New
New
Year 11

Can identity be defined?

I can explain how identity is shaped by different factors and how people may have multiple, changing identities.

New
New
Year 11

Can identity be defined?

I can explain how identity is shaped by different factors and how people may have multiple, changing identities.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Identity consists of the qualities people have that make them different from others.
  2. People’s identity can be shaped by many different factors. These factors can be separated into nature and nurture.
  3. People can have multiple identities because different parts of who they are show up in different situations.
  4. People's identity can change because identity is fluid, not fixed.
  5. With time, our views, values and beliefs may change because of our experiences.

Keywords

  • Identity - who a person is, or the qualities of a person or group that make them different than others

  • Nature - the traits that we inherit through genes, like eye colour, skin tone or height

  • Nurture - the environment and experiences that shape you after you are born

Common misconception

Identity is fixed and based only on things like nationality or ethnicity.

Identity is complex and fluid, made up of many parts including culture, experiences and beliefs, and can change over time.


To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: Can identity be defined?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage pupils to see identity as complex and changing. Use relatable examples and create a safe space for sharing. Highlight that everyone’s identity is unique and shaped by many factors, promoting respect and inclusion.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match each word to its correct meaning.

Correct Answer:migration,the movement of people from one place to another

the movement of people from one place to another

Correct Answer:refugee,a person who has been forced to flee due to conflict or persecution

a person who has been forced to flee due to conflict or persecution

Correct Answer:migrant,a person who moves from one place to another

a person who moves from one place to another

Correct Answer:diversity,the inclusion of different types of people in a group or society

the inclusion of different types of people in a group or society

Q2.
Which of these is a pull factor for migration?

rising crime rates
Correct answer: job opportunities
environmental disasters
political unrest

Q3.
Which of the following is an example of cultural diversity?

Everyone speaking the same language.
Correct answer: A community where people come from different ethnic backgrounds.
A school where all pupils wear the same uniform.
A workplace where all employees are from the same country.

Q4.
Which of the following best describes ‘discrimination’?

celebrating someone’s culture
Correct answer: treating someone unfairly because of their identity
encouraging diversity in schools
moving from one country to another

Q5.
Why might some people oppose immigration?

because they enjoy cultural exchange
because they believe it increases diversity
Correct answer: because they fear job competition or cultural change
because they want more people in their country

Q6.
A society that values and respects different cultures is often called ...

Correct Answer: multicultural, diverse, multi-ethnic

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the word to its correct definition.

Correct Answer:identity,the way a person sees themselves and how others see them

the way a person sees themselves and how others see them

Correct Answer:nature,traits or characteristics we are born with (e.g., genetics)

traits or characteristics we are born with (e.g., genetics)

Correct Answer:nurture,the influences from our surroundings and experiences

the influences from our surroundings and experiences

Q2.
Identity can be shaped by our , such as religion, traditions and shared values.

Correct Answer: culture

Q3.
Which of these is an example of how someone’s identity might change over time?

having the same name all your life
being born in a hospital
always liking the same food since childhood
Correct answer: moving to a new country and learning a new language

Q4.
Which of the following is mostly linked to nurture rather than nature?

eye colour
hair type
Correct answer: religious beliefs
blood type

Q5.
People often have identities, such as being a pupil, a sibling and a basketball player.

Correct Answer: multiple, several, many

Q6.
Which of these statements shows a misunderstanding of identity?

Identity can change depending on what happens in someone’s life.
Identity includes many things like beliefs, culture and experiences.
Correct answer: Identity is fixed and only based on your ethnicity or nationality.
A person might see their identity differently from how others see it.