Blue Diamond 5 Archived Current Events

These current events have been used in previous years to prepare students for Blue Diamond reading test 5.

Luxembourg to reduce duke's power

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7763539.stm

In this article the grand duke of Luxembourg has said he will not sign a bill that makes it legal to have doctor aided suicides in his county.  The legislative branch of Luxembourg's constitutional monarchy now wants to change the constitution to read that the grand duke just signs bills into law not review them first.

question

What can you tell about Grand Duke Henri from reading this article?

He is not a supporter of Luxembourg's constitution.

He would have a hard time watching people in his family ask to die.

He rules like an absolute monarch.

He suppports the euthanasia law.

Berlin's zoo may lose bear Knut

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7762252.stm

This article reintroduces the now two year old polar bear named Knut.  Knut created a huge splash when he was born and then abandoned by his mother.  His human handler raised the bear and he became an instant celebrity.  Now the bear is possibly going to be moved from his home in the Berlin Zoo to another zoo in Germany.  He actually belongs to a zoo in the north of the county.

Question

Which of the following statements suggests the strongest bias related to Christian Taenzler's position on moving Knut?

As a resident of Berlin and a taxpayer he does not want to hear about or pay for knut anymore.

As an animal lover he wants to see Knut released back into the wild.

As a zoo official he wants to put Knut in the best place to insure Knut's safety and happiness.

As a tourism director he wants to keep Knut in Berlin because the bear generates lots of attention and money for Berlin.

'I get my kicks from plastic bricks'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7661211.stm

This magazine article (Longish) is from a series dealing with childhood dream jobs.  In this installment the subject is a master builder at the Windsor Legoland.  The article talks about his daily activities and how he became a LegoLand builder.

Questions

Based on the selection, which of the following best describe Guy Bagley?

Satisfied in his chosen profession.

Unconcerned about how the public feels about his work.

Confindent that he is the best Lego builder in the world.

Honored to have built a replica of a Boing jet cockpit.

Which of the following questions would a reader most likely ask Guy Bagley based on this article?

Did you like Lego as a kid?

Do you have to like Legos to work at Legoland?

What would be the best way for me to break into a career in Lego building?

Have you ever met the Queen?

BBC NEWS | UK | Government reversal on coal mines

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7755700.stm

(Ferriter--Dec 1)

An article detailing a decision by the British government to allow "opencast" mines again.  Opencast mines are strip mines that destroy the natural surroundings and leave huge holes in the earth.  While the process is destructive, many argue that it is the only way to meet the UK's growing energy needs. 

This article can be used to talk about the role that coal plays in providing electricity for the world and in raising global warming concerns.  It can also be used to talk about the risks of being dependent on other nations for energy sources, as the UK has been importing much of its coal in the past few years.

Question to use:

Which of the following statements represents the strongest bias related to Frank Dobson's position on opencast mining?

1. As British MP, his primary concern is to provide energy to the British people.
2. As the leader of an opencast mining company, he's likely to defend this particular mining practice.
3. As a former environmental leader, he is certain to care more about the environment than any other factor in this decision.
4. As a resident of a town near a new mine, he has seen first-hand the changes that mines cause in the quality of one's life.

BBC NEWS | American v British teeth

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7633254.stm

(Ferriter---Nov 24)

This current event explores the differences between British teeth and American teeth, noting that Americans are far more concerned about having straight, white teeth than the Brits are.  It discusses whether this obsession with having beautiful teeth is a normal thing or not, and can be used to discuss bias.

Question to use:

Which of the following statements represents the strongest bias related to Professor Jimmy Steele's position on American teeth?

1. As a Brit, Jimmy Steele would naturally dislike American teeth.
2. As a dentist, Jimmy Steele sees some of the work being done on American teeth as unnatural.
3. As an agent for actors, Jimmy Steele believes that people should take pride in their own teeth.
4. As a smile expert, Jimmy Steele believes American smiles are phony.

BBC NEWS | Bid to cut UK transport emissions

(Ferriter---November 24)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7742917.stm

UK transport emissions could be cut by a quarter by 2020 if the government shifted its policies, a report claims. The Campaign for Better Transport study urges ministers to focus on the biggest possible savings - by tackling lorries, vans, and long-distance commuters. This current event can be used to introduce the idea of energy to students----and to emphasize that cars are generally inefficent users of energy, converting only 25% of gas into movement/work. 

Question to use:

Which of the following statements represents the strongest bias related to the recent survey conducted on transportation and pollution in the United Kingdom?

1. Conducted by the government, this survey could be trying to convince Britons that driving on the roads is a hazard to the environment.
2. Conducted by the auto industry, this survey could be trying to convince Britons that driving on the roads is not a hazard to the environment.
3. Conducted by a group interested in changing the way that Britons move, this survey could be trying to convince Britons to get to work and school in ways that don't involve automobiles.
4. Conducted by a group trying to save taxpayer dollars, this survey could be trying to convince Britons that it is cheaper to travel without automobiles.

Britons' toilet pastimes revealed

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7735866.stm

(Ferriter--Nov. 21)

An interesting article sharing the results of a survey in the UK about people's bathroom habits that finds that millions of Britons are spending their time on the phone, reading or texting in the bathroom.  While the survey seems silly, it was designed by an organization trying to make the point that millions of people in the world don't have access to clean restroom facilities.

Includes a great line about this situation being "scandalous" which can be used to teach students about the use of emotionally loaded words and bias.

Question to use:

Which of the following statements reflects the strongest bias related to Mari William's position on the bathroom habits of Brits?

1. As a mother, she's turned off by the idea of people forgetting to wash their hands after using the bathroom.
2. As an advocate for sanitation around the world, she's angry that residents in many countries don't have access to clean enough bathrooms to text, read or talk on the phone.
3. As a citizen in an EU nation, she believes that all EU countries should pass laws on bathroom sanitation.
4. As a health inspector, she's worried about people spending too much time in the bathroom. 

EU slices up 'ugly fruit' rules

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7723808.stm

(Ferriter---November 20)

The European Commission is expected to scrap its controversial rules that prevent oddly-sized and shaped fruit and vegetables being sold in Europe.  The commission wants to trim its existing marketing standards for 26 types of produce.  The rules were introduced to ensure common EU standards, but are regarded by critics as examples of Euro-madness.  This article can be used to teach students about the disadvantage of being an EU Member nation---you have to comply with any law that is passed by the European Commission, even if your country doesn't agree with it. 

Questions to use:

Which of the following statements reflects the strongest bias related to Neil Parish's comments on the EU's ugly fruit rules?

1. As a former farmer, Parish wants to ensure that only the most beautiful fruits and vegetables are sold.
2. As a minister of agriculture, Parish wants to see farms providing more food to the people of the EU.
3. As a taxpayer, Parish wants to pay less for fruits and vegetables at the grocery store.
4. As a critic of the EU, Parish wants to see ridiculous laws overturned.

Rats return to Pied Piper's town

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7737604.stm

In this article the German town of Hamlin is once again facing a rat problem.  This old medieval town is the setting of the story The pied piper of Hamlin and uses the popularity of that story to pull thousands of tourists each year.  This article pulls into our conversation about plague and medieval towns.  If you have time click over the the city website and poke around.  They have an English version and lots of interesting info.  Take a listen to the song on this legend page.

Question to use:

Which statement best supports the argument that this article is a primary source?

1. The article connects the modern city of Hamlin to it's medieval past.
2. The Pied Piper of Hamlin is a well-known story.
3. It is about a real town in Germany
4. Because it has collected information from another author this article is not a primary source, it is a secondary source.

UK society 'condemning' children

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7732290.stm

(Ferriter---November 19)

In this current event a recent UK poll details the public's view of young people.  Some of the statements were very harsh and in response a local charity has begun a campaign to fight the 'demonization of children'.  This is a good article and video to use if talking about bias, particularly loaded words.

Question to use

What impact do the emotionally loaded words and phrases used in the Barnado's video campaign have on viewers and readers?

1. They please the reader, leading to more donations to the efforts to control children in the UK.
2. They frighten the reader, leaving them scared of the potential dangers of children in the UK.
3. They shock the reader, causing them to recognize just how dangerous people's attitudes towards children are.
4. They turn off readers, causing them to dislike Barnado's and to ignore their message. 

Which of the following statements suggest the strongest bias related to Barnado's video campaign about the public comments about British youth?

1. As a charity they want people to give them money to help arrest young people
2. As a group who care about children they want to fight the stereotypes addressed in the public comments
3. As a group of adults they also hate the current youth and would enjoy joining in a 'kid hunting party'
4. As a group that wants to make money, they really only care about how much cash they can raise

Urine passes Nasa taste test

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7729085.stm

(Ferriter---November 18)

In this current event, NASA has designed a water recycling system that will be used on the International Space Station to recycle all waste water---from that which is used for cleaning and cooking to that which is found in the urine of astronauts!  The primary reason for this shocking tool is that the customary system of getting water to the ISS---the Space Shuttle---is being warehoused in the next few years.

The primary purpose for this current event, however, is to study the idea of bias.  The system designer has declared that recycled urine tastes fine.  We'll talk about why his statement has to be metered because of his position as the system designer. 

Question to use:

Which of the following statements suggests the strongest bias related to NASA's plans to recycle urine into drinking water?

1. As a system designer, Bob Bagdigian is bound to argue that water from urine tastes fine.
2. As a former astronaut, Bob Bagdigian understands how important finding new sources of water for the ISS.
3. As a taxpayer, Bob Bagdigian recognizes that a water recycling program will save the US money in the long run.
4. As a supporter of the Space Shuttle, Bob Bagdigian wants to see the recycling program fail so the Space Shuttle won't be retired. 

Which of the following maxims would best represent the following passage from the article,  Nasa doesn't plan to start using the new system immediately - engineers want samples to analyse to make sure it functions properly in zero-gravity.

1. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.
2. Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.
3. The early bird gets the worm.
4. Don't count your chickens before they hatch.

Shark Cam Catches Ocean Motion

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7727136.stm

(Ferriter---Nov. 17)

In this current event---which has no connection to our study of Western Europe at all!----whale researchers have the opportunity of a life-time:  To study the poo of a whale shark.  As disgusting as that sounds, it actually is quite important because it gives researchers an opportunity to learn more about the food eaten by whale sharks---a species that is difficult to study despite being the world's largest animal.  This event can be used to discuss habitat protection, and how research about animals is an important first step towards improving our protection systems for animals. 

Questions to use:

Which of the following statements is a fact:

1. Studying shark poo is a waste of taxpayer dollars.
2. Studying shark poo is disgusting.
3. Scientists who spend their lives studying shark poo are not as important as scientists who study global warming.
4. Scientists who spend their lives studying whale sharks are excited about this once in a lifetime opportunity to study shark poo. 

Charles still looking ahead at 60

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7728139.stm

(Ferriter--November 14)

He has reached the age at which most people retire. Yet Prince Charles is still waiting to undertake the role for which he was born.  This article details his desire to become king and much of the work that he has done in his time as the crown prince.  It can be used to teach students about the role of monarchs and the succession patterns  in constitutional monarchies.

Question to use:

Which of the following statements is an opinion?

1. The work that Charles has done during his time has prince has helped hundreds of thousands of people.
2. The work that Charles has done is different than the work done by any other crown prince.
3. Charles has waited longer to take the throne than any other crown prince.
4. Charles has been the most important crown prince in history. 

World Recalls End of World War 1

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7721396.stm 

(Ferriter---November 12)

This article deals with the ceremonies to honor the men and women who lost their lives in military conflicts as well as those who still serve.  It details the different ceremonies across the USA, England and France.  It can be used to help students understand that Veteran's Day is not just a tradition or celebration in the United States, but is also an important day of remembrance in European countries that were devastated by World War 1.  It can also be used to lay the foundation for understanding the formation of the European Union---which was created as an attempt to end wars in Europe. The video deals with the ceremony at the military cemetray in Verdun, France. 

Question to use:

Based on the context of the article and the following quote, "Since the war, Verdun has become a symbol of Franco-German reconciliation."  What is the meaning of reconciliation?

1. the reestablishing of friendly relations 
2. an angry argument or disagreement
3. a search made for useful military information
4. to set down in writing

Echoes of conflict 90 years on

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7712321.stm

This article details some of the horrors of the first world war.  An expat historian takes the reader through a tour of some of the battlefields and recounts some of the stories from that conflict.

Questions to use:

Based on the selection which statement is a fact?

1. World War I was the 'Greatest' war.
2. Armistice Day is nearing it's 90th anniversary.
3. Christina Holstein is the best WWI historian living outside of the United Kingdom.
4. The Germans were horrible and needed to be defeated.

Based on the selection which statement is an opinion?

1. More than 3,000 Canadians died capturing Vimy Ridge.
2. So many Canadians died for no reason at all.
3. Canada has adopted a little corner of France for a war memorial.
4. The area has warning signs remind visitors that unexploded shells and grenades lie where they fell.

Reaching across the religious divide

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7715851.stm

(Ferriter--Nov. 10)

This current event covers a meeting between 50 powerful Christian and Muslim religious leaders that is designed to find common ground between faiths.  Relationships between the two religions have been divided for the past few years because of a speech made by Pope Benedict.  This event can be used to introduce students to the Crusades and to start a conversation about the religious divide between these cultures that has existed for centuries.

Questions to use:

What is the effect of beginning the selection with the fact, "Together, Muslim and Christian believers account for almost half the world's population"?

1. The audience begins to understand that Muslims and Christians are equally powerful.
2. The audience feels a sense of connection, knowing that their religion is likely represented in the article.
3. The audience values the reference to a statistic because it makes the piece more convincing.
4. The audience realizes that bringing together the Muslim and Christian faiths is going to be a huge challenge.

EU 'blue card' plans criticised

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7132366.stm

Mr Scholz says jobless Germans can fill labour market gaps Germany has said there is no need for a common EU visa to attract highly skilled workers from outside the EU.

Questions to use:

Based on the selection,which of the following best describes Olaf Scholz?

1.  A government official who is looking for an opportunity to weaken commitment to the EU.

2.  A German, who is concerned with the welfare of immigrants.

3.  A German government official who believes that the employment-related issues should be handled at the national level.

4.  A Minister, who believes that the EU should not control other countries.

Based on the selection, which statement is fact?

1.  "EU member states have been trying to agree a common asylum and immigration policy since 1999."

2.  All EU countries are suffering from "Brain-drain."

3.  Germany is selfish and does not want any immigrants.

4.  EU member states are not sure that any measure would prevent immigration.

Immigrants trigger Irish rethink

1. As a man born and raised in Ireland he wants all immigrants to be sent home.
2. As a government official he sees this growing problem as an opportunity to create a good, workable immigration policy.
3. As a Catholic he distrust other religions.
4. As an Irish taxpayer he wants to help Irish citizens first and then help immigrants.

Teddy gets teacher in trouble

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7110000/newsid_7113100/7113168.stm

A British teacher has been arrested in Sudan after letting her pupils name a teddy bear Muhammad, after the founder of Islam.  She was later set free and returned to the United Kingdom.

Questions to use:

Based on this selection, which statement is a fact?

1. Muslims in Sudan over-reacted to the teacher's decision to name a teddy Mohammed.
2. The British government did not act quickly enough to get the British teacher freed.
3. The teacher's decision to name a teddy Mohammed was poor.
4. The children in the teacher's class voted in favor of naming the teddy Mohammed.

Which of the following questions would readers most likely ask Ms. Gibbons about her experiences in the Sudan?

1. How can teachers make better decisions when working with students?
2. What is the best way to get children reading and writing?
3. What kinds of things should the world know about the Muslim religion?
4. Have you ever met British Prime Minister Gordon Brown?

Belgians brave cold to enroll kids in best schools

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN2919119520071129

Under a new law in Belgium parents can enroll their students in any school they can get in to.  This has caused a huge line to form outside one of the best schools in Brussels.  The law was created to give transparency to the parents and allow them to get into schools based on a first come first serve model.

Questions to use:

Which of the following maxims would best fit this article?

1.  Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you.

2.  A whispered lie is just as wrong as one that thunders loud and long.

3.  Gray hair is a sign of age, not of wisdom.

4.  A bad husband cannot be a good man.

Based on the selection which of the following best describes Sandrine Konen?

1.  A government official who wants to make schools open for all.

2.  A Dutch speaking Belgium who does not want to share good schools with the French speaking Belgiums.

3.  A teenager who was given 500 Euros to stand in line for someone.

4.  A mother who wants her child to have the best education possible. 

School choir told to be quiet

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7110000/newsid_7118900/7118951.stm

Police were called to a shopping centre in Wales because school kids were singing carols TOO LOUD!

Questions to use:

Which of the following statements suggests the strongest bias related to Ian Jones's statement that the complaints about his singers were "ridiculous?"

1. As a Brit, he dislikes other religions.
2. As a Christian, he believes everyone should listen to Christmas music.
3. As a teacher, he believes the work of children is always enjoyable.
4. As a mall shopper, he believes live performances are valuable.

Based on this selection, which of the following best describes Ian Jones?

1. A fun loving man who doesn't take things too seriously.
2. A passionate teacher who loves working with students.
3. An angry man who dislikes criticism.
4. A religious man who strongly believes in his faith. 

Is the net tightening on the Nazi's Dr. Death?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7116774.stm

If he is still alive, former SS medical officer Aribert Heim is 93 years old, but his age will not protect the alleged Nazi war criminal from justice, vows Nazi-hunter Efraim Zuroff.

Questions to use:

Which of the following statements suggests the strongest bias related to Efraim Zuroff's statement that "We have expectations of catching all of them" when speaking about former Nazis?

1. As a Jew, Zuroff is passionate about bringing Nazis to justice.
2. As a Nazi-Hunter, Zuroff is confident that his organization can do their job well.
3. As a German, Zuroff wants to restore pride in his country.
4. As an honest man, Zuroff dislikes criminals. 

What was Zuroff's purpose in telling news reporters, "Surely she would prefer that he not be the subject of a headhunt by all sorts of people who want to get the money?"

1. To warn Heim that he is about to be captured.
2. To brag to the world about his ability as a Nazi-hunter.
3. To encourage people to start looking for Heim.
4. To force Heim's daughter to think about the consequences of not cooperating.

WWII army bag is found in desert

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7118650.stm

A British service man's bag has been discovered in the sands of Egypt outside of Cario.  Alec Ross was serving as a dispatch rider behind enemy lines in North Africa when he lost a bag containing personal letters and photos.  The bag and it's contents are being sent to Ross's sister back in England.

Question to use:

Are the contents of the Alec Ross's bag primary or secondary sources?  Why?

Vote to tighten Europe's Gun Laws

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7117042.stm

A proposal to ban firearms that can be converted into handguns faces a vote in the European Parliament.

Questions to use:

Which of the following statements suggests the strongest bias related to Finnish MEP Ville Itala's statements about the value of this new gun law?

1. As a member of the European Parliment, he questions the role the EU should play in the world.
2. As a resident of Finland, he believes that owning guns is a person's individual right.
3. As a former police officer, he better understands the failures made by police in his country in last month's school shooting.
4. As a member of a gun organization, he values the role that guns play in society. 

What was Ville Itala's purpose in telling parliment members, "I'm not sure the ammendment will be helpful?"

1. To offend the UK representative that proposed the ban.
2. To protect guns and the individual rights of people.
3. To defend the national pride of Finland.
4. To cause other ministers to consider both sides of this issue.

Dutch quell school hours protest

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7115847.stm

Police clashed with about 1,000 teenagers in Amsterdam on Monday, using water cannon to disperse the crowd after being pelted with eggs and cans.

Questions to use:

Based on this selection, which of the following best describes the student protesters:

1. Satisfied with the current state of schools in the Netherlands.
2. Excited about seeing the school system in the Netherlands changed.
3. Confident in their ability to force changes in the school system.
4. Sensible about how to best make others see their point of view.

What is the Dutch government's purpose in arresting and charging 28 student protesters?

1. To show students that the government can't be resisted.
2. To help others recognize how important education is.
3. To offend students by showing them that their opinions don't matter.
4. To cause all students to think carefully about the consequences of their actions.

Anne Frank tree escapes axe again

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7105235.stm 

A chesnut tree that was viewable from the window in Anne Frank's secret annex has once again escaped coming down.  The tree is diseased and the owner wants to chop it down so they will not be libel for any damages.  Supporters and conservationists have been fighting to keep the tree for years and received another reprieve yesterday.

Questions to use:

Based on the selection, which statement is fact?

1. The tree is very pretty and needs to be protected.
2. "This is a monumental tree of unusual cultural and historical value. It's a symbol of freedom all over the world and it summons forth a lot of emotion"
3. Amsterdam city council ruled in March that the rotting 150-year-old tree must be felled as a danger to the public.
4. Environmentalist are fighting to save this and every tree in the world.

Would Anne Frank's diary be considered a primary or secondary source? Why?

Which of the following statements suggests the strongest bias related to Edwin Koot's statements about the Anne Frank tree?

1. As the spokesperson for a Dutch tree conservation company, he is very interested in saving this historic tree.
2. As a business man he wants to save this tree to help advance him in his profession.
3. As a taxpayer he wants to see the tree cut down so it does not fall and damage anything.
4. As a citizen of Ultrech, not Amsterdam he really doesn't care about this tree at all.

A Second Night of Riots in Paris

http://www.euronews.net/index.php?article=456075&lng=1&option=1

Rioters made their way into the streets around Paris for a second straight day, protesting the poor treatment of immigrants in the French captial.

Questions to use:

Based on this selection, which statement is a fact:

1. "Rioters have made their way to the streets for a second straight night."
2. "Rioters claim police fled the scene of the original accident."
3. "Authorities say the accident did not involve a chase."
4. "The reaction of the rioters is understandable because of the poor treatment they receive."

Which of the following statements suggests the strongest bias related to Nicholas Sarkozy's description of the rioters as "riff-raff from the suburbs?"

1. As the parent of a young child, Sarkozy is concerned about what might happen to his son.
2. As the leader of the French nation, Sarkozy doesn't want the rest of the world to think poorly of his country.
3. As a powerful man, Sarkozy wants to prove to the immigrants that they are worthless.
4. As a famous person, Sarkozy realizes that other people will agree with whatever he says. 

Riots Break Out in Paris Suburbs

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7112497.stm

Youths have damaged police stations, shops and cars in two Paris suburbs, following the deaths of two teenagers whose motorbike hit a police car.

Question to Use:

Which of the following statements suggests the strongest bias related to Omar Sehhouli's claim that the riots in Paris were "not violence but an expression of rage?"

1. As a member of a peacekeeping force, Sehhouli would not want outsiders to think poorly of the rioters.
2. As a leader of the rioters, Sehhouli would never claim to be involved in violence.
3. As a French citizen, Sehhouli would want the rest of the world to believe that the French are angry people.
4. As the brother of the victim, Sehhouli would probably be quite angry about the event.

Score for the Red Cross

http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/html/clubs-and-associations-news-141107?OpenDocument

Based the on the selection, which statement is fact?

1. "I see patients arriving here unable to walk and terribly depressed," says Alberto Cairo
2. This partnership will make millions for victims.
3. Soccer players will play harder so they can make more money for Afganistan.
4. UEFA has been a major supporter of the ICRC over the past 10 years, donating more than eight million Swiss francs and offering the organization various opportunities to promote humanitarian topics.

Eiffel Tower Stairs on Sale to the Public

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7102190.stm

Sections of stairs from the Eiffel Tower are being sold to museums, collectors and the prublic.  This set of stairs weighs 700kg!

Questions to use:

What is the main idea of the selection?

1. The Eiffel Tower was partially taken apart in 1983 to create elevators.
2. Twenty-four sections of the stairs leading from the second to the third level of the Eiffel Tower are being sold to museums, collectors and the public.
3. The Eiffel tower was built in 1889.
4. The Eiffel tower was the tallest building in the world at the time is was competed.

Based on the selection, which statement is a fact?

1. The 4.5m (14.7ft), 20-step section, which once linked the tower's second and third levels, is expected to fetch up to 30,000 euros.
2. Potential bidders have been warned the staircase section weighs 700kg.
3. The stairs are very important historical artifacts.
4. The stairs are not important and therefor can be sold.

Fish dumping will ruin industry

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7102041.stm