Our Human Rights

The United Nations is an international organization that was established in 1945 to help keep world peace. It was established shortly after the end of World War II.

In 1948 a special United Nations commission, headed by Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, wrote a special document which stated the rights that all people should have. This document is called the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights."

"Universal" means "of all the people in the world."

A "declaration" is a formal announcement.

"Human rights" are the rights that each person has, simply because he or she is human.

The human rights are there to protect us and help us live in peace. For example, "the right to life" is a human right. Each and every one of us has the right to life, simply because we are human.

Another example is "the right to freedom of thought." We all have the right to believe in what we want to believe, to have a religion, or to change it if we want.

Studying and knowing our human rights is as important today as it was after World War II. This is because when people don't know their natural rights things such as injustice, discrimination, intolerance and slavery can happen.

The more aware people are to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the closer we get to a peaceful, free and fair world.

English Reading Practice – Our Human Rights

Put in the correct words from the word bank below. Press "Check" to check your answers. Use the "Hint" button to get a free letter if you don't know. Note that you will lose points if you ask for hints!

WORD BANK:
aware | because | commission | declaration | discrimination | document | example | fair | freedom | Human | important | organization | peace | protect | religion | rights | Universal | War

The United Nations is an international  that was established in 1945 to help keep world . It was established shortly after the end of World  II.

In 1948 a special United Nations , headed by Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, wrote a special  which stated the rights that all people should have. This document is called the "Universal Declaration of  Rights."

"" means "of all the people in the world."

A "" is a formal announcement.

"Human " are the rights that each person has, simply because he or she is human.

The human rights are there to  us and help us live in peace. For , "the right to life" is a human right. Each and every one of us has the right to life, simply  we are human.

Another example is "the right to  of thought." We all have the right to believe in what we want to believe, to have a , or to change it if we want.

Studying and knowing our human rights is as  today as it was after World War II. This is because when people don't know their natural rights things such as injustice, , intolerance and slavery can happen.

The more  people are to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the closer we get to a peaceful, free and  world.

United Nations
Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Simplified Version
This simplified version of the 30 Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been created especially for young people.

1. We Are All Born Free & Equal. We are all born free. We all have our own thoughts and ideas. We should all be treated in the same way.

2. Don’t Discriminate. These rights belong to everybody, whatever our differences.

3. The Right to Life. We all have the right to life, and to live in freedom and safety.

4. No Slavery. Nobody has any right to make us a slave. We cannot make anyone our slave.

5. No Torture. Nobody has any right to hurt us or to torture us.

6. You Have Rights No Matter Where You Go. I am a person just like you!

7. We’re All Equal Before the Law. The law is the same for everyone. It must treat us all fairly.

8. Your Human Rights Are Protected by Law. We can all ask for the law to help us when we are not treated fairly.

9. No Unfair Detainment. Nobody has the right to put us in prison without good reason and keep us there, or to send us away from our country.

10. The Right to Trial. If we are put on trial this should be in public. The people who try us should not let anyone tell them what to do.

11. We’re Always Innocent Till Proven Guilty. Nobody should be blamed for doing something until it is proven. When people say we did a bad thing we have the right to show it is not true.

12. The Right to Privacy. Nobody should try to harm our good name. Nobody has the right to come into our home, open our letters, or bother us or our family without a good reason.

13. Freedom to Move. We all have the right to go where we want in our own country and to travel as we wish.

14. The Right to Seek a Safe Place to Live. If we are frightened of being badly treated in our own country, we all have the right to run away to another country to be safe.

15. Right to a Nationality. We all have the right to belong to a country.

16. Marriage and Family. Every grown-up has the right to marry and have a family if they want to. Men and women have the same rights when they are married, and when they are separated.

17. The Right to Your Own Things. Everyone has the right to own things or share them. Nobody should take our things from us without a good reason.

18. Freedom of Thought. We all have the right to believe in what we want to believe, to have a religion, or to change it if we want.

19. Freedom of Expression. We all have the right to make up our own minds, to think what we like, to say what we think, and to share our ideas with other people.

20. The Right to Public Assembly. We all have the right to meet our friends and to work together in peace to defend our rights. Nobody can make us join a group if we don’t want to.

21. The Right to Democracy. We all have the right to take part in the government of our country. Every grown-up should be allowed to choose their own leaders.

22. Social Security. We all have the right to affordable housing, medicine, education, and childcare, enough money to live on and medical help if we are ill or old.

23. Workers’ Rights. Every grown-up has the right to do a job, to a fair wage for their work, and to join a trade union.

24. The Right to Play. We all have the right to rest from work and to relax.

25. Food and Shelter for All. We all have the right to a good life. Mothers and children, people who are old, unemployed or disabled, and all people have the right to be cared for.

26. The Right to Education. Education is a right. Primary school should be free. We should learn about the United Nations and how to get on with others. Our parents can choose what we learn.

27. Copyright. Copyright is a special law that protects one’s own artistic creations and writings; others cannot make copies without permission. We all have the right to our own way of life and to enjoy the good things that art, science and learning bring.

28. A Fair and Free World. There must be proper order so we can all enjoy rights and freedoms in our own country and all over the world.

29. Responsibility. We have a duty to other people, and we should protect their rights and freedoms.

30. No One Can Take Away Your Human Rights.

"1. We Are All Born Free & Equal. We are all born free. We all have our own thoughts and ideas. We should all be treated in the same way."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

We Are All Born Free and Equal

David lives in a small town with his family. The town is pretty ordinary. Everyone goes to school, everyone goes to work at the town's factory, and no one asks any strange questions.

But David is different. He does not want to go to school. He wants to work and help his family. He does not want to work at the town's factory, though. He wants to open his own store. And he always asks these strange questions about "why do you do this?" and "why don't you do that?"

Everyone laughs at him and no one really takes him seriously. No one except his friend Orlando. Orlando looks at David as a person with his own thoughts and ideas. He treats him respectfully. Orlando likes David, even though they disagree.

Time goes by and David grows his business. His hard work and sharp mind pay off, and he now has a chain of stores. He is a wealthy man.

He rarely comes to visit his hometown. But when he does, there is one thing he always remembers. He always remembers his good friend Orlando, and their respectful friendship. And now that he can, he always helps him in times of need.

English Reading Practice – We Are All Born Free and Equal

Put in the correct words based on the story you have just read. Press "Check" to check your answers. Use the "Hint" button to get a free letter if you don't know. Note that you will lose points if you ask for hints!

WORD BANK:
always | any | as | at | But | by | chain | do | even | except | factory | friendship | his | need | ordinary | own | pay off | rarely | remembers | respectfully | seriously | that | though | to | town

David lives in a small  with his family. The town is pretty . Everyone goes to school, everyone goes to work at the town's , and no one asks  strange questions.

David is different. He does not want  go to school. He wants to work and help  family. He does not want to work at the town's factory, . He wants to open his  store. And he  asks these strange questions about "why  you do this?" and "why don't you do ?"

Everyone laughs  him and no one really takes him . No one  his friend Orlando. Orlando looks at David  a person with his own thoughts and ideas. He treats him . Orlando likes David,  though they disagree.

Time goes  and David grows his business. His hard work and sharp mind , and he now has a  of stores. He is a wealthy man.

He  comes to visit his hometown. But when he does, there is one thing he always . He always remembers his good friend Orlando, and their respectful . And now that he can, he always helps him in times of .

"2. Don’t Discriminate. These rights belong to everybody, whatever our differences."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

Don’t Discriminate

Abeni is looking for a job. She used to work as a secretary in her homeland, but now she is in a new country. She can speak the language perfectly, but her accent is very strong and very foreign. Abeny is afraid employers won't want her because of it.

She tries hard to find a job. She reads all the ads and sends many resumes. She comes to the interviews and answers all the questions. Her manners are excellent. Her skills are the best. She behaves and looks very professional, but still, every time, someone else gets the job.

One day, Abeni gets to a place that she really likes. It is a big firm that takes care of car rentals. All the people there seem very nice. The manager seems very nice. Actually, everything seems very nice, but the minute she opens her mouth she feels like the manager does not want her.

At the end of the interview the manager says, "Okay, thank you." Abeni feels like he is not going to call. "This is not fair!" she thinks, "I can be his best worker!"

She starts walking away when she realizes she must tell him what she thinks. She stops, turns around, opens her mouth to speak, and does not close it until everything is said clearly.

The manager is very surprised. But Abeni is even more surprised. What about her manners? How did she do such a thing? This will be the end. But then the manager suddenly reaches for her. He asks her to sit down. He tries to smile.

"I am going to be honest with you," he says. "I am very surprised. No one ever told this to me before. But the truth is that I feel ashamed. I could see you are a great worker. I should not judge you by your accent. There will be no such discrimination in this firm. Abeni, please accept this position and work for us."

Abeni cannot believe her ears. She feels very excited. She is very happy he offers her the job. But she is even more happy she finally spoke her mind!

English Reading Practice – Don’t Discriminate

WORD BANK:
are | around | ashamed | At | best | by | cannot | clearly | country | does | employers | end | even | ever | everything | fair | finally | foreign | great | her | honest | interviews | job | like | manager | manners | no | offers | perfectly | professional | reaches | realizes | really | rentals | resumes | secretary | seem | such | the | to | tries | us | very

Abeni is looking for a . She used to work as a  in her homeland, but now she is in a new . She can speak the language , but her accent is very strong and very . Abeny is afraid  won't want her because of it.

She  hard to find a job. She reads all the ads and sends many . She comes to the  and answers all the questions. Her  are excellent. Her skills  the best. She behaves and looks very , but still, every time, someone else gets  job.

One day, Abeni gets to a place that she  likes. It is a big firm that takes care of car . All the people there  very nice. The  seems very nice. Actually,  seems very nice, but the minute she opens her mouth she feels like the manager  not want her.

the end of the interview the manager says, "Okay, thank you." Abeni feels  he is not going to call. "This is not !" she thinks, "I can be his  worker!"

She starts walking away when she  she must tell him what she thinks. She stops, turns , opens her mouth to speak, and does not close it until everything is said .

The manager is  surprised. But Abeni is  more surprised. What about  manners? How did she do  a thing? This will be the . But then the manager suddenly  for her. He asks her to sit down. He tries  smile.

"I am going to be  with you," he says. "I am very surprised. No one  told this to me before. But the truth is that I feel . I could see you are a  worker. I should not judge you  your accent. There will be  such discrimination in this firm. Abeni, please accept this position and work for ."

Abeni  believe her ears. She feels very excited. She is very happy he  her the job. But she is even more happy she  spoke her mind!

"3. The Right to Life. We all have the right to life, and to live in freedom and safety."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

The Right to Life

Daniel is worried lately. Usually life is good for him. He owns a nice little shop where he sells souvenirs to tourists. He lives in a nice cottage with his wife and their three teenage kids. They have a dog and a cat. They have a backyard for barbeque. They host all the family gatherings, and his wife's turkey is the best in the country. What can be better than that, right?

But lately not all is well. There are dark clouds in the sky. They talk about terror. They talk about war. Something may happen. The comfortable life as he knows them may be lost forever.

"War is not good," he thinks. "War is bad for business. If there is war no tourists will come, and I won't be able to sell my souvenirs. We will have no money."

Then he thinks, "and war creates fear. People will be scared. Some will see no future."

Then he thinks, "People will fight. People will die. Families will be broken. No, war is no good."

Daniel talks to people about it. "We have the right to life!" he says, "we have the right to live in freedom and in safety!"

"What are you talking about?" people tell him. "War is a big deal. It is not up to you. It is up to the government. The government knows what to do. Only the government can decide what is best. And if the government says that there must be war, then it must be so."

Daniel does not accept this. "But isn't there a better solution? All wars end with agreements, can't we do the agreements without the fighting? Can't the government solve this peacefully? Isn't that the reason we have a government in the first place?"

Daniel decides to speak to people in his government. He decides to write them and let them know what he thinks. He knows one opinion does not matter much, but he also knows that if everyone in his own country and on the other side would do this, there will probably be no more wars.

English Reading Practice – The Right to Life

"4. No Slavery. Nobody has any right to make us a slave. We cannot make anyone our slave. "

Now read the short story about this important human right.

No Slavery

Liam is ten years old. He studies at Avalon Elementary School. He is quite popular and has good friends. Even the girls are nice to him, and the teachers are not too bad.

There is one thing though that really makes his life miserable. The school bully. His name is Grant and he is big and strong. He learns at the same class as Liam does, but he is two years older than everyone else.

Grant the bully always makes Liam and other kids do his homework. He takes their lunch. He even forces them to do stupid things in front of teachers. They all feel like his slaves because they must do what he tells them. They do not have any freedom.

Everyone is afraid of Grant. No one has the courage to do something about it, not even the teachers. They pretend that they do not notice!

One day, after losing his lunch and all of his pocket money, Liam decides he cannot go on like this. He takes some martial arts classes. This makes him a little braver. A month of classes is not much, but it is better than nothing, right?

The next time Grant the bully shows up and grabs Liam's bag, Liam stays steady. He takes his own bag back. The minute Grant sends his fist forward, Liam jumps to the left and kicks Grant in the legs.

Grant is stunned. The kids around begin cheering. Liam smiles for a single second when a hard elbow hits him in the shoulder. He falls down on the ground and Grant jumps on top of him. They continue to hit each other and fight.

At the end, Grant wins. Liam is left lying on the ground, bruised and bleeding. He is not seriously hurt, but he is disappointed. He wanted to be free from Grant, and it seems that he failed.

The next day Liam enters the school with many bruises and much swelling. He has his bag, but he knows that not for long. Soon Grant the bully will come and take it away.

Suddenly he notices Grant. His body is pretty bruised too. Grant has one look at Liam and then looks away. Liam is surprised. He did not expect this.

The next day the same thing happens. Grant continues to bully other kids, but he does not mess with Liam. Oddly enough, he does not mess with kids talking to Liam, too.

Liam is happy now. He is no longer Grant's slave. He has his freedom. Moreover, he has more friends than ever. That is because every kid who does not want Grant to bully him stays close to Liam!

English Reading Practice – No Slavery

"5. No Torture. No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

No Torture

Clay and his friends have a new teacher. His name is Mr. Akers. When they meet Mr. Akers for the first time, he seems very serious. He tells them that he knows bad things about them from other teachers. He tells them that with him it will be different.

Clay and his friends do not understand. Yes, they can do silly things sometimes, but they are not bad kids.

During the school year, Mr. Akers turns out to be a very different teacher. He has "special methods."

If a student fails an exam, Mr. Akers makes fun of them in front of everyone.

If a student does not know the answer to a question, Mr. Akers calls them names.

If a student asks too many questions, Mr. Akers simply laughs and turns his back.

Many students feel upset. They try to talk with Mr. Akers, but it seems that he gives them no respect. They feel that they are treated as if they have no value. They start to lose their own self-respect.

Some stop listening in class. Others even stop coming to class. A few get very mad at the teacher. They cannot show their anger openly, so they do it secretly.

One time the teacher's desk is found broken. Another time the board is all sprayed. Mr. Akers sees this and everything becomes even worse.

Clay sees this too. He realizes it just gets worse and worse. He talks with his friends and they decide to make a petition and give it to the principal.

In the petition, they explain what happens in Mr. Akers classes. "He is our teacher and his job is to help us, not to make fun of us. We deserve respect too," they write.

The principal agrees with the students. "This is not teaching, this is torture!" he says. Mr. Akers leaves their school. Clay and his friends get a new teacher!

The new teacher treats them with respect and tries to help them. He encourages them. He knows this is the best way to teach. It is not easy, but little by little, things get back to normal at the school.

English Reading Practice – No Torture

WORD BANK:
as if | at | bad | becomes | best | broken | coming | different | encourages | exam | explain | job | knows | listening | little by little | make fun | methods | names | new | openly | petition | principal | respect | secretly | self-respect | serious | silly | simply | sprayed | teacher | their | time | torture | treats | turns out | understand | upset | worse

Clay and his friends have a new . His name is Mr. Akers. When they meet Mr. Akers for the first , he seems very . He tells them that he  bad things about them from other teachers. He tells them that with him it will be .

Clay and his friends do not . Yes, they can do  things sometimes, but they are not  kids.

During the school year, Mr. Akers  to be a very different teacher. He has "special ."

If a student fails an , Mr. Akers makes fun of them in front of everyone.

If a student does not know the answer to a question, Mr. Akers calls them .

If a student asks too many questions, Mr. Akers  laughs and turns his back.

Many students feel . They try to talk with Mr. Akers, but it seems that he gives them no . They feel that they are treated  they have no value. They start to lose their own .

Some stop  in class. Others even stop  to class. A few get very mad  the teacher. They cannot show their anger , so they do it .

One time the teacher's desk is found . Another time the board is all . Mr. Akers sees this and everything  even worse.

Clay sees this too. He realizes it just gets worse and . He talks with his friends and they decide to make a  and give it to the principal.

In the petition, they  what happens in Mr. Akers classes. "He is our teacher and his  is to help us, not to  of us. We deserve respect too," they write.

The  agrees with the students. "This is not teaching, this is !" he says. Mr. Akers leaves  school. Clay and his friends get a  teacher!

The new teacher  them with respect and tries to help them. He  them. He knows this is the  way to teach. It is not easy, but , things get back to normal at the school.

"6. You Have Rights No Matter Where You Go. I am a person just like you!"

Now read the short story about this important human right.

You Have Rights No Matter Where You Go

Anna and her family are about to do a great change in their lives. They are about to leave their country and move to a new country. There they will be immigrants.

It is not easy to become an immigrant, but it is the best option they have. Their old country is falling apart, and Anna’s parents want a better future for her and her brother.

The family arrives to the new country. Everything is new and different. The language is different. The people are different. Even the weather is different!

Anna's mother is an engineer. But she does not know the new language, so she works in a bakery. Anna's father is a history teacher. But he does not know the new language, so he works as a driver.

Anna's brother is still too little, but Anna already goes to school. She quickly learns the words of the new language. She can talk and understands the other kids and teachers.

She should be happy, but she is not. The other kids do not treat her the same way. They make her feel different.

This makes Anna sad. She likes other kids and wants to have many friends. She tells her mother about it and asks her what to do.

"You have rights no matter where you go," her mother tells her. "You are a person just like the local kids."

"But …" Anna says, "before you were an engineer, and now you work in a bakery. You do not work at your profession like other people do."

"Anna," her mother smiles, "I work in the bakery not because I am a second-class citizen. I work in a bakery because I do not know the language and all the rules well enough to work as an engineer. But do not worry. I will! And so will your father."

Anna smiles and her mother continues, "The other kids think you are different. But that is not the important thing. The important thing is that you have faith in yourself and talk with the other kids. Never stop talking and never stop speaking your mind. They will get to know the real you."

And Anna does just that. She comes to school every day, participates in the lessons, and talks with the other kids and teachers.

At first, some kids give her trouble, but after some time she has a few good friends. And by the end of the school year, she feels part of her new school. She even has her first boyfriend!

English Reading Practice – You Have Rights No Matter Where You Go

WORD BANK:
about | apart | arrives | asks | bakery | before | by | citizen | continues | do | driver | engineer | Even | Everything | faith | few | first | friends | future | history | immigrants | important | just | language | leave | local | make | matter | mind | option | other | part |participates | people | quickly | real | sad | should | teachers | the | too | treat | trouble |understands | will | worry

Anna and her family are  to do a great change in their lives. They are about to  their country and move to a new country. There they will be .

It is not easy to become an immigrant, but it is the best  they have. Their old country is falling , and Anna’s parents want a better  for her and her brother.

The family  to the new country.  is new and different.  language is different. The  are different.  the weather is different!

Anna's mother is an . But she does not know the new language, so she works in a . Anna's father is a  teacher. But he does not know the new language, so he works as a .

Anna's brother is still  little, but Anna already goes to school. She  learns the words of the new language. She can talk and  the other kids and teachers.

She  be happy, but she is not. The other kids do not  her the same way. They  her feel different.

This makes Anna . She likes other kids and wants to have many . She tells her mother about it and  her what to do.

"You have rights no  where you go," her mother tells her. "You are a person just like the  kids."

"But …" Anna says, " you were an engineer, and now you work in a bakery. You  not work at your profession like other people do."

"Anna," her mother smiles, "I work in the bakery not because I am a second-class . I work in a bakery because I do not know the  and all the rules well enough to work as an engineer. But do not . I will! And so  your father."

Anna smiles and her mother , "The  kids think you are different. But that is not the  thing. The important thing is that you have  in yourself and talk with the other kids. Never stop talking and never stop speaking your . They will get to know the  you."

And Anna does  that. She comes to school every day,  in the lessons, and talks with the other kids and .

At first, some kids give her , but after some time she has a  good friends. And  the end of the school year, she feels  of her new school. She even has her  boyfriend!

"7. We're All Equal Before the Law. The law is the same for everyone. It must treat us all fairly."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

We're All Equal Before the Law

John and Tim play football at Central Maine University. CMU has a great football team. John and Tim are well known for being good players.

One night, after a big win, John and Tim decide to paint the name CMU on the side of a bridge.

Tim ties a rope around his waist and lowers himself over the side of the bridge in the dark. Suddenly, Tim sees the blue lights of a police car.

"Uh-oh," he thinks as he starts to pull himself back up.

"What are you boys up to?" The officer asks.

"Nothing," John says.

"Well, it does not look like nothing. You boys have to come with me," the officer says as he shines a flashlight at Tim. Then he recognizes Tim from football.

"Oh!" the officer says in surprise, "Sorry about that. I did not recognize you." Then he shines the flashlight at John and recognizes him too. "You boys played great tonight!"

"Thanks," Tim and John say quietly.

"Okay," the officer says, "Why don't you go home."

The boys start to walk away, when John suddenly stops. They look at each other and then Tim says, "Wait, you are letting us go just because we play football?"

"Yeah," the officer says, "I just want to help you out."

"But that is not fair," John says, "If we did not play football, you would arrest us, right?"

"Do you want me to arrest you?" the officer asks.

"No," Tim says, "We just want to be fair. Don't the rules apply to everyone? We are not different just because we play football."

"You are right," the officer says, "Let's go to the police station."

"Well, at least it is fair . . ." John taps Tim on the shoulder as they head for the police car.

English Reading Practice – We're All Equal Before the Law

WORD BANK:
apply | are | arrest | boys | bridge | CMU | come | different | Do | each | fair | flashlight | football | great | home | just | known | least | letting | lights | look | Nothing | officer | pull | quietly | recognizes | shines | shoulder | start | station | suddenly | surprise | team | Thanks | the | ties | We | win

John and Tim play  at Central Maine University. CMU has a great football . John and Tim are well  for being good players.

One night, after a big , John and Tim decide to paint the name  on the side of a bridge.

Tim  a rope around his waist and lowers himself over the side of the  in the dark. Suddenly, Tim sees the blue  of a police car.

"Uh-oh," he thinks as he starts to  himself back up.

"What are you  up to?" The  asks.

"," John says.

"Well, it does not  like nothing. You boys have to  with me," the officer says as he shines a  at Tim. Then he  Tim from football.

"Oh!" the officer says in , "Sorry about that. I did not recognize you." Then he  the flashlight at John and recognizes him too. "You boys played  tonight!"

"," Tim and John say .

"Okay," the officer says, "Why don't you go ."

The boys  to walk away, when John  stops. They look at  other and then Tim says, "Wait, you are  us go just because we play football?"

"Yeah," the officer says, "I  want to help you out."

"But that is not ," John says, "If we did not play football, you would  us, right?"

" you want me to arrest you?"  officer asks.

"No," Tim says, " just want to be fair. Don't the rules  to everyone? We are not  just because we play football."

"You  right," the officer says, "Let's go to the police ."

"Well, at  it is fair . . ." John taps Tim on the  as they head for the police car.

"8. Your Human Rights Are Protected by Law. We can all ask for the law to help us when we are not treated fairly."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

Your Human Rights Are Protected by Law

Mrs. Martinez is a high school English teacher. At the beginning of each year, she asks her students to create their own classroom rules.

This year, her freshman class complains about this task.

"Mrs. Martinez," one of the girls says, "This is silly! Why do we have to make up our own rules? Can't you just make them?"

"Sure, I can make up rules," Mrs. Martinez answers, "But the rules are for you, not for me."

"What?" the girl says in a rude tone. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Mrs. Martinez explains, "What if someone punches you? Do you want that to be against the rules? What if someone cheats off your test? Do you want there to be a law against that?"

The girl pauses, "I guess so."

"These rules are not for the teacher. They are for you. Our classroom rules serve and protect you. They keep you safe. They protect your rights. They allow you to focus on why you are here – to learn!"

"Wow," the girl says, "I guess I like rules and laws after all!"

English Reading Practice – Your Human Rights Are Protected by Law

"9. No Unfair Detainment. Nobody has the right to put us in prison without good reason and keep us there, or to send us away from our country."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

No Unfair Detainment

Marcy is in a difficult marriage. Her husband is very strict. He gives her many rules. He tells her whom to talk to, what to do, and where to go.

The longer they are married, the stricter he gets. Marcy feels more and more uncomfortable. She tries to find reasons to leave the house more often.

One day, Marcy's husband tells her that she can't leave the house at all anymore without permission. He tells her she has to stay home. He puts an alarm on the doors and windows so that if she tries to leave, the alarm rings.

This scares Marcy. She feels like a prisoner. She calls her friend Theresa.

Theresa tells Marcy that her husband's behavior is against the law. Theresa tells Marcy that she has rights.

Theresa goes to Marcy's house to get her. She takes Marcy to her house, and gives her all the help she needs.

Marcy calls her husband and tells him how she feels. She tells him that she knows he wants the best for them, but she will not be controlled like that anymore. Marcy's husband realizes that he is wrong and he gets help too.

English Reading Practice – No Unfair Detainment

"10. The Right to Trial. If we are put on trial this should be in public. The people who try us should not let anyone tell them what to do."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

The Right to Trial

Malcolm is in the wrong place at the wrong time. He walks toward a store to buy a drink and he hears gunfire. He gets scared and he runs away from the sound as fast as he can.

When the police respond to the gunfire, they see Malcolm as he runs from the scene. They stop him and arrest him.

Malcolm is innocent, but he does not speak English well, and he is scared, so he cannot explain his side of the story to the police officers.

They think he is guilty so they take him to jail. Malcolm quickly loses hope. He thinks he will stay in jail forever. He knows they think he is guilty of something very bad.

Then Malcolm's lawyer comes to talk to him. He tells Malcolm not to worry, that they will work everything out at trial.

"Trial?" Malcolm says, "What trial?"

His lawyer explains, "Malcolm, you are not guilty yet. You have the right to a public trial. The law says that you are innocent until you are found guilty in a court of law."

"But these people," Malcolm says, "they put me in jail. They already decided I was guilty!"

"Yes, they put you in jail, but they cannot keep you there. And they cannot decide you are guilty. They must objectively prove you did it," his lawyer explains. "Do not worry, Malcolm. You are innocent."

Malcolm breathes a sigh of relief. He feels better.

A few months later, Malcolm goes to court, and he is found not guilty!

English Reading Practice – The Right to Trial

"11. We're Always Innocent Till Proven Guilty. Nobody should be blamed for doing something until it is proven. When people say we did a bad thing we have the right to show it is not true."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

We're Always Innocent Till Proven Guilty

Justin is not happy when he is called to jury duty. He does not want to be a juror. He is too busy to go to court. He just wants to get his duty over with as soon as possible.

When Justin sees the accused person, he thinks that he must be guilty. The man looks guilty. He acts guilty. He sounds guilty. So, he must be guilty, right?

After a few hours, the jurors take a break. Justin overhears other jurors talk about the accused person's rights. He hears one of them say, "He is innocent until proven guilty."

Justin asks, "I hear that often, but what does that really mean?"

The other juror says, "It means that as far as we know, this man is innocent. We do not assume anything at this point. Just put yourself in his shoes. What if someone accuses you of something one day? You will want people to believe you are innocent!"

Justin thinks about it for a minute. "You are right," he says. I did not think about it that way. Thank you."

For the rest of the day, Justin thinks about this awesome human right. He promises himself to do his best as a juror. He promises to protect this man's human right. He is innocent until proven otherwise!

English Reading Practice – We're Always Innocent Till Proven Guilty

"12. The Right to Privacy. Nobody should try to harm our good name. Nobody has the right to come into our home, open our letters, or bother us or our family without a good reason."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

The Right to Privacy

Sherry, Brenda, and Gloria are old friends. They always meet for coffee on Thursday mornings.

Sherry and Brenda work together, so they know many of the same people. Thursday mornings often turn into gossip sessions about their friends and coworkers.

This morning is no exception.

"Can you believe the men Chantelle dates? They are practically criminals!" Sherry says to Brenda.

Gloria rolls her eyes and tries to change the subject, "What do you girls plan to do this weekend?"

Sherry and Brenda ignore her. "I know!" Brenda exclaims, "Alex says she is pregnant too."

Gloria says, "My kids want to go to the zoo on Saturday."

Sherry continues to ignore her. "There is also a rumor about David and bankruptcy. Did you hear that one? Apparently, he is totally broke!"

"That is enough!" Gloria interrupts. "You are both out of control! It is not okay to gossip like this! These people you work with are people, with rights. They are not characters in a book. They are real people and they have the right to live their lives however they wish. They have the right to privacy! You do not have the right to talk about them behind their backs!"

Sherry and Brenda look shocked. "Wow," Brenda says, "I guess you have a point. I did not realize. Sorry."

"Yeah, sorry," Sherry adds. "So, a trip to the zoo on Saturday, huh?"

English Reading Practice – The Right to Privacy

"13. Freedom to Move. We all have the right to go where we want in our own country and to travel as we wish."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

Freedom to Move

Denise works for a credit card company. Her office is in York, the small town where Denise grew up.

After Denise works there for several years, her company offers her a promotion. The new job is in Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix is more than a thousand miles away. But, the new job pays more and is more exciting.

Denise does not even have to think about it. She says, "Yes, I will take it!"

Her mother is shocked. "Denise, how can you just move like that?" she asks.

Denise's friends are shocked too. "Why do you want to move halfway across the country?" they ask.

Denise does not understand their surprise. "This is a great opportunity," she explains. "I do not have to live here. I have the freedom to move wherever I want to. If this job is not wonderful, I can move again!"

Denise does move. She does take the job. And she loves it. She is grateful that she has the right to move around and to live anywhere!

English Reading Practice – Freedom to Move

"14. The Right to Seek a Safe Place to Live. If we are frightened of being badly treated in our own country, we all have the right to run away to another country to be safe."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

The Right to Seek a Safe Place to Live

Lily is sixteen. Her brother Georgie is only eleven. They live together with their single mother. Their parents are divorced.

Lily and Georgie's mother is not well. She is depressed and drinks a lot. When she drinks, she gets very angry. She screams at them, throws things, and sometimes even hits them. Lily worries that she and her brother are not really safe at home.

Lily tells Georgie to pack a bag. One Friday after school, Lily and Georgie take a bus to their father's city.

He is happy to see them, but he is also surprised. He asks them why they are there. Lily explains that they are scared of their mother, and that they need a safe place to live.

Their father is shocked. He does not know that their mother is in such bad shape. He invites them to stay with him. He takes care of everything so they can live together. He gets their mother the help she needs.

Lily and Georgie are very happy with their father. They feel safe and are able to get the care they need. They make new friends and do well at their new school. They miss their mother but they also know they were right to seek a safe place to live.

English Reading Practice – The Right to Seek a Safe Place to Live

"15. Right to a Nationality. We all have the right to belong to a country."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

Right to a Nationality

Parker loves school, especially his social studies classes. Today, the teacher discusses nationality. Parker is a little bit confused.

When he gets home, he asks his mother, "What does nationality mean?"

His mother explains, "Our nationality is based on the nation that we live in. It means that we are citizens of this country. We identify ourselves with this country, with this nation. Does that make sense?"

Parker says, "It depends ... Is it good to be a citizen?"

"Well," his mother smiles, "you get help and protection from the country and you can participate in elections. This is when you help choose the people who will lead the country."

"That sounds great!" Parker exclaims, "Then I want to be a citizen of this house! I want to get help and protection and chose who will lead the family!"

"Hey, not so fast!" his mother laughs. "The right to a nationality is an important right and it comes with responsibility too."

"Responsibility?"

"Yes, Think of a family," his mother explains. "You get to live in this house and identify yourself as part of this family. The house gives you protection and you work to make the family better. You have responsibilities. You have chores. You do things to make the family and household run smoothly. It is the same with nationality. You are a citizen of this country so you have a responsibility to be a helpful citizen."

"Oh, I think I understand," Parker says. "Nationality is pretty cool then. I am glad we have it!"

"Yes," his mother agrees, "me too!"

English Reading Practice – Right to a Nationality

WORD BANK:
agrees | and | bit | chores | choose | citizens | depends | discusses | explains | family | fast | gets | have | helpful | house | household | I | identify | is | lead | nation | nationality | participate | pretty | protection | responsibility | right | sense | smiles | so | social studies | sounds | The | understand | want | work

Parker loves school, especially his  classes. Today, the teacher  nationality. Parker is a little  confused.

When he  home, he asks his mother, "What does  mean?"

His mother , "Our nationality is based on the  that we live in. It means that we are  of this country. We  ourselves with this country, with this nation. Does that make ?"

Parker says, "It  ... Is it good to be a citizen?"

"Well," his mother , "you get help and  from the country and you can  in elections. This is when you help  the people who will lead the country."

"That  great!" Parker exclaims, "Then I  to be a citizen of this ! I want to get help and protection and chose who will  the family!"

"Hey, not so !" his mother laughs. "The  to a nationality is an important right and it comes with  too."

"Responsibility?"

"Yes, Think of a ," his mother explains. "You get to live in this house  identify yourself as part of this family.  house gives you protection and you  to make the family better. You  responsibilities. You have . You do things to make the family and  run smoothly. It  the same with nationality. You are a citizen of this country  you have a responsibility to be a  citizen."

"Oh, I think I ," Parker says. "Nationality is  cool then.  am glad we have it!"

"Yes," his mother , "me too!"
you have a responsibility to be a citizen."

"Oh, I think I ," Parker says. "Nationality is cool then. am glad we have it!"

"Yes," his mother , "me too!"

"16. Marriage and Family. Every grown-up has the right to marry and have a family if they want to. Men and women have the same rights when they are married, and when they are separated."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

Marriage and Family

Marcia is twenty years old. She is a successful college student. Her boyfriend Calvin is not a successful college student. He did not go to college. Instead, he decided to open a business.

A year goes by and Marcia finishes her first year in college. Calvin does very well with his business too. He has many customers and a few good employees.

One day, Calvin asks Marcia to marry him. She wants to say yes.

Marcia's parents do not want her to say yes. They think that she is too young for marriage. They say that Calvin is not good for her. He does not go to college. He will not have a college degree.

She tries to explain her point of view to them. "I am an adult. I know that I want to be Calvin's life partner," she says. "He is a good person and I love him. We are good for each other. We make a good team. It does not matter if he does not get a college degree. He can take good care of us."

Her parents continue to try to talk Marcia out of marriage right up until their wedding day. Marcia puts on her white dress and her mother says, "Are you sure you want to do this? You are so young. Maybe you should wait."

Marcia rolls her eyes, "Yes, Mom. I am very sure."

Marcia and Calvin do marry. They rent a nice apartment together. Marcia continues to do well in school. Calvin's business grows. They begin to talk about a family and children.

Marcia's parents see how happy Calvin makes her, and how stable their family is. They begin to understand Marcia's point of view.

Finally, Marcia's mother says, "You are right, Marcia. You were always right. You are an adult and you do have the right to marry and to start a family. Calvin is a good choice. We are proud of you both!"

English Reading Practice – Marriage and Family

"17. The Right to Your Own Things. Everyone has the right to own things or share them. Nobody should take our things from us without a good reason."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

The Right to Your Own Things

James is two years old and he worships his big sister Janice. He wants to do everything she does. Janice adores her little brother, but mostly, Janice just likes to be in charge.

When James gets a new set of blocks, Janice wants to be in charge of them. She takes them away from him and starts to build a tower.

Of course, James does not like this. He screams and hits Janice. He knocks her tower over. Then Janice screams and hits him back.

Their mother comes into the room. "Stop!" she says in a high voice. "Enough!" She picks Janice up and puts her on the couch.

Then she explains, "Janice, these blocks belong to James. They are his. They are not yours. If he wants to share them with you, he can, but you do not have the right to just go take what is his. Do you understand?"

Janice nods. Her mother continues. "What if I went over to the neighbor's house and just took something that I wanted? That would be wrong. We do not do that. People have the right to their own things."

"Okay, Mom," Janice says.

"Okee," James tries to say.

English Reading Practice – The Right to Your Own Things

"18. Freedom of Thought. We all have the right to believe in what we want to believe, to have a religion, or to change it if we want."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

Freedom of Thought

Madeline finishes her marketing exam with a sigh. She passes it in and walks out of the classroom.

Her friend Abe says to her, "Why so sad? Did your test not go well?"

Madeline smiles, "No, It is not that. I just know that my answer to the essay question does not match the professor's answer."

Abe looks confused. "Well, if you know what answer the professor wants, why not just give it to him?"

Madeline smiles sadly, "Because I do not agree with him. I could not bring myself to write something I do not believe. Do not worry, my theory has plenty of evidence to support it. My essay is good. My answer is correct. It is just a different answer than the one he teaches."

Abe nods. "Oh, I think I understand. I am just surprised that you risk a bad grade to stand up for your idea."

Madeline smiles again, "I know, crazy, right?"

A few days later, the professor hands the exams back to the students. Madeline is shocked to see an A on her test.

After class, she approaches her professor. "Thank you for the A," she says.

He smiles, "You do not have to thank me. You earn your grades, and your work deserves an A."

"Okay," she says, "I am just surprised. I know that my answer to the essay question does not match your philosophy."

"True," he agrees, "but you have the right to your own ideas. You have freedom of thought. Trust me – your work deserves an A, even if we disagree on everything!"

"Wow, thanks," Madeline says and walks away, happy and determined to always stand up for her ideas.

English Reading Practice – Freedom of Thought

WORD BANK:
A | answer | approaches | away | Because | bring | but | correct | crazy | deserves | different | evidence | freedom | grades | hands | is | just | know | looks | marketing | match | nods | not | passes | philosophy | professor | risk | shocked | smiles | so | to | up | well | worry | You

Madeline finishes her  exam with a sigh. She  it in and walks out of the classroom.

Her friend Abe says  her, "Why  sad? Did your test not go ?"

Madeline smiles, "No, It is  that. I just know that my  to the essay question does not  the professor's answer."

Abe  confused. "Well, if you know what answer the  wants, why not just give it to him?"

Madeline  sadly, " I do not agree with him. I could not  myself to write something I do not believe. Do not , my theory has plenty of  to support it. My essay  good. My answer is . It is just a  answer than the one he teaches."

Abe . "Oh, I think I understand. I am just surprised that you  a bad grade to stand up for your idea."

Madeline smiles again, "I know, , right?"

A few days later, the professor  the exams back to the students. Madeline is  to see an A on her test.

After class, she  her professor. "Thank you for the ," she says.

He smiles, " do not have to thank me. You earn your , and your work deserves an A."

"Okay," she says, "I am  surprised. I  that my answer to the essay question does not match your ."

"True," he agrees, " you have the right to your own ideas. You have  of thought. Trust me – your work  an A, even if we disagree on everything!"

"Wow, thanks," Madeline says and walks , happy and determined to always stand  for her ideas.

"19. Freedom of Expression. We all have the right to make up our own minds, to think what we like, to say what we think, and to share our ideas with other people."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

Freedom of Expression

Stan is in the sixth grade. He is a bully and picks on younger kids. Lately, Stan focuses on Benjamin, a shy fourth-grader.

Today, on the playground, Stan makes fun of Benjamin's clothes. He makes fun of the trailer that Benjamin lives in. He says Benjamin is from outer space, and many of the other kids laugh.

Mr. Acker, a teacher, overhears this. He tells Stan to stop.

Stan says, "What? I have a right to say what is on my mind! You teach about that, Mr. Acker! I believe it is called the freedom of expression, right?"

Mr. Acker shakes his head. "No, Stan, this is not right. The freedom of expression does not give you the right to be a bully. It does not give you the right to hurt people or to say false things about them."

"Whatever," Stan argues. "I just express myself."

"No, not whatever," Mr. Acker continues. "We learn about human rights so that we can help people, not so that we can hurt them. With rights come responsibilities. We must use these rights for good, not for evil."

"Whatever," Stan says again, but then he looks at Benjamin and says, "Sorry Benjamin."

Mr. Acker thinks maybe some of his explanation got through to Stan, but it is obvious from the looks on the other kids' faces that it got through to them.

English Reading Practice – Freedom of Expression

WORD BANK:
Acker | focuses | from | fun | got | is | looks | Mr | No | not | responsibilities | right | rights | says | shakes | sixth | Sorry | Stan | stop | the | things | to | use | we | what | Whatever | you

Stan is in the  grade. He  a bully and picks on younger kids. Lately, Stan  on Benjamin, a shy fourth-grader.

Today, on the playground,  makes fun of Benjamin's clothes. He makes  of the trailer that Benjamin lives in. He says Benjamin is  outer space, and many of the other kids laugh.

. Acker, a teacher, overhears this. He tells Stan to .

Stan says, "What? I have a right to say  is on my mind! You teach about that, Mr. ! I believe it is called the freedom of expression, ?"

Mr. Acker  his head. "No, Stan, this is  right. The freedom of expression does not give you  right to be a bully. It does not give  the right to hurt people or to say false  about them."

"," Stan argues. "I just express myself."

", not whatever," Mr. Acker continues. "We learn about human  so that we can help people, not so that  can hurt them. With rights come . We must  these rights for good, not for evil."

"Whatever," Stan  again, but then he looks at Benjamin and says, " Benjamin."

Mr. Acker thinks maybe some of his explanation  through to Stan, but it is obvious from the  on the other kids' faces that it got through  them.

"20. The Right to Public Assembly. We all have the right to meet our friends and to work together in peace to defend our rights. Nobody can make us join a group if we don't want to."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

The Right to Public Assembly

Miss Adams is a new teacher at Williams High School. Parents do not like Miss Adams. She is very young. She dresses, talks, and acts a lot like the students. This makes the parents angry.

However, the students really like Miss Adams, and they learn a lot from her.

Still, the parents complain, and the high school decides not to hire Miss Adams back for a second school year.

The students are very upset. They talk about it at lunch. Susanna, a sophomore, says, "Let's have a sit-in!"

Her friend Ashley says, "What is a sit-in?"

Susanna answers, "We all gather and sit together peacefully in show of support."

Ashley asks, "What does that do?"

Susanna answers, "It leads to change, because we do not leave until someone notices!"

Ashley says, "Oh, cool! Let's do it!"

So, the students gather the next day after school in the gym and they all sit together quietly.

Mr. Sweet, one of the teachers, asks them for an explanation. Susanna speaks for the group. "Miss Adams is a good teacher. We choose to sit here together until she gets her job back."

Mr. Sweet laughs quietly and walks away. Not long after, the principal walks into the gym. "You kids get out of here this instant!"

Susanna speaks up again, "With all due respect sir, we cannot do that. We ask you to please give Miss Adams her job back."

"Absolutely not. You kids go home. You cannot just sit here. This is public property."

Some of the students move around nervously, but Susanna quickly answers, "Sir, we have the right to public assembly. This is a peaceful protest."

"She's right," Mr. Sweet interrupts. "They do have the right to gather here, and I think I should join them." Then Mr. Sweet takes a seat and joins the students.

The principal looks frustrated. Then another teacher walks in and sits beside Mr. Sweet. Then a third teacher does the same.

The principal sighs, "Fine. You make your point. I will speak to Miss Adams in the morning and invite her to come back next year." He turns around, scratches his head, and walks away saying, "A peaceful public assembly – what can you say to that?"

English Reading Practice – The Right to Public Assembly

WORD BANK:
a | after | all | and | answers | away | back | beside | can | choose | come | decides | explanation | for | from | gym | here | is | it | leads | like | looks | Mr | nervously | not | of | one | out | peaceful | principal | school | sit | someone | students | Sweet | the | This | to | Williams | you

Miss Adams is a new teacher at  High School. Parents do not like Miss Adams. She  very young. She dresses, talks, and acts a lot  the students. This makes the parents angry.

However, the  really like Miss Adams, and they learn a lot  her.

Still, the parents complain, and the high school  not to hire Miss Adams back for a second  year.

The students are very upset. They talk about  at lunch. Susanna, a sophomore, says, "Let's have a -in!"

Her friend Ashley says, "What is  sit-in?"

Susanna , "We all gather and sit together peacefully in show  support."

Ashley asks, "What does that do?"

Susanna answers, "It  to change, because we do not leave until  notices!"

Ashley says, "Oh, cool! Let's do it!"

So,  students gather the next day after school in the  and they all sit together quietly.

Mr. Sweet,  of the teachers, asks them for an . Susanna speaks  the group. "Miss Adams is a good teacher. We  to sit here together until she gets her job ."

Mr. Sweet laughs quietly and walks . Not long , the principal walks into the gym. "You kids get  of here this instant!"

Susanna speaks up again, "With  due respect sir, we cannot do that. We ask  to please give Miss Adams her job back."

"Absolutely . You kids go home. You cannot just sit here.  is public property."

Some of the students move around , but Susanna quickly answers, "Sir, we have the right to public assembly. This is a  protest."

"She's right," . Sweet interrupts. "They do have the right to gather , and I think I should join them." Then Mr.  takes a seat and joins the students.

The principal  frustrated. Then another teacher walks in and sits  Mr. Sweet. Then a third teacher does the same.

The  sighs, "Fine. You make your point. I will speak  Miss Adams in the morning and invite her to  back next year." He turns around, scratches his head, walks away saying, "A peaceful public assembly – what  you say to that?"

English Teacher

Kamis, 26 Juli 2018

texts of America part1

United Nations
Universal Declaration of Human Rights

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