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BD 2 Archived Current Events

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Blue Diamond Assessment 2:  Archived Current Events

 

The current events and questions found on this page have been used in previous years to teach the objectives measured by Blue Diamond Assessment #2.

 

PHOTOS: Giant, Bulging-Eyed Roman Emperor Statue Found

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/08/080827-emperor-picture.html?source=rss

 

A National Geographic article on the sculpture of Marcus Aurilus recently found in Turkey.  This article is good for discussing the different ways that archaeologists use primary sources to learn about history.  It is also good for starting a conversation about whether or not nations should invest money in researching historical artifacts.  These kinds of operations can cost millions of dollars----Is that money worth it when a nation has so many other challenges to address?

 

It is also good for introducing students to the idea that the Roman Empire took over after the Greeks, but had a much greater influence because of the amount of land that they conquered through Europe and parts of Asia and Africa.  That influence is particularly important and interesting today because Turkey is trying to earn membership into the European Union.  Despite being physically in Asia, Turkey is actually more like European countries than Asian or Middle Eastern countries because they share a period of Roman rule with the Europeans.  That influence is evident today in the kinds of government and cultural traditions in Turkey.

 

(Ferriter---Sept. 5)

 

Question to use:

 

According to the article, "A rich repository of artifacts from the second century A.D. had already been unearthed at the baths, including the 2007 discovery of a colossal statue of the emperor Hadrian."  What does unearthed mean?

 

  1. To be dug up from the ground.
  2. To be stolen by thieves.
  3. To be recovered after having been lost.
  4. To be returned to their original owners.

 

 

 

Ancient gold treasure puzzles archaeologists

http://www.keprtv.com/news/national/27658394.html

 

(Ferriter---Sept. 4)

 

This article details the excavation of a golden wreath, unearthed in northern Greece.  The wreath is thought to be from the time of Philip and Alexander of Macedonia.  This article can be used to discuss Alexander the Great and his empire.  It can also be used to study primary sources---and how archaeologists learn more about history by studing objects and artifacts that they find from the past.  Another interesting conversation can be whether studying human remains is ever okay---while historians can learn a lot by studying human remains, is it right to disturb the dead in this way?

 

Question to use:

 

According to the article, "Aigai flourished in the 6th and 5th centuries B.C., attracting leading Greek artists such as the poet Euripides, who wrote his last tragedies there. The Macedonian capital was moved to Pella in the 4th century B.C."  What does flourished mean?

 

  1. Collapsed
  2. Was conqured.
  3. Grew stronger.
  4. Was founded. 

 

 

 

BBC NEWS | Cyprus rivals begin peace talks

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7595359.stm

 

(Ferriter---September 3)

 

Cyprus---a nation divided since a Turkish invasion in 1974---is holding peace talks today between the leaders of the Turkish and Greek halves of the islands.  These peace talks are pretty remarkable considering the amount of time that the island has been divided. 

 

One of the reasons for the peace talks is that Turkey wants to get into the European Union, but many EU member nations feel that Turkey is wrong to have as many troops in Cyprus as the do. Resolving this conflict is in Turkey's best interest because they can impress the EU---and possibly be admitted.  This is a neat way to talk about how the EU is having an influence on the behaviors of countries. 

 

Questions to use:

 

Based on this article, what is most likely to happen next?

  1. The two halves of Cyprus will continue to fight with one another as they have for over 30 years.
  2. Turkey will push troops into the Greek half of Cyprus in order to unify the nation.
  3. The two halves of Cyprus will form their own nations and declare their independence from one another.
  4. The leaders of both halves of Cyprus will continue to meet and will likely come to some peace agreement over time.

 

 

 

 

 

Eruption Gave Several Weeks' Notice; May Aid Forecasts

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/08/080829-santorini.html?source=rss

 

(Ferriter---Sept. 2)

 

This current event details the work of geologists to study rocks thrown from a volcano during a 1925 eruption on an island in Greece.  What they have found is that rocks form a crust of magnesium while sitting in a volcano's chamber---and they believe that by studying magma chambers, they can get a better idea of when a volcano is about to erupt.

 

This can be used to teach students about the advantages and disadvantages of living near volcanos.  While living near volcanos often means fertile soil that is good for farming, it is also dangerous because of eruptions.  If this prediction process is perfected, that weakness could be eliminated.

 

Questions to use:

 

According to this article, "Scientists have determined that a 1925 volcanic eruption on Santorini island in Greece was preceded by an influx of hot magma into the volcano's lava chamber several weeks beforehand."  What does preceded mean?

 

  1. to be caused by.
  2. to happen before.
  3. to bring solutions for.
  4. to frighten.

 

Based on this article, what is most likely to happen next?

 

  1. Scientists will warn residents of towns near volcanos to leave immediately because they are unpredictable landforms.
  2. Residents will realize that there is nothing to fear from volcanos and start moving closer to them again.
  3. Farmers will begin to study volcano magma chambers to plan for their upcoming growing seasons.
  4. Scientists will continue to study volcanos to try and make even more accurate predictions about when they will erupt. 

 

 

Spain's Great Tomato War

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,569339,00.html

 

(Ferriter---August 29)

 

An interesting article detailing Spain's La Tomatina Tomato food fight, which takes place every year in the city of Bunol, Spain.  This article can be used to study the customs and traditions of Southern European countries----and to discuss the value in being "unique."  With an increasingly global world, we're losing some of the things that make us unique as we adapt and adopt things from around the world. 

 

A good question to ask the students would be, "How important are customs and traditions?  When nations lose customs and traditions, what else do they lose?  Are some customs and traditions more important than others?  Which ones?"

 

 

Berlusconi plans new love album

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7581952.stm

 

Silvio Berlusconi, the current Prime Minister of Italy, is planning a new CD of love songs written and recorded by him.  Berlusconi is a former cruise ship singer and is often known to break into song during meetings of state.

 

 

BBC NEWS | Malta fears 71 migrants drowned

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7585004.stm

 

(Ferriter---August 28)

 

For the second consecutive day, a tragedy has occurred in the Mediterranean sea, where 71 African immigrants are feared to have drowned in an attempt to make it to Europe.  This current event can be used to revisit the issue of migration from Africa to Europe.

 

Another interesting teaching point in this current event is that it mentions immigration rules passed by the European Parliment.  This provides teachers with the chance to introduce the EU as a collection of nations working together to solve challenging issues. 

 

Questions to use:

 

What is the tone of this piece?

 

  1. Lighthearted and playful
  2. Informational and "matter-of-fact"
  3. Anguished and shocking
  4. Exciting and energetic

 

What was the effect of including the picture of a sinking boat in this article?

 

  1. The reader has the opportunity to investigate just how rough the waters of the Mediterranean are.
  2. The reader has the opportunity to investigate the kinds of vessels that immigrants use to get to Europe.
  3. The author suggests that like the immigrants, Malta is "drowning" under the weight of immigration.
  4. The author suggests that Europe is not doing enough to help immigrants from Africa.

 

 

 

 

BBC NEWS | Migrants die off Spanish coast

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7582892.stm

 

(Ferriter---August 27)

 

In yet another tragedy, dozens of illegal immigrants from Africa have died in an attempt to make it to Spain and find a better life in Europe.  In this case, the migrants were being carried in a cargo ship. 

 

 

This article is good for discussing exactly how desperate the immigrants are to get to Europe.  It is also good for discussing Europe's response because it discusses Spain's plans to repatriate all illegal immigrants and to increase patrols in an attempt to catch immigrants before they arrive in Europe.

 

 

Questions to use:

 

Based on this article, what is most likely to happen next?

 

  1. Immigrants from Africa will continue to come to Europe even though tragedy has struck.
  2. Immigrants from Africa will realize that the trip to Europe is dangerous and stop trying to leave their homes.
  3. Spain will pass laws requiring that all ships carrying immigrants meet safety regulations.
  4. Spain will relax its rules on immigrants so that more people can enter the country safely. 

 

What is the effect of including a picture of a young African immigrant in this article?

 

  1. Readers are left angry at African parents for putting their children in jeopardy. 
  2. Readers are left feeling sorry for African immigrants and end up more likely to take their side in the immigration debate.
  3. Readers are left feeling sorry for Spain, knowing that they have to take care of so many dangerous immigrants.
  4. Readers are better able to understand just how unsafe the boats are that carry immigrants to Europe. 

 

According to the article, "A boat patrolling waters between Malaga and Melilla rescued the migrants from a half-submerged boat late on Monday." What is the meaning of submerged?

 

covered with a coating of paint

reduced to fragments

under the surface of water

occupied

 

 

According to the article, "The wave of would-be migrants has prompted the government to toughen its stance on migration. It has pledged to repatriate all illegal migrants and has set up joint naval patrols with European partners." what is the meaning of repatriate?

 

to bring or send back  to his or her country or land of citizenship.

to drive or force out or away

to greet the arrival of

to confer upon the rights and privileges of a citizen.

 

 

BBC NEWS | Alpine melt reveals ancient life

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7580294.stm

 

(Ferriter--August 25)

 

An interesting article about how climatologists are making new discoveries about life in the high Alps because previously frozen glaciers are melting at higher rates than ever before. 

 

A good article for discussing the role that primary sources play in historical investigations.  Also a good article for introducing the Roman Empire, as some of the artifacts found date from that time period.  Mentions that historians believe that Romans used this passageway through the Alps to get to the northern regions.  Finally, can be used to discuss the ways that landforms act as physical boundaries between countries---offering both protection and isolation.

 

Questions to use:

 

According to this article, "Melting alpine glaciers are revealing fascinating clues to Neolithic life in the high mountains."  What is the meaning of Neolithic?

 

  1. A tribe of people currently living in the Alps highlands.
  2. A specific time period that occurred thousands of years ago.
  3. A type of religion or culture that is practiced in Southern Europe.
  4. The name commonly given to the Roman Empire. 

 

 

 

Rome's battle of the bells

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7570962.stm

 

(Ferriter--August 26)

 

This article talks about the use of bells in the Roman Catholic traditions in Italy.  Nowadays the bell ringers job is being replaced by machines and the Roman day that was once filled with bell chimes is being quieted by citizens who deem the sounds distracting.

 

Questions

 

According to the article "On the contrary, bell-ringing has become a nuisance for many people. The law now limits the ringing of church bells in exactly the same way as if they were part of an alarm system." What is the meaning of nuisance?

 

  1. enjoyment or satisfaction
  2. obnoxious or annoying
  3. enjoyment or playfulness
  4. strongly audible

 

Based on the article what is most likely to happen next?

 

  1. Roman Catholic churches will realize they are missing the bell pullers and remove all of the automated bell chimes
  2. The city of Rome will force all bell systems to be automated
  3. Churches will continue to automate their bell systems, but bells will not be a common everyday sound anymore
  4. All bell sounds will be banned and churches will be fined if they chime their bells.

 

 

 

Malta struggles with migrants

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6283736.stm

 

A 2007 article talking about the challenges that Malta faces with immigration from Europe.  What makes this article interesting is that Malta is asking European countries that are not geographically open to immigrants to help with the fight against immigration, arguing that nations like Spain, Italy, Greece and Malta bear greater burdens because of their location.  A good way to discuss the idea of cooperation between European Union nations. 

 

Questions to use:

 

What is the effect of ending this article with the following sentence:  "Extra border patrols at sea may turn some of them away, but as long as conflict, poverty and, possibly, climate change impel them to move, the migrant flows will continue. The pressure on Malta will only increase."

 

  1. The author makes the reader realize that immigration is only a short term challenge for Malta.
  2. The author reveals his dislike for immigrants.
  3. The reader is convinced that immigration is a challenge that cannot be fixed with simple solutions.
  4. The reader is convinced that European countries like Germany and the UK must do more to help with immigration.

 

 

Jet passed 'point of no return'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7574349.stm

 

this article briefly discusses the massive plane crash in Madrid and how pilots deal with emergency situations.

 

Questions to use.

 

according to the article, "Experts say because the crash happened on take-off rather than landing, the plane would have been heavily laden with fuel." What is the meaning of laden?

 

  1. of little weight; not heavy
  2. burdened; loaded down
  3. very high-priced; costly
  4. costing very little; relatively low in price

 

Based on the context of the article what is most likely to happen next?

 

  1. More and more people will choose to fly when travelling to vacation spots
  2. Madrid's airport will investigate their emergency response plan
  3. Spanair will go out of business
  4. No one in Spain will choose to fly when visiting other places

 

 

Italy depolys soldiers to fight street crime

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080804/ap_on_re_eu/italy_soldiers_in_streets

 

In Italy, government soldiers are being used to fight street crime.  Many people feel that this is an insult to the police.  Others believe it is necessary to fight crime--which they argue is a result of illegal immigration.  This current event can be used as a starting point for a discussion on the ways that countries respond to immigrants that move to their lands.  Like the United States, Southern Europe has had trouble integrating new peoples---primarily immigrants who move from Africa.

 

Questions to use:

 

According to the context of the first two paragraphs of this article, what does deployed mean: "Hundreds of soldiers were deployed Monday in cities across Italy as part of government measures to fight street crime."

 

  1. injured
  2. hired
  3. fighting
  4. positioned 

 

 

 

PIGEONS COST EACH VENETIAN RESIDENT 275 EUROS A YEAR

http://www.lifeinitaly.com/news/news-detailed.asp?newsid=6374

 

According to the article what is most likely to happen next?

 

  1. Venice city leaders will employ hawks and men with guns to rid the city of pigeons
  2. Giant poison cakes will be put our around St. Mark's Square to kill pigeons
  3. City leaders will ban the selling of pigeon feed in public areas and slowly reduce the number of birds
  4. People will move away from Venice because it is too expensive with the pigeon tax
     
     

Cypriot leaders meeting for talks

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6980128.stm

 

This article details the reunification talks between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders.

 

Questions to use:

 

According to the context of this sentence, what does intermittently mean: "Experts on the committees were supposed to address matters of substance and Mr Papadopoulos and Mr Talat would meet intermittently to assess the process."

 

  1. a great deal
  2. from time to time
  3. never
  4. in a office

 

 

After reading this article what is most likely to happen next?

  1. Turkey will invade Cyprus
  2. Greece will invade Cyprus
  3. The two leaders will come up with a plan to reunify Cyprus
  4. The two leaders will continue to talk, but Cyprus will remain divided

 

 

A Migrant's Journey

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5331608.stm

 

This article details the journey of one African migrant from his home country to Europe. 

 

Questions to Use:

 

Based on the context of this article, what is most likely to happen next?

  1. Morgan will continue to try to get to Europe until he succeeds.
  2. The Nigerian government will have Morgan arrested for embarrassing them in the news.
  3. The Spanish government will feel bad for Morgan and allow him easy entry into their country.
  4. Morgan will give up his efforts after running out of money for the trip.

 

 

Based on the context of the following sentence, what does dislocated mean:  "On the border of Morocco, they beat me so badly that my legs were dislocated."

  1. To misplace
  2. To get lost
  3. To disrupt
  4. To knock out of position

 

 

Mass Plague Graves Found on Venice "Quarantine" Island

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/08/070829-venice-plague.html

 

This article is about a gravesite that was used during the Middle Ages to bury victims of the Bubonic Plague---one of the deadliest illnesses to every strike the world.

 

Questions to use:

 

What is a lazaret?

  1. the chamber at the top of a lighthouse, surrounding the light.
  2. a toilet or something used as a toilet
  3. a quarantine colony intended to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
  4. a chuch

 

 

Pristine Pre-Roman Tomb Discovered in Italy

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/08/070831-italy-tomb.html

 

A tomb was found in Italy that includes the remains of people who lived on the Italian peninsula before the Roman Empire. 

 

Questions to use:

 

Based on the context of the following sentence what does assimilated mean:"The Etruscans ruled central Italy from at least 700 B.C. until they were assimilated by the Roman Republic in the second and first centuries B.C."

 

  1. To take in and incorporate as one's own; absorb
  2. To refuse to recognize or accept
  3. To select for a duty or office
  4. to send into exile; banish.

 

 

A Not So Happy Return to the Med

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/crossing_continents/6966714.stm

 

In the 1950s, the Mediterannean coastline was widely considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit.  Today, things have changed.  Read this article to figure out why.

 

Questions to use:

 

According to this article, what is most likely to happen next?

  1. The Mediterranean coastline will continue to get overcrowded and ruined by tourists.
  2. The people of the Mediterranean coastline will give up on tourism and go back to a simple way of life.
  3. The countries that have Mediterranean coastlines will limit the number of tourists who come to their countries.
  4. The Mediterranean sea will become so polluted that no one will be able to swim in it. 

 

What is the tone of this piece?

  1. Happy and optimistic
  2. Sad and pessimistic
  3. Angry and bitter
  4. Neutral and indifferent

 

 

 

EU Mulls Natural Disaster Force

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6966083.stm

 

The European Union, debating what actions to take when member countries are struck by natural disasters, is considering a plan to set up a "rapid response" team to help affected countries. 

 

Question to use:

 

Based on the context of the following sentence, what does appealed mean:  "When Greece appealed for help in fighting its forest fires, nine EU countries responded within 48 hours."

 

  1. The power to attract attention
  2. To ask for aid or support or mercy.
  3. To ask that a court's judgment be reviewed
  4. To ask for proof of a decision

 

 

Spider-Man suit 'by 2017'  

http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/science/spider-man-suit-by-2017-$1079512.htm

 

This article deals with a suit that could mimic Spider-Man.

 

Questions to use:

 

Based on the context of this sentence:  "The first prototype of a Spiderman suit might be ready in a decade or so." What does prototype mean?

  1. A professional, especially in sports.
  2. the original or model on which something is based or formed.
  3. an image or figure produced by impressing or stamping
  4. a set of clothing, armor, or the like, intended for wear together.

 

According to the article what is most likely to happen next?

 

  1. Tobey Maguire will buy a suit for his next movie
  2. The movie directors will sue the scientists for copying their idea
  3. Stores will start selling the suits
  4. Scientists will prefect the technology and make new advances

 

Vatican flight service launches

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6965124.stm

 

The Vatican has set up a low cost airline that will fly Catholic pilgrims to holy sites all over Europe and the Middle East.  Plans to expand the airline include trips to the new world.

 

Questions to use:

 

According to the context of this sentence: "A senior Vatican cardinal has inaugurated a low-cost charter flight service which aims to transport Catholic pilgrims to holy sites." What does pilgrim mean?

 

  1. one of the band of Puritans who founded the colony of Plymouth, Mass., in 1620.
  2. Any of various stout flightless marine birds
  3. a person who journeys, esp. a long distance, to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion
  4. Popes

 

 

Mauritainans sieze migrant boat for the first time

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6965547.stm

 

Mauriania---an African country that is often a transport point for illegal immigrants trying to get to the Canary Islands---used its navy to seize a migrant boat for the first time. 

 

Question to use:

 

According to this article, what is most likely to happen next?

 

1.  Mauritania will receive more funding from the European Union to fight against illegal immigrants.

2.  The residents of the Canary islands will struggle to replace tourism dollars in their economy.

3.  Spain will file a protest about Mauritania's lack of effort to halt illegal immigration.

4.  Immigrants will stop trying to leave Mauritania for the Canary islands. 

 

 

 

 

Greek fires kill 60 but spare ancient Olympia ruins

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSL2543062320070826?pageNumber=2&sp=true

 

Fires continue to rage across the country of Greece.  Several other countries are now sending help to the nation to try to prevent its complete destruction. 

 

 

Based on the context of this sentence what does fray mean:  "Two French and one Italian firefighting plane dropped water on burning hillsides and 60 firefighters from Cyprus joined the fray."

 

  1. To wear away
  2. a fight, battle, or skirmish.
  3. To become worn away or tattered along the edges
  4. Death

 

 

What is the effect of the author including the quote, "The destruction is of biblical proportions," Nicholas Orphanos, a volunteer firefighter in the Peloponnese, told reporters."

 

  1. To give the reader a sense of how old this fire is.
  2. To give the reader a sense of spirituality.
  3. The give the reader a sense of how large and important this has been.
  4. To give the reader a sense of dread and horror.

 

 

Eta blamed for Spanish car bomb

 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6961584.stm

 

This article tells of a car bomb that was detonated in front of a police station in Northern Spain.  No one, at this time has claimed the bomb, but it exploded in a Basque region and the ETA terrorist group called off their cease fire in June.

 

Based on the context of this sentence, what does barracks mean: "There were no injuries or damage reported from the second bomb but the Durango explosion caused considerable damage to the police barracks."

 

  1. officers
  2. cars
  3. station
  4. dogs

 

According to the article what will most likely happen next?

 

  1. The Spanish army will bomb the city of Durango
  2. ETA will claim responsibility for the bomb
  3. The police will arrest more suspected ETA terrorists
  4. Nothing, this was not a big bomb and nobody died, so people will ignore it

 

 

What is the effect of giving a short history of the ETA movement in this article?

  1. To help the reader understand who the ETA is and why they might be involved.
  2. To help the reader to sympathize with ETA
  3. To help the reader understand Spanish history
  4. To prove that this bombing was carried out by ETA

 

 

Spain pulls live bullfights off state TV

http://www.sunherald.com/311/story/125927.html

 

This article discusses the Spanish State TV decision to not broadcast bullfights.

 

When reading this article you should

 

Ignore the image, as it is really violent

Pay attention to the title and read the caption under the photo

Read through the article once and then move one

Pay close attention to the advertisements surrounding the article

 

Questions to use:

 

If this article was a myth how would it be different?

 

  1. The bulls would be robotic
  2. The Matadors would have magical powers
  3. The bulls fate would be decided by Apollo
  4. It would take place in Greece

 

 

Based on the context of the following sentence, what does livid mean:  "Still, many in the bullfighting world - and in the conservative opposition - are livid over what they see as a slight to a cherished piece of Spanish culture."

 

  1. Dull, Dark Grayish Blue
  2. Enraged, Furiously Angry
  3. Deathly Pale
  4. Red and Flushed

 

 

 

Loan stars: bright ideas for libraries

 

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/books/2007/08/loan_stars_bright_ideas_for_li.html.printer.friendly

 

This blog entry discusses favorite libraries and where a library might be needed...the beach.  The reporter found a beach library on a recent visit to Portugal.

 

In the context of this sentence, "On Mondays, they also run classes in reading braille; and on Fridays there's tuition in building sand volcanos." what does the word tuition mean?

  1. the charge or fee for instruction
  2. teaching or instruction
  3. protection
  4. care

 

What can you determine about the author based on this selection?

  1. He has a tough time finding good books
  2. He loves the beach
  3. He enjoys reading and the search for interesting libraries
  4. He is really smart

 

Greeks Riot over Nigerian Death

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6956322.stm

 

In Greece, riots have broken out among the Nigerian immigrant population after a Nigerian man jumped to his death rather than be caught by Greek police.  This story shows the impact that immigration from Africa is having on a Southern European country.

 

Question to use:

 

What does the word migrants mean based on the context of the following sentence:  "Protests first took place on Sunday when angry migrants gathered outside the cafe and threw stones and chairs at police, AP news agency reports."

 

  1. Angry people.
  2. Rioters
  3. Someone or something that moves from place to place
  4. Police officers

 

 

La Tomatina

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_12085.shtml

 

La Tomatina Video! 

 

The tomato foodfight of your dreams happens each year in Spain.  Don't believe me?  Check it out here.

 

Based on the context of this sentence, "The first event of the festival is on the Wednesday morning when a ham is placed at the top of a large pole liberally covered in soap." What does liberally mean?

  1. in a generous manner
  2. Not strict or literal
  3. Stingy
  4. open-minded or tolerant

 

Based on the selection which would most likely happen next? 

  1. The residents of Bunol will anxiously await another year's festival
  2. The residents will try to have the festival banned
  3. Participants will not show up after having a terrible time and getting lots of tomato seeds in their eyes
  4. The local farmers will not allow their tomatos to be used, as they think it is a waste of food

 

Italian Mayor offers diet subsidy

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6945968.stm

 

This article explains that a town in northern Italy  is offering cash to residents who lose weight and then keep the weight off.  You can earn 50 Euro if you lose 3kg in one month and then another 100 Euro if you keep the weight off for five months.

 

What is the main idea of this ariticle?

1.  Italians are fat and need to lose weight.

2.  A new program in an Italian city is offering money to people who lose weight.

3.  The Mayor of Varallo Sesia has a "big belly."

4.  Italian food must be fattening and bad for you.

 

What is the effect of the author retelling the story of the mayor's son calling him a "big belly?"

1.  The reader is put in a humerous mood thinking about a big fat mayor.

2.  The reader is put in a unhappy mood knowing the mayor is dealing with a weight issue.

3.  The reader understands that the mayor is also overweight and trying to motivate his town and himself to diet.

4.  The reader does not like the mayor's son, who called his dad fat.

 

Describe the personality of the mayor.

  1. Interested in the health and well-being of his citizens
  2. Interested in making money for himself
  3. Poor parent, Lazy
  4. Uninterested in other people 

 

What will most likely happen next?

  1. The mayor will take weight off, but take all the money for himself.
  2. The people will not take weight off and not want any of the money.
  3. Some people will take weight off and claim the prizes.
  4. Nobody will care about this plan, calling it a trick, and try to impeach the mayor.

 

Forest Fire Grips Athens Suburbs

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6950662.stm

 

The fires that have been plaguing countries on the Balkan peninsula are now threatening Athens---the capital of Greece. 

 

Questions to use:

 

Based on the context of the following paragraph, what does 'engulfed' mean?

 

Residents of the Melisia, Vrilisia and Penteli suburbs watched as 30m (100ft) high flames engulfed their homes. Others fled for fear of being trapped by the fire.

 

1.  To swallow, overwhelm or enclose.

2.  To break suddenly.

3.  To destroy violently.

4.  To threaten. 

 

 

Based on this selection, which will most likely happen next?

 

1.  The fires will completely destroy the city of Athens.

2.  The fires will spread to other countries on the Balkan Peninsula.

3.  Greek politicians will begin to pay more attention to the environment.

4.  Thousands of citizens of Athens will die in the fires. 

 

 

Rescures serach Peru quake rubble

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6949984.stm

 

This article deals with the devastating earthquake that rocked southern Peru.  The quake measured 8.0 and at the time of the writing 437 people were dead and the country was under a state of disaster.

 

What is the meaning of hampering in the context of this sentence, "Damaged roads are hampering rescuers trying to reach Pisco, Ica, and other rural towns south-west of the capital."?

 

  1. To put in a large basket.
  2. To strike or hit
  3. Any small old world rodent
  4. To restrict or interfere

 

What is the meaning of toll in the context of this sentence, "He said he expected the official death toll to increase as daylight enabled workers to speed up their search for victims. "?

 

  1. A tax paid
  2. The cost of life
  3. To announce something
  4. To sound with slow strokes

 

Explain this excerpt,   "Amid the bitter cold of winter, Imperial's survivors lit fires in their ruined homes to keep themselves warm."

 

  1. Peru is so far away from the Equator that it is hot there most of the year.
  2. Peru is so close to the Equator that it is cold there most of the year.
  3. Peru is South of the Equator and therefore the seasons are reversed.
  4. The author does not know what he is talking about, saying it is winter time.
     

Rome Reborn in 3-D

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/08/photogalleries/rome-reborn/index.html

 

Billed as one of the world's largest computer simulations ever, the city of Rome in the year 320 AD---the height of the Roman Empire's power---has been completely converted into a digital 3D format for historians to study.  This link connects to a National Geographic article that shows what the sites today look like and then make comparisons to the sites in the digital version of Rome.  There is also a link to the Rome Reborn website, which includes other views of the simulation.

 

Question to use:

 

Based on this selection, what is most likely to happen next?

 

1.  Historians will begin to create 3D models of other cities.

2.  Computer scientists will develop a way to make the Rome Reborn simulation available on the Internet.

3.  People will be able to buy copies of the Rome Reborn simulation on CD or DVD.

4.  The Rome Reborn simulation will be converted into an IMAX movie.

 

 

Ancient Forest Found in Hungary

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6942733.stm

 

In this current event, scientists discover trees that are estimated to be 8 million years old in a coal mine in Hungary.  The scientists are now in a struggle to preserve the trees before they are destroyed by wind, water and rain.

 

Question to use:

 

Based on this selection, what will most likely happen next?

 

1.  Scientists will discover more trees that are millions of years old in other mines around Hungary

2.  Miners will destroy these trees because they are valuable as a source of coal.

3.  This mine will be closed down and become a laboratory used by scientists to study fossilized trees.

4.  Scientists will design a method of moving these trees in order to learn more about them.

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