responsibility

Everyday

1. A responsibility is a duty or job you are expected to do or look after («Feeding the fish is my responsibility»). tree →
2. Responsibility is being trusted to do the right thing and to take care without being watched. tree →
3. Responsibility for something bad means being the one who caused it or should own up to it («take responsibility for the broken window»). tree →

In the lessons

In PSHE and everyday life pupils learn responsibilities at home and school (class jobs, homework, pets, looking after belongings) and taking responsibility for mistakes by owning up and putting them right. Rights come with responsibilities. Phrases: «take responsibility», «a sense of responsibility», «responsibility for», «it's your responsibility».

Examples

• Looking after the class hamster is a big responsibility. tree →
• It is your responsibility to pack your PE kit. tree →
• He took responsibility for breaking the vase and said sorry. tree →
• Being a prefect comes with responsibilities. tree →
• The lifeguard has responsibility for everyone in the pool. tree →
• Every right comes with a responsibility. tree →
• My sister is showing more responsibility now that she is ten. tree →
• Who has responsibility for locking the door? tree →

Note

Plural «responsibilities». Adjective «responsible». Spelling trap: «-sibility», with an i after the s. Taking responsibility is not the same as taking blame for something you did not do.