CBC Archives

On the chalkboard or on chart paper, ask students to come up with five basic "W" questions they would have about any person they were researching for the first time. For instance, Who is she?, What is she known for?, Where did she live?, When did she live?, Why is she considered "important"/worth researching?

Explain that they will be learning more about the Canadian author, Margaret Laurence, through the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site.

Have students visit the Margaret Laurence topic on the Web site. They should have their pens and notebooks with them. Ask them to scan the site in twenty minutes, noting point-form answers to the questions brainstormed by the class.

Depending on the age, experience, or ability of your students, reduce or increase the time for exploration.

Have students share their findings, either orally or in written form. You may also wish to list on the board or on chart paper any additional questions that students have about Margaret Laurence that they would like to explore through the use of this Web site.

Students can write their responses to the 5W's in the format of a brief encyclopedia entry on Laurence, beginning with the subject title, Laurence, Margaret- and an opening sentence that gets the reader's attention and makes the most important points first.