Blue Diamond Assessment 1: Archived Current Events

The current events on this page have been used to teach the skills associated with Blue Diamond Assessment 1 in previous school years. 

Giant Statue of Hadrian Unearthed

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6939024.stm

A giant statue of Hadrian---one of Rome's most famous emperors---was recently found in the ruins of a bath house in Southern Turkey.  This statue was almost 5 meters tall and made of beautiful marble. 

Questions to use:

What does "bears" mean, based on the context of the following sentence:  "His achievements include the massive wall built across the width of northern Britain which bears his name."

1. To support the weight of something.
2. To give birth to.
3. To head in a particular direction.
4. To have or to hold.

Which of the following best describes Hadrian:

1. A brutal leader who was disliked by his people.
2. A leader who admired the work of the Ancient Greeks.
3. A forgettable leader who didn't help Rome, but didn't hurt it either.
4. A crazy leader who did dangerous things while in charge of Rome.

Ukranian is world's tallest man

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6937655.stm

This article talks about Leonid Stadnyk, a former veteranarian who is now offically the world's tallest living man.  He is a staggering 8ft 5in and has an amazing size 64 shoe!  He was not always oversized, an operation while he was in his teens set his pituitary gland on overdrive.  He has 6 more inches to grow to become the tallest man in history.

Question to use

What can you gather about Mr. Stadnyk's personality from this excerpt, "Mr Stadnyk has claimed to be the world's tallest man before, but his record was not verified because he repeatedly refused to be measured by the Guinness Book of Records."

1. He does not wants the honor of being offically the world's tallest man.
2. He is unsure and nervous when strange people ask him repeatedly about his height.
3. He loves the attention his height brings him.
4. He wants people to help him buy shoes.

Teen in Potter translation arrest

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6936979.stm

In this article, a French teen is arrested after posting a complete translation of the latest Harry Potter book online before the official version was released in his home country. 

Question to use:

What is the main idea of this article?

1. That teens can do anything if they set their mind to it.
2. That Harry Potter is a motivating book series in countries worldwide.
3. That books are copyrighted, preventing people from getting free copies.
4. That the French government is willing to arrest teenagers.

Russia's Cossacks rise again

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6937562.stm

In this story, the Cossack peoples of Southern Russia---a deeply conservative and disciplined culture where the word of the eldest man is considered law---are explored.

Questions to use:

What was the effect of beginning the selection with, "The Cossacks play an increasingly important role in Russia. Their disciplined way of life, patriotism, large families and commitment to work, are seen by many politicians as a model that could help resolve many of Russia's problems."

1. The reader learns that the Cossacks are the group that currently rule Russia.
2. The reader is introduced to the main conflict in the story.
3. The reader is introduced to the main character of the story.
4. The reader is introduced to some of the core characteristics of the Cossack people.

Remembering the Pyres

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6935662.stm

In this story, a farmer from the UK remembers how infected animals were disposed of during the 2001 outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease---large fires known as pyres. 

Questions to use:

What was the effect of beginning the selection with, "They may look serene. But the gentle west country hills that roll above Ian Harris's farm are forever associated in his mind with the grisliest spectacle he has ever witnessed."

1. The reader's attention is captured, wanting to know more about the "grisliest spectacle."
2. The main character of the story is introduced in an interesting way.
3. The reader is introduced to the setting of the story---gentle rolling hills in England.
4. The main conflict of the story is introduced to readers in an interesting way. 

Which of the following best describes Ian Harris:

1. A positive person who continues on even though times are tough
2. A cold man who has very little concern for other people or for animals
3. A kind-hearted man who really values life
4. An intelligent man who understands why animals have to be killed when they have foot and mouth disease

A Slaughterman's Story

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/6931324.stm

This account details Gordon Nixon's time as a slaughterman back during the 2001 foot and mouth outreak.  He retells some horrible situations he went through and all of the troubles he has faced since.  Watching the TV reports of the new outbreaks is sending him back to a time in his life that was just awful.  You will want to use a story about the new foot and mouth outbreaks before you read his account.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6930000/newsid_6934300/6934387.stm

Question to use

What is the tone of this selection?

1. Humerous
2. Proud
3. Exciting
4. Depressing

What was the effect of beginning the selection with, "I have seen first-hand the heartbreak and devastation caused by foot-and-mouth disease. I now receive treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder as well as taking anti-depressants."

1.  To introduce readers to the main character of the piece.

2.  To introduce the readers to how horrible foot-and-mouth disease really is.

3.  To make readers feel sympathy towards English farmers.

4.  To make readers feel sympathy toward animals.

Italy Struggles with Chinese Migrants

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6926181.stm

This is an interesting article about struggles in Italy between Chinese immigrants who are flooding the country to work in the textile industry and Italians who are losing jobs to the immigrants.  Tensions are high between the two groups because the Italians feel threatened by the Chinese, who often don't pay taxes yet use the services of the country. 

We won't read this whole article---it's long and complex---but we will start at the subtitle that says Hard Times.

Question to use:

1. Happy and carefree.
2. Exciting and adventurous
3. Tense and bitter
4. Relaxed and casual.
    

Dubrovnik menaced by major fire

1. Happy and carefree.
2. Exciting and adventurous
3. Hopeless and dark
4. Frightened and frantic

In this selection, Dubrovnik is described as "The Pearl of the Adriatic."  What effect does that comparison have on readers?

1. Readers think that Dubrovnik must be a beautiful place surrounded by ordinary places.
2. Readers think that Dubrovnik is a small place surrounded by bigger places.
3. Readers think that Dubrovnik is a rich place surrounded by poor places.
4. Readers think that Dubrovnik is a wet place surrounded by dry places.

Getty to return Italian Treasures

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6927110.stm

The Getty Museum--one of America's most famous art museums in Los Angeles---has agreed to return 40 pieces of art from the time of the Ancient Greeks and Romans to Italy, ending a longstanding argument between the nation and the museum over ownership.

Questions to use:

What does "ties" mean, based on the context of the following sentence:  "Rome had threatened to sever ties with Getty over the treasures, which the Italians say were looted."

1. Tools used for connecting or fastening.
2. To bring together in a relationship.  To unite.
3. To equal an opponent's score in a contest.
4. A beam or rod for a railroad track.

Colditz seeks to Tempt Tourists

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6922956.stm

In this current event, a German town is transforming an old Nazi POW camp into a high class hotel and tourist destination. 

Questions to use:

What is the effect of beginning the selection with, "Mr Heinrich was lucky to survive World War II. He lost an eye and received a serious leg wound on the Russian Front."

1. The main character is depicted as a brave character who fought in World War II
2. The time period that the article takes place in is introduced to readers.
3. The conflict of the article is introduced to the reader.
4. The reader's attention is captured.

Rescue Dogs Aid Italy Beachgoers

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6924827.stm

In this current event, Newfoundland dogs are being used as lifeguards on some of the busier beaches in Italy.  This ties in to our study of Southern Europe.

Question to use:

What does "scores" mean, based on the context of the following sentence:  "Scores of specially trained dogs have been deployed as lifeguards on Italy's busiest beaches this summer."

1. To make a notch or mark in something.
2. A great number of something.
3. The act of earning a point in a sporting event.
4. The total number of points earned during a sporting event.

Under Monserrat's Volcano

http://snipurl.com/1p1ue

This current event talks about the continued destruction in Monserrat twelve years after its main volcano exploded and destroyed the island.  The capital city was completely buried in ash, making this current event a good one to draw on when reading Tito and Bimbo. 

Questions to use:

What is the main idea of the selection?

1. That Monserrat is a wasteland that should be completely abandoned.
2. That the British are not doing enough to help Monserrat recover.
3. That Monserrat can recover, but will need significant help from the British to get there.
4. That people should never live on an island that has a volcano.

What is the mood of the selection?

1. Sad and difficult.
2. Fearful and dark.
3. Optimistic and positive.
4. Exciting and energetic.

What is the effect of beginning the selection with "As the small propeller aircraft descended towards Montserrat's airstrip, Jasmine, sitting next to me, closed her eyes tightly and appeared to be saying a silent prayer."

1. The reader becomes aware that this is a story about a journey on an airplane..
2. The main character is depicted as weak and timid--someone who frightens easily.
3. The reader learns that the people of Monserrat have poor technology.
4. The reader is immediately involved in an exciting and dangerous adventure.

Which of the following best describes Daniel?

1. A man who is happy with his current career and life.
2. A man who is able to remain positive even when life is very difficult.
3. A man who has given up on life because it is proving to be too challenging.
4. A man who puts himself in danger and makes many poor decisions.

Stockholm Introduces Road Charge

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6926578.stm

This current event introduces Stockholm's plans to charge drivers for taking cars into the city center during peak hours.  It also references similar plans in Rome and other large cities---which are all efforts to control traffic and pollution. 

Questions to use:

What does "impact" mean, based on the context of the following sentence:  "According to the AFP news agency, the impact of the scheme was hard to assess on its first day, with many Stockholm residents away on summer holidays."

1. To strike forcefully
2. To pack firmly together
3. To make an impression on
4. The effect of one thing on another

Russia's Sami Fight for their Lives

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6171701.stm

This current event talks about the challenges facing the indigenous Sami people, who live in then northern parts of Russia, once herding reindeer but now struggling to find jobs.  This fits into many of the conversations that we have about the plight of indigenous peoples around the world.  It is also a piece with good tone and mood hints. 

Questions to come when I have more time!