Caribbean Examination Council

English School Based Assessment

Candidate Name: Timera Jeffrey

Candidate Number:

School: East Ruimveldt Secondary School

Center Number: 090021

Territory: Guyana

Year of Examination: 2024

Teacher: Ms. Adrian

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 Title Page

Title of this portfolio: The impact of drug addiction on adolescents.

Candidate Name: Timera Jeffrey

Candidate Number:

School: East Ruimveldt Secondary School

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 Table of Contents

Page No.

Introduction ……………………………………………………..................... 4

Acknowledgement …………………………………………………………… 5

Topic …………………………………………………………………………. 6

Plan of Investigation …….…………………………………………………… 7

Reflection 1 ………………………………………………………...………... 8

Reflection 2 ……………………………………………………….................. 9

Reflection 3 …………………………………………………………………. 10

Plan of Oral Presentation …………………………………………………… 11

Written Report ……………………………………………………………… 12

References …………………………………………………………………... 13

Appendices …………………………………………………………………. 14

Artefact 1 …………………………………………………………………… 15-17

Artefact 2 …………………………………………………………………… 18

Artefact 3 …………………………………………………………………… 19-20

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 Introduction

The influence of drug addiction on adolescents is a critical concern with extensive repercussions

for both the individual and society. Adolescence, marked by significant physical and

psychological changes, makes young people susceptible to drug experimentation due to peer

pressure and societal factors. The consequences are profound, affecting physical health cognitive

development, and social wellbeing. This discussion explores the multifaceted impact of drug

addiction on adolescents, highlighting the necessity of early intervention and preventive

strategies to address this issue effectively.

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 Acknowledgement

I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all those who provided us with the possibility

to complete this SBA. Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge with much appreciation our

English teacher Ms. Adrian for helping me to complete this task on time.

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 Topic

Theme: Drug Addiction

Topic: The impact of drug addiction on adolescents.

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 Plan of Investigation

THE IMPACT OF DRUG ADDICTION ON ADOLESCENTS

My group and I have decided to investigate the topic “Drug addiction” since we would like to

gain more knowledge about this topic. Drug addiction is a chronic, compulsive, and

uncontrollable dependence on a substance that leads to adverse physical, psychological, and

social consequences. I chose to study on the topic “The impact of drug addiction on adolescents”

since it’s a big issue in the economy today. As a student of English, this research will enhance

my writing and comprehension skills. To conduct my investigation, I plan to search and collect

relevant information from a poem, short story, and article.

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 Reflection 1

The poem “My Master” by Selena Odom evoke strong emotions and engages readers on a

personal level. This poem shaped my way of thinking by making me question power, understand

others’ feelings, and made me think about my role in society.

The second piece is a newspaper article that I got off the internet. This article helped me to

understand that a lot of people don’t have value for their money. Australians spend at least thirty-

four billion dollars annually on drugs and alcohol. Teens in Australia are also becoming hooked

on alcohol and drugs.

Finally, the short story by Michael Grimm engages readers on a personal level. After reading that

story I’ve learnt that with determination and willingness anything possible because the narrator

of the story was on drugs for years but with her spirit of determination and willingness, she was

able to be substance free for over nine months.

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 Reflection 2

In my first artifact, a poem by Selena Odom entitled ‘My Master’, the language used in the poem

leans towards informal. The poem uses vivid imagery, a desperate tone, repetition,

personification of addiction as a “master,” and powerful metaphors to convey the destructive

nature of addiction.

Moving on to my second artifact, an article entitled “Alcohol the drug of choice for teens.” The

language elucidates the vulnerability of youth.

Lastly, a short story by Micheal Grimm. The story adopts a first-person reflective tone, charting

a journey from seeking acceptance to addiction. Contrasting language highlights the shift from

the “nerdy kid” to the influence of the “cool kids.” Vivid phrases like “died almost 15 times” add

urgency.

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 Reflection 3

Exploring the topic “The impact of drug addiction on adolescents” has helped me to improve my

personal growth and had helped me to become a better version of myself. While delving into his topic, I

developed a heightened awareness of the challenges faced by young people caught in the grip of

substance abuse. I now understand the devastating consequences it can have on their lives,

relationships, and future; this type of knowledge allows me to approach others with greater

understanding and support, both in personal and broader social contexts. Overall, exploring the topic

“The impact of drug addiction on adolescents” not only enhanced my knowledge but has cultivated

empathy, and a sense of responsibility within me to make a positive difference in the lives of others and

within myself.

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 Oral Presentation Plan

 Topic: Drug Addiction

 Subtopic: The impact of drug addiction on adolescents.    

 Genre: Informative presentation\ Aspect           

 Language: Formal language.     

 Reason for selecting genre: The reason I selected this genre is to raise awareness and

knowledge on the topic.

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 Written Report

Our SBA journey began with our teacher guiding us through the sections on the English project.

My group and I chose our topic, “Drug Addiction,” and its sub-topics, then dove into online

research. The materials we discovered online improved our vocabulary, comprehension and

writing skills. Reviewing and engaging with multimedia solidified our gasp on the subject.

Through discussions, we collectively understood that relapse is prevalent in “Drug Addiction,”

yet recovery is attainable with proper support. Working together, we curated relevant

information, achieved our goal, and completed the SBA on time.

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 References

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, July). Understanding Drug Addiction Relapse.

Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-

addiction/treatment-recovery

Purdue Online Writing Lab. (2003). Effective Research Techniques for Students. Retrieved from

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/resource.html

Grammarly Blog. (2009, July). Improving writing skills: A comprehensive Guide. Retrieved

from https://www.grammarly.com/blog/improve-writing-skills/

Reading Rockets. (2001). Enhancing Reading Comprehension Strategies. Retrieved from

https://www.readingrockets.org/article/enhancing-reading-comprehension-strategies

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Appendices

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 Artefact 1

Title: My Master

Type: Poem

Author: Selena Odom

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/my-master

My Master

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I have a master of an evil kind.

He totally controls my body, soul, and mind.

At first he was fun and cool,

But soon I became his fool.

A victim without a chance,

He took my life in just a glance.

He's so sneaky and full of deceit.

I wonder why we ever had to meet.

Thanks to my master, I am now someone I hate.

I used to have a life, and it was somewhat great.

Now all I do is cheat, steal, and lie,

And then lie in bed praying to die.

Still I can't leave my master for any reason.

He's too strong and his control is never casein'.

He's the one I run to when I wake.

I can't rid him, even for my children's sake.

I used to be loving, caring, and enjoyed my life,

But that was before my master took me for his wife.

Everyone says I don't look like the type.

They can't picture me locked in my room smoking a pipe.

I once was a pretty girl from the South,

But now I am left with teeth rotting in my mouth.

My master says, "You'll never stay clean;

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You love me too much to be happy and serene."

He loves that I don't even bother trying

And gravels when I am miserably crying.

I'm already dead really, just a shell.

My master gave me a life of pure hell.

Yes, I have a master of the most evil kind.

He took over and everything good was left behind.

He shows no mercy to religion, sex, or age.

He only searches for his next victim in which to engage.

I pray you never meet my master.

If your paths cross, run fast and then run faster.

Just in case, he goes by Meth, Crystal, or Ice,

And I am begging you to just take my advice.

No one should have to succumb to this Master of misery and shame.

Trust me, this is your life and not a game!

Nothing good will ever come from knowing this dark demon,

So don't ever try him, no matter how unbearable life is seemin'.

My master took me and broke my spirit.

So don't meet him, just don't hear it

Artefact 2

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Title: Alcohol the drug f choice for teens

Type: An article

Source: Teen Drug Abuse Quotes. QuotesGram

Artefact 3

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Title:

Type: Short story

Author: Michael Grimm

Source: REHABR.com

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