Global Issues in MYP English by Aubrianna Pressley
Freshman Anabella Mulligan discovered growth and confidence through her English IB MYP Global Issue 4 assignment at Melbourne High School. The project challenged students to analyze short readings and respond to critical-thinking questions. Mulligan said the experience helped her improve her writing and understand how written expression could inform and inspire others.
Every other Friday, Mulligan and her friends met in groups to complete the assignment. She explained that teamwork made the process more enjoyable and productive. “Working together helped us find answers and share ideas,” Mulligan said. She also noted that her teacher checked their progress every Monday, which gave students a chance to earn what she described as an “easy grade” while still learning valuable writing skills.
Throughout the semester, Mulligan explored several Global Issue topics, but she said Global Issue 3 stood out as her favorite. She felt proudest, however, after finishing Global Issue 4. “I never thought I could complete these assignments at the start of the year, but over time I learned how to do them,” Mulligan said. The project allowed her to organize her thoughts, strengthen her analysis, and recognize how global themes connect to real-world issues.
Mulligan believed that the Global Issues assignments benefited more than just her grade. She said they encouraged students to think critically about the world and apply what they learned to other English tasks. By the end of the project, Mulligan had not only gained confidence in her writing but also developed a deeper understanding of how academic work could shape her awareness of global perspectives.
Caption: Focused on Growth — Anabella Mulligan works on her Global Issue 4 assignment during English class at Melbourne High School. As part of the IB MYP English program, she analyzed short readings to identify key details and strengthen her writing skills. Before starting the project, Mulligan struggled to organize her ideas, but afterward, she said she felt more confident in her ability to connect global themes to her writing. “I learned how to find the main details and use them to make my work stronger,” Mulligan said.
Photo credit: Samiyah Evans