staycurrent

 

BD 4 Archived Current Events

Page history last edited by Bill 2 mos ago

Blue Diamond Assessment 4:  Archived Current Events

 

The current events and questions found on this page have been used in previous years to teach the reading objectives measured by Blue Diamond Assessment #4. 

 

US bands sweep MTV Europe awards

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7714498.stm

 

(Ferriter---November 7)

 

An article about the recent US sweep of awards at the MTV Europe awards show.  With rare exception, US bands won the majority of the European awards, shutting out European bands.  This article can be used to teach the idea of Americanization and to start a discussion about whether the world benefits when so many of our ideas spread that they push aside local cultural ideas. 

 

Questions to use:

 

Based on the selection, what can the reader infer about European MTV viewers?

 

  1. They have completely different tastes in music than American MTV viewers.
  2. They are disgusted by European bands.
  3. They are surprised by the quality of American musicians.
  4. They share similar tastes with American MTV viewers.

 

Which of the following details best supports the fact that the world is excited about the election of Barack Obama as president?

 

  1. American bands were recognized as the best bands in the MTV Europe competition.
  2. Paul McCartney--a British Musician---thanked the US for electing Barack Obama.
  3. Kanye West--an American Musician---finished his performance with a picture of Barack Obama on his backdrop.
  4. Katy Perry--the host of the program and an American Musician--was wearing a Barack Obama t-shirt.

 

 

 

Gunpowder Plot

The failed plan to blow up parliament and kill King James I.  Remembered on Nov. 5th as Guy Fawkes day in the UK.

 http://www.gunpowderplot.parliament.uk/children_index.htm

 

 

Europe leaders hail Obama victory

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7710169.stm

 

(Ferriter--November 6)

 

An interesting current event from the BBC that outlines the reaction of several Western European leaders to the election of Barack Obama.  This article can be used to talk to the students about the EU's recent plan to interact with the United States as one group, rather than a collection of separate nations.  It can also be used to reemphasize the point that global affairs and relationships are one of the most important tools for driving change in the world.

 

Questions to use:

 

According to this article, what is the effect of Barack Obama's election on the world community?

 

  1. The world is excited that the US finally elected an African American for President.
  2. The world believes that the US will become more isolated and confrontational.
  3. The world is looking forward to working with the United States again.
  4. The world is discouraged that we didn't pick a more experienced leader in such difficult times. 

 

 

 

 

President Obama and the world

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/us_elections_2008/7708893.stm

 

(Ferriter, November 5)

 

This current event from the BBC website gives an overview of what the world thinks of Barack Obama's election as America's president.  It provides an interesting introduction to the fact that the world doesn't currently have a favorable opinion of the US---a fact that students are unlikely to know. This can be used to teach students about the fact that the US Presidential election is important beyond the United States and to talk about whether or not important relations in the world are something we should strive for.

 

Questions to use:

 

According to this article, what is the cause of the poor view that other nations currently have of the United States?

 

  1. Our economic struggles.
  2. Our invasion of Iraq.
  3. Our "arrogance" in dealing with world issues.
  4. Our unwillingness to tackle environmental problems. 

 

According to this article, what is one effect of Obama being elected President?

 

  1. The world is hopeful that America will begin cooperating again.
  2. The world is angry that America would elect an African American.
  3. The world is doubtful that America will ever change.
  4. The world is uninterested in Barack Obama.

 

 

 

 

Palin pranked by 'Sarkozy'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/us_elections_2008/7704673.stm

 

In this current event, vice presidential candidate Sara Palin fell victim to a French comedian pretending to be French President Nicolas Sarkozy.  Palin engages in a long phone call with the prankster about hunting and Sarkozy's supermodel wife.

 

This current event can be used to talk about exactly how hard it is to be a presidential candidate.  There are literally thousands of issues and world leaders that candidates need to be aware of, which is an impossible task.  Errors like this are inevitable for every candidate and president.

 

Questions to use:

 

Why does the author put French President Nicolas Sarkozy's last name in quotes in the title of this article?

 

  1. The quotes are a sign of respect to an important world leader.
  2. The quotes are a way to highlight the main idea of the article.
  3. The quotes are an indication that the word Sarkozy isn't being used in the typical way.
  4. The quotes are required any time writers are talking about pranks. 

 

 

 

Halloween house 'too scary'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7701033.stm

 

The Halloween decorations put up by a couple living in Sussex, England were deemed to be too scary by their neighbors---and community leaders ordered that their decorations be removed immediately.  This current event will be used to introduce a common tradition between the United Kingdom and the United States---Halloween---and to introduce a Brainpop video that explains the origin of the holiday.  It will also be used to spark a conversation about whether a neighborhood should be able to control the actions of its residents. 

 

Questions to use:

 

Based on the selection, what can the viewers infer about the Lane family's values?

 

  1. The don't respect their neighbors at all.
  2. They aren't law abiding citizens.
  3. They are playful, relaxed and fun people to be around.
  4. They are very strict and stuffy people who would be boring to know.

 

 

 

 

BBC NEWS | Sarkozy loses 'voodoo doll' case

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7698214.stm

 

(Ferriter---October 30)

 

In this current event, French President Nicholas Sarkozy takes a company to court after they make voodoo dolls in his image and begin selling them.  Sarkozy argues that no company should be able to use his image without permission.  This current event can be used to teach students about freedom of speech---and to start a discussion about whether there should ever be limits to freedom of speech.  It can also be used to talk about whether government leaders should ever be criticized openly by their people. 

 

Question to use:

 

Which of the following details best supports the fact that French President Nicholas Sarkozy might be using his power as president to get what he wants?

 

  1. He is planning to appeal the court's verdict in his Voodoo doll case.
  2. He has already taken 6 different companies to court during his time as president.
  3. His opponent in the last presidential election says that he has no sense of humor.
  4. Companies enjoy making fun of him.  

 

 

 

Giant Crystal Cave found in Mexico

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/04/photogalleries/giant-crystals-cave/index.html

 

(Ferriter---October 29th)

 

A cave full of huge gypsum crystals was found in Mexico recently, astonishing geologists worldwide.  The crystals---which are all 20-30 feet long---are the largest crystals of any kind ever found.  They grew in perfect conditions---a warm, wet cave with plenty of room to grow.  This current event can be used to teach students several key facts about minerals:  They grow in perfectly repeating patterns when given the time and space; they are generally deposited out of liquids like magma or water;  the perfect form of minerals are called crystals; valuable minerals are called gems;  minerals are made from elements---these crystals are crystals of gypsum, which is made from calcium, silicon, hydrogen and oxygen. 

 

Question to use:

 

In the first line of this current event, Geologist Juan Manuel GarcĂ­a-Ruiz calls this cave "the Sistine Chapel of crystals." Why does his comparison make sense?

 

  1. The Sistine Chapel is a divine location where religion is celebrated.
  2. The Sistine Chapel is an important headquarters for the work of the Catholic Church.
  3. The Sistine Chapel is a tourist destination that thousands of people visit each year.
  4. The Sistine Chapel is a place of incredible beauty and rare artwork.   

 

 

 

 

Where the Candidates Stand

http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/election2008/games/candidates_stand/issues.htm

 

(Ferriter---October 28th)

 

With a week left until the presidential election, we'll be spending time during current events looking at where the candidates stand on major issues.  This weblink from Scholastic News Online includes a table outlining in brief detail the stand of both Barack Obama and John McCain on many of the most important issues in this campaign.  We'll be reflecting on what it means to be an educated voter during this lesson. 

 

Question to use:

 

If John McCain were elected president, which of the following changes would likely happen:

 

  1. The United States would pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan immediately.
  2. Taxes would be raised on every American.
  3. Nuclear power would become a more important source of energy in America
  4. It would become far easier for immigrants to enter our country.

 

 

If Barack Obama were elected president, which of the following changes would likely happen:

 

  1. The United States would continue to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  2. Science and Math teachers in the United States would be paid more money.
  3. Farmers would be rewarded for increasing the size of their farms.
  4. People making more than $250,000 would pay less in taxes.
     

 

 

 

 

 

Man's arm trapped in train toilet

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7693386.stm

 

This short article details a poor man that dropped his cell phone down the toliet on a TGV high speed train in France.  He tried to fish the phone out of the loo, but was stuck by the powerful suction of the train's toliet system.  The fellow had to be cut out of the the pipes and taken to the hospital by emergency workers.

 

Question to use:

 

This article is mostly about?

 

  1. how a man found out the hard way that French trains have powerful suctions in the toliets
  2. why cell phones are dangerous
  3. the reason toliets should be banned on trains
  4. how the high speed train had to stop for two hours to rescue the poor man

 

 

 

 

 

Prince Harry wants to be a helicopter pilot

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7690000/newsid_7692400/7692443.stm

 

(Ferriter---October 27)

 

This current event details the plans of England's Prince Harry to become a helicopter pilot in the British Air Force.  It can be used to introduce students to the United Kingdom (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) as well as to constitutional monarchies as a form of government.  The United Kingdom is one such government----with a royal family that has been in power for hundreds of years, but also a prime minister and a parliment that do the majority of the heavy lifting when it comes to making decisions.  This event will serve as an introduction to the Magna Carta----a document that changed monarchies in the 1200s.

 

Questions to use:

 

Which of the following relationships is most similar to the relationship below:

The United Kingdom : Prime Minister

 

  1. The European Union : King
  2. Prince Harry : Helicopter
  3. The United States : President
  4. Queen Elizabeth : Monarch

 

 

 

 

Team records 'music' from stars

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7687286.stm

 

This article talks about a group of French scientists who have found a way to record sounds coming off distant stars.

 

 

Country Profile:  Belgium

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/999709.stm

 

(Ferriter---October 22)

 

This link connects to a BBC news country profile page on Belgium---a Western European country that we will be spending a significant amount of time studying during current events in the upcoming weeks.  Belgium is interesting for many reasons, but the most important reason is that it currently has a government that is divided and it is considering a split into two separate nations.  The Northern portion of Belgium is called Flanders, and the national language there is Dutch.  The Southern portion of Belgium is called Wallonia, and the national language there is French. 

 

Flanders has been economically strong in recent years, while Wallonia has been struggling.  Many people in the northern region, therefore, want to separate from the Southern region.  What makes this conversation even more interesting is that there is often open discrimination towards speakers of the opposite language in BOTH regions!

 

We'll be using this country profile page as a brief introduction to the conflict today. 

 

Questions to use:

 

Which of the following criteria best identifies this selection as nonfiction?

 

  1. It is about art
  2. It is easy to read and interesting
  3. It is based on true information
  4. It is written with complete sentences and paragraphs

 

 

 

Iconic Globe's roof re-thatched

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7681474.stm

 

This short article talks about how the Globe theater will have it's roof re-thatched and the safety nets put in place to make sure this replica building doesn't burn to the ground like the original.

 

Questions to use:

 

According to the article, "The building, which is a replica of the original 16th Century theatre at the site, is the first thatched structure in London since the Great Fire of 1666." what is the meaning of replica?

 

  1. original
  2. copy
  3. destroyed
  4. similar

 

Which of the following relationships is similar to the relationship below?

Shakespeare : Globe Theater

 

  1. George Bush : White House
  2. Panther Stadium : Julius Peppers
  3. Barack Obama : White House
  4. Mr. Hutchinson : Staggering Ox (the best resturant on the planet!)

 

 

 

Bid to rescue Berlin Wall artwork

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7674135.stm

 

(Ferriter---October 21)

 

This article details recent efforts to save the East Side Gallery---a 2 KM portion of the Berlin Wall that is covered by artwork commissioned after the fall of the wall in 1986 that is designed to commemorate those who died trying to escape East Germany and head to the West. 

 

It can be used to introduce students to the idea of the Cold War---a topic that we'll explore in more detail later during the year.  It can also be used to talk about the importance of preserving historical images and to talk about the role that tourism can play in a country's economy. 

 

Questions

 

Which of the following criteria best identifies this selection as nonfiction?

 

  1. It is about art
  2. It is easy to read and interesting
  3. It is based on true information
  4. It is written with complete sentences and paragraphs

 

Based on the context, what is the meaning of the word "breached" in paragraph two and six?

 

  1. destroyed
  2. built
  3. painted
  4. opened

 

What is most likely the author's purpose for writing this article?

 

  1. To entertain
  2. To inform
  3. To persuade
  4. To bore

 

 

 

 

Boxing Clever in Europe

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7084494.stm
 
This article details a new sport known as Chess-Boxing.  The rules are simple, one round of chess and one round of boxing.  First person to get a checkmate or a knockout wins.
 
Questions to use:
 
Based on this selection, which of the following best describes chess-boxers?
  1. Strange people who are not liked by their friends.
  2. Interesting people who want to show that you can be intelligent and strong.
  3. Exciting people always looking for adventure.
  4. Smart people who are always highly accomplished. 

 

Why does the author put quotes around the phrase 'Double-D' in the following phrase:  David "Double D" Depto has travelled 5,000 miles (8,045km) in search of glory.

  1. Because it is the most important phrase in the sentence.
  2. Because it is in a foreign language that readers will need to interpret.
  3. Because it is a new vocabulary word that readers will need to know.
  4. Because it is a nickname being used in an interesting way.

 

 

 

Italy starts deporting immigrants

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7078532.stm

 

Italian authorities have started deporting Romanian immigrants with criminal records under a controversial new law to tackle crime.

 

Questions to use:

 

Based on the selection, what can the reader infer about the values of the Italian people?

 

  1. They take great pride in and value expressions of their own culture.
  2. They are generally trusting of outsiders.
  3. They do not have relationships with other countries due to potential conflicts.
  4. They are concerned about the consequences that EU membership will have on their country. 

 

 

What does the author want the reader to understand about immigration in Italy?

 

  1. That there are about 500,000 Romanians in Italy.
  2. That several Romanians have been deported from Italy recently.
  3. That Italy is struggling to deal with immigrants from other countries.
  4. That EU law may prevent Italians from passing new laws on immigration.

 

 

Historian finds oldest recipe for bratwurst

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN0146750620071101

 

A hobby historian has discovered the oldest known recipe for German sausage, a list of ingredients for Thuringian bratwurst nearly 600 years old.

 

Question to use:

 

Which of the following criteria best identifies this selection as nonfiction?

 

  1. It is about Medieval Germany.
  2. It is based on factual information.
  3. It is easy to read.
  4. It is written in complete sentences and paragraphs.

 

 

 

Million-dollar outfits worth weight in gold

http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUST24937320071101

 

 

Dutch Government to Ease Ban on Segways

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g1_YIiSy-42r1F6qTGsoBmfb-9ZgD8SJMQHO0

 

The Netherlands will ease a ban on Segway electric scooters, allowing them to be ridden along the country's bicycle lanes and roads, the Transportation Ministry said Tuesday.

 

Question to use:

 

Based on the context of the following sentence, what is the meaning of the word barred:  "The scooters have been barred from all public roads, bike paths and walkways since January."

 

  1. an oblong piece of any solid material.
  2. an ingot, lump, or wedge of gold or silver.
  3. to prevent or hinder.
  4. the line marking the division between two measures of music.
     

 

Based on the selection, what can the reader infer about the European Union?

 

  1. They dislike handicapped people.
  2. They dislike American inventions.
  3. They are concerned with keeping citizens of member nations safe.
  4. They are disliked by their member states. 
     
     

 

Councils seek more migrant funds

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7071612.stm

 

Immigration is placing increased pressure on services such as schools and hospitals in the UK, a report says.

 

Question to use:

 

What does the author want the reader to understand about immigration to the UK?

 

  1. That there are more immigrants today than there was in 1997.
  2. That immigrants are committing more crimes than they were in 1997.
  3. That immigration is causing great challenges for the UK.
  4. That the UK needs to provide more English classes for immigrants.

 

 

 

Teenager in go-kart leaves police standing

http://www.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUSN2634840220071026 

 

Today you do a few things related to our study of nonfiction.

  1. Write one connection that you have to this article.  Decide if it is a connection to you personally or to the world you live in.
  2. Write one question you have after reading this article.  How would knowing the answer to this question help you understand the article more.
  3. Write a one word summary to this article.  Choose the one word carefully as it needs to fully summarize the entire article.  Defend your word choice with one sentence of explanation.
  4. Reread this section from the article..."He told us he knew driving a go-cart on the street is illegal," the spokesman said. "But he had purchased the vehicle from a friend and said he had no other way of getting it home."  Write a reaction or response to this section.

 

Prince quizzed over bird shooting

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/norfolk/7070362.stm
 

This article talks about a rare bird of prey that was shot near the queen's estate.  Prince Harry was in the area when it happened and he has been questioned.  Killing one of these Hen Harriers carries a fine of 5,000 pounds or six months in prison.

 

Based on the context, what is the mean of the word inquiries in the following sentence?  "Norfolk police say their inquiries are continuing and they are urging anyone with information to get in touch."

  1. a seeking or request for truth, information, or knowledge.
  2. any of several short-winged hawks
  3. a person having officer rank on a police force.
  4. someone who works to protect the environment from destruction

 

Which of the following relationships is similar to the relationship below?

Hen Harriers : grouse

  1. Prince Harry : gun
  2. Police : question
  3. ornithologist : anger
  4. Mr. Hutchinson : Veggie burgers
     
     

Can Gaming Make Kids Violent?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7030000/newsid_7035000/7035014.stm

 

That's the question being asked by the government of England, who are starting to wonder whether or not there needs to be more controls placed on gaming companies in order to protect children.

 

Questions to use:

 

What is the author's prupose for posing the question in paragraph 1?

 

  1. To provide a variety of sentence styles to keep the reader interested.
  2. To introduce the reader to the main idea of the selection.
  3. To introduce readers to the author's point of view.
  4. To motivate the reader to ask questions while reading for better understanding.

 

Which of the following relationships is similar to Gaming : Children

 

  1. Technology : Money
  2. Government : Decisions
  3. Neighborhood Friends : Adults
  4. Photo : Camera

 

 

 

Roman Tombstone found at Inveresk

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7066539.stm

 

The first Roman tombstone found in Scotland for 170 years has been unearthed at Carberry, near Inveresk.

 

Questions to Use:

 

What does the author want the reader to understand about the tombstone found near Inveresk?

 

  1. That it was found in a farming field.
  2. That the tomb marked the resting place of an important man.
  3. That the Romans often buried men along the sides of roads.
  4. That it is uncommon but important to find Roman tombs in Scotland.

 

Which of the following relationships is similar to the following relationship:  Romans : Scotland

 

  1. Africans : Southern Europe
  2. Europeans : America
  3. Cavalryman : Horse
  4. Tombs : Humans

 

 

 

EU Blue Card to Target Skilled

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7057575.stm

 

The European Commission has unveiled a Blue Card for allowing skilled immigrants to live and work in EU countries. The plan would allow qualified immigrants and their families to live and work within the European Union.

 

Question to use:

 

What was the cause of the EU's decision to create a Blue Card for allowing skilled immigrants to live and work in the EU?

 

  1. The EU is falling short of residents and needs to increase their population.
  2. The EU has decided to support the struggling countries of Africa and Asia.
  3. The EU has established a partnership with China and India to provide technology workers.
  4. The EU needs 20 million skilled workers in the next 2 decades to keep businesses strong.

 

 

 

 

Prize pumpkin takes giant title

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7057281.stm

 

This article details the giant pumkin competition in a small English town.  This year's winner was a pumpkin weighing 640 pounds.

 

 

 

Banksy works to be painted over

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7057766.stm

 

This article details the plan, by a London suburb, to paint over grafitti done by well known and popular artist Banksy.  Stenciled work by Banksy is very popular and has sold for thousands of Pounds recently, but the city council voted to remove the grafitti and is calling in vandalism.

 

Questions to use:

 

Which of the following details best supports the fact that Bansky has been officially recognized for his artistic talents?

 

  1. The town of Bristol voted to keep one of his graffitti paintings.
  2. The town of Tower Hamlets has decided to get rid of his paintings.
  3. Graffitti costs thousands of pounds each year to clean up in neighborhoods.
  4. Many Bansky paintings are selling for thousands of pounds in art galleries. 

 

 

What is the author's purpose for putting the quote, "We need to be clear here, graffitti is a crime" in a boldfaced sidebar in this article?

 

  1. To help the reader focus on the main idea of the piece.
  2. To help the words stand out from the words around it.
  3. To show that Bansky's work is not popular at all.
  4. To signal that something important is going to follow.

 

 

German church rolled to new home

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7058366.stm

 

This article details the process of moving an entire church and all the inhabitants of a small German town, so a coal mine can dig.  The residents lost a legal challenge and are being forced to move.

 

 

 

Bi-lingual plan to rescue school

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7056113.stm

This article details a plan to create a dual English and French school in a suburb of London.  The bi-lingual school would be partially funded by the French government and offer a French education to French nationals living in England and also offer an opportunity for English students to learn a second language.

 

 

Free meals 'make calmer classes'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7056346.stm

 

This article details a new plan being attempted in Scotland, where all primary students would receive a free set of meals at school.  Every student would be eligible and no means test would be required.  The pilots of the plan say that providing healthy meals for all students makes for a calmer and more productive classroom setting.

 

Questions to use:

 

What is the main idea of the selection?

 

  1. That Scotland is starting a project that will give free lunches to all primary students.
  2. That Scotland believes giving free lunches to students will result in calmer classes.
  3. That 65% of students in Scotland receive free lunches from schools.
  4. That many people in Scotland believe giving free lunches to all students is a waste of money.

 

 Which of the following details best supports the fact that free lunches might result in calmer students?

 

  1. The first experiment with free lunches was scrapped.
  2. Students eating free lunches were less likely to report being hungry in the afternoon.
  3. Head teachers involved in the project reported improved behavior from their classes.
  4. Scotland has decided to extend this project from one area to five areas. 

 

 

 

France to scrap Saturday classes

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7018813.stm

 

This article details the decision by the French government to eliminate Saturday classes in French Primary schools.  right now two-thirds of French primary student attend classes on alternating Saturdays.  The government and parents agreed that this practice is disruptive and would now like to see secondary schools follow suit.

 

Question to use:

 

What is the main idea of this selection?

  1. French school children go to school a lot.
  2. The president of France whats to see his son more, so he banned Saturday school.
  3. Saturday classes are unpopular and the time saved could be better used to help struggling students.
  4. The Catholic Church wants Saturday classes banned so they can create church classes during that time.

 

 

French trains resume after strike

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7054327.stm

 

This article details the slow normalization of the French rail system after a serious strike crippled the travelling public.  The rail workers went on strike after the President,

Nicolas Sarkozy, said he wanted to end retirement privileges for rail workers.  This strike threatened to spoil the finals of the Rugby World Cup, but rail bosses promised trains would run for the night of the final.

 

Question to use:

 

Which of the following criteria best identifies the selection as nonfiction?

  1. It is about French trains.
  2. It is based on factual information.
  3. It is easy to read and enjoyable.
  4. It is written with complete sentences and paragraphs.

 

 

Comments (0)

You don't have permission to comment on this page.

Printable version
 
Anonymous Create an account or Log in