Writing an article for the school magazine
• Arrange Ss in groups.
• Brainstorm people who have helped improve
conditions in your country and write them on
the board.
• Explain the task and allow Ss time to complete
their research and their writing. (Allow Ss access
to the Internet/the library).
• Invite groups to present their information to
the class.
Suggested Answer Key
Ivan Betskoy was born on February 14, 1704. The
out of wedlock son of a Russian prince, Betskoy
spent his youth abroad. After returning to Russia
upon his father’s request, he became involved in
Russian politics. He later served as advisor to
Catherine II. He focused his reforms on education
and the arts. Influenced by French educational
theory, he pushed for changes in the educational
system that included schools for girls. Born
himself out of wedlock and concerned about the
high rate of infanticide. He founded two large
homes for orphans and illegitimate children.
His belief in the importance of the middle class
brought him to establish a commercial school in
Moscow to encourage the development of a
merchant class. His most important career
achievement was the establishment of Russia’s
first unified system of public education. He
lived a long and influential life and died in 1796
at the age of 92. He will always be remembered
for his significant reforms that created the
foundation for Russia’s educational system.
