and well-being.
Negative Peer pressure:
Pressuring:
Pressuring involves using force, coercion, or manipulation to make someone conform to
certain behaviours, opinions, or actions against their will. It often disregards the individual's
feelings, preferences, and boundaries. Pressuring can lead to negative outcomes and may
create feelings of discomfort, stress, or resentment.
Example of Negative Peer Pressure:
Suppose a group of friends pressures an individual to engage in substance abuse, even
though the person is not comfortable with it. The pressure may involve taunts, ridicule, or
threats of exclusion if the individual refuses. This is a negative peer pressure scenario as it
involves coercive tactics and encourages behaviour that can be harmful to the individual's
well-being.

Positive Peer Pressure

Encouraging:
Encouraging, on the other hand, involves providing support, positive reinforcement, and
motivation to empower someone to make their own choices and pursue positive actions.
Encouragement respects the individual's autonomy and focuses on building confidence and
self-efficacy. In social support groups, peers encourage one another to strive towards a
positive outcome and this type of peer pressure may aid you to reflect on your actions and
modify your behaviour to enrich your life.
Example of Positive Peer Pressure:
Imagine a student is hesitant to join a school club because they feel shy and unsure of their
abilities. Positive peer pressure in this context would involve friends expressing support,
highlighting the individual's strengths, and encouraging them to step outside their comfort
zone. This encouragement aims to boost the person's self-esteem and confidence, fostering
personal growth.
The key distinction is in the nature of influence and whether it respects the individual's
autonomy and well-being. Pressuring tends to be coercive and disregards personal
boundaries, while encouraging is supportive, empowering, and aims to uplift the individual
in a positive manner.

Difference between Rights and Obligations:

Rights

• Rights are claims to have or do something.

• Rights are for oneself.
• Rights are what an individual receives from a society.
Obligations

• Obligations are moral, social, or legal duties to do something.

• Obligations are mostly for others.
• Obligations are what an individual does for a society.

What is meant by National consciousness?

The level of awareness of the issues and events within a nation in which we are either a
resident or citizen, and an awareness of how this affects not just us but everyone within that
society or community is considered as national consciousness.
Poster
Creating a poster for national awareness and national identity involves conveying a strong
message that resonates with the values and pride of a nation.
OR
To promote social inclusion in your school or community