Suzanne Aubert Explanation Writing

Name:

Date:

📖 Part 1: Learning About Suzanne Aubert

Read this introduction with your partner:

Suzanne Aubert (1835-1926) was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to helping others in New Zealand. Born in France, she came to New Zealand in 1860 and became known as Mother Aubert. She worked tirelessly to care for the sick, the poor, and those who needed help, regardless of their background or ethnicity.

Mother Aubert established New Zealand's first Catholic hospital, created medicines from native plants, and founded the Sisters of Compassion. She was particularly known for her work with Māori communities and her respect for Māori culture and traditional healing methods. In 2016, she was declared "Venerable" by the Catholic Church, recognising her holy life and service to others.

1. With your partner, write down three important facts about Suzanne Aubert:

Fact 1: _________________________________________________

Fact 2: _________________________________________________

Fact 3: _________________________________________________

2. Discuss with your partner: Why do you think Suzanne Aubert was important to New Zealand? Write your ideas:

✍️ Part 2: Planning Your Explanation

You and your partner will write an explanation about why Suzanne Aubert was significant to New Zealand history.

3. Choose the main reasons why Suzanne Aubert was significant (tick all that apply):

She helped sick and poor people

She respected Māori culture

She started New Zealand's first Catholic hospital

She made medicines from native plants

She founded the Sisters of Compassion

She showed compassion to all people

4. Plan your explanation structure with your partner:

Introduction: ____________________________________________

Main Point 1: ___________________________________________

Main Point 2: ___________________________________________

Main Point 3: ___________________________________________

Conclusion: ____________________________________________

📝 Part 3: Writing Your Explanation

Use these sentence starters and linking words to help you write:

Sentence Starters: "Suzanne Aubert was significant because...", "One reason she was important was...", "Another way she helped was...", "This shows that..."

Linking Words: furthermore, additionally, as a result, consequently, for example, in particular, therefore, moreover

Key Vocabulary: significant, compassion, dedication, established, founded, respected, contributed, legacy, venerable, service

Remember: Use past tense verbs (was, helped, established, created) when writing about historical events.

5. Write your explanation with your partner (aim for 150-200 words):

6. Explanation Writing Checklist - Tick when complete:

Clear introduction stating why Suzanne Aubert was significant

At least three main points with examples

Used linking words to connect ideas

Used past tense verbs correctly

Included subject-specific vocabulary

Strong conclusion summarising her importance

Checked spelling and punctuation