Blue Diamond Assessment 6:  Archived Current Events

The following current events have been used in previous years to teach students the skills for Blue Diamond Assessment #6.

Magna Carta sells for 10 Million Pounds

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7150000/newsid_7151800/7151825.stm

A rare copy of a 13th Century document called the Magna Carta has gone under the hammer in New York for over £10m.

Questions to use:

Based on the selection, what can you infer about the character of David Rubenstein---the man who bought the Magna Carta copy?

1. He is a determined worker who has made a fortune in business.
2. He has few family and friends because he spends so much time working.
3. He is interested in history and proud to be an American.
4. He likes to show off how wealthy he is to his neighbors. 

What is the significance of Rubenstein's decision to keep his copy of the Magna Carta in America?

1. Americans will have access to an important historical document that shaped our nation's government.
2. An important historical document will be protected from damage by poor countries with little care for history.
3. The document is likely to become more valuable for Rubenstein because it is in a relatively wealthy country.
4. America's leaders will be able to refer to the document when making key decisions. 

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

shell : crab

1. case : magna carta
2. eggshells : egg
3. treasure : treasure chest
4. money : Rubenstein

Contestants vie for Christmas Crown

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7151442.stm

The contest for the Christmas number one single has become as traditional to the festive season as roast turkey and Brussels sprouts.

Questions to use:

What is the effect of beginning the selection with, "The contest for the Christmas number one single has become as traditional to the festive season as roast turkey and Brussels sprouts."

1. The reader senses a mood of isolation and suspense.
2. The author wants the reader to understand British holiday traditions.
3. The reader is immediately engaged and excited to read on.
4. The author wants the reader to recognize that this song competition is an important tradition to the Brits.

Based on this selection, what can you infer about the Brits?

1. They enjoy music.
2. They dislike American traditions and customs.
3. They have far more interesting news websites than America.
4. They spend tons of money on entertainment. 

What is the significance of entering the Christmas Crown competition to musicians?

1. Because people spend tons of money on music, musicians can become rich.
2. Because the competition is widely followed each year, musicians have their music heard by millions.
3. Because Britain is the heart of the music world, being recognized there is essential to success.
4. Because Christmas is celebrated around the world, musicians must have a Christmas song to be popular.

Greenpeace shuts down EU building over fishing quotas

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=503073&in_page_id=1770

In a dramatic protest over EU plans to increase fishing quotas, Greenpeace---and environmental activist group---has blocked the entrance to an EU building in an attempt to protect what it calls endangered fish species from "bungling bureaucrats."

Questions to use:

Based on this selection, what can be concluded about the number of fish available in the North Sea?

1. There are plenty of fish available in the North Sea.
2. The number of fish available in the North Sea is dwindling rapidly.
3. There is much debate over the number of fish available in the North Sea.
4. Greenpeace is the best source for information about the number of fish in the North Sea. 

Based on this selection, what can you infer about the character of Greenpeace volunteers?

1. They are violent people who seek to do damage whenever possible. 
2. They are passionate believers in their cause and will take any risk to protect the environment.
3. They are unbiased protectors of the environment that can be completely trusted.
4. They are completely biased advocates for the environment that simply cannot be trusted. 

What is one of the main problems that Greenpeace will face in their attempts to prevent overfishing?

1. Many people in countries that border the North Sea depend on fishing for a living and will oppose tighter quotas.
2. The cod population has shown an increase in recent years, making higher quotas unnecessary.
3. EU decision makers don't know enough about cod fishing to make intelligent decisions.
4. The residents of the EU have always eaten cod, so they will resist higher quotas.

WW1 letter found 93 years later

1. hidden
2. fired
3. loved
4. laughed at

US Scientist urges Brits not to use coal burning power plants

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7143567.stm

A top US scientist is urging the British and the German governments to resist building new coal fired power plants.

Questions to Use:

What would be the significance of Britain's decision to refuse to build new power plants?

1. Less carbon would be released into the atmosphere by the British.
2. New forms of energy would be discovered by the British.
3. Britain's efforts would serve as a model for other carbon polluting nations such as the US and China.
4. Energy would be saved for more important purposes. 

What is the "European Seed?"

1. An idea that if the Brits and the Germans start reducing their use of coal, other countries will as well. 
2. A pellet that can be used to capture carbon from new coal burning power plants.
3. The historical record that shows that more carbon emissions have come from Britain than any other country throughout history. 
4. A new form of tree that can serve as carbon sinks--absorbing carbon from the environment quickly. 

Knut mastermind leaves Berlin Zoo

1. Angry
2. Friendly
3. Only for a short time
4. Forced

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

Knut:Sweets:: _____________

1. Mr. Hutchinson:Little Debbie Snack Cakes
2. Shrek:Fruit Snacks
3. Coke:Mr. Ferriter
4. Dog:Birthday Cake

A Guide to the Troubles

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_1610000/newsid_1613000/1613043.stm

For decades, Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland have been fighting violently with one another.  This guide explains why.

Questions to use:

What is the significance of the United Kingdom's decision to send in troops to deal with protests in Northern Ireland?

1. It lead most Catholics in Northern Ireland to move to the Republic of Ireland.
2. It lead most Protestants to move to the United Kingdom.
3. It lead to the formation of the Irish Republican Army---an armed group fighting for a free Ireland.
4. It lead to the peaceful settlement of the conflict between Protestants and Catholics. 

Based on the context of the selection, what is the best definition for "allegations?"

1. A statement asserting something without proof
2. A statement that is supported by facts.
3. A peaceful agreement between two warring parties.
4. A brutal and unplanned attack on innocent victims. 

Based on this selection, what can you infer about the current state of peace in Northern Ireland?

1. It is likely to hold because the people are tired of fighting. 
2. It is likely to hold because it has the support of the British and the Irish. 
3. It is likely to end because peace has been difficult to come by for the previous 40 years.
4. It is likely to end because the younger generation is unemployed and treated unfairly. 

Millions to spend on playgrounds

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7130000/newsid_7137800/7137844.stm

Millions of pounds are going to be splashed out on revamping playgrounds in England to make sure you all have somewhere safe to play outside.

Questions to use:

What is the effect of beginning the selection with the sentence, "Millions of pounds are going to be splashed out on revamping playgrounds in England."

1. The reader senses a mood of excitement and suspense. 
2. The author wants the reader to feel sorry for children in the United Kingdom.
3. The reader knows something bad is about to happen. 
4. The author is hinting that money is being spent carelessly. 

Based on the selection, what can you infer about schools in the UK?

1. They are serious places where schoolwork comes first.
2. They are dangerous places where students get bullied often.
3. They are playful places where children enjoy themselves.
4. They are ordinary places where nothing interesting ever happens. 

Paddington Bear's birthday book

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7134165.stm

Paddington, the bear from Peru, will be arrested and interrogated over his immigration status in a book marking his 50th birthday.

Questions to use

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

marmalade:Paddington Bear

1. tires:car
2. remote cotrol:TV
3. Star Wars:Mr. Hutchinson
4. Noisy, Rude students:Mr. Hutchinson

What is the significance of Michael Bond's decision to to write a story about Paddington Bear's immigration status?

1. Mr. Bond believes all immigrants should be questioned and then sent home.
2. Mr. Bond sees immigration as a new challenge for Britian and wanted to use his character to add to the discussion.
3. Mr. Bond needs more money and this book would sell lots of copies.
4. Mr. Bond doesn't care about immigration issues at all.

Wind power plan for every UK home

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7130000/newsid_7135900/7135942.stm

Every home in Britain could be powered by wind farms within the next 12 years if government plans get the go ahead.

Questions to use:

Based on the selection, what can be concluded about the government of the United Kingdom?

1. They are careless about protecting endangered species.
2. They are concerned about protecting the environment.
3. They are worried that war will occur over natural resources.
4. They are competitive, trying to be first to power all homes with wind power.

What is one of the main problems that the Brits will have to face in their plan to use wind energy to power homes?

1. Windfarm technology is still developing.  It hasn't been perfected.
2. Wind turbines are expensive and will increase taxes.
3. Wind doesn't always blow, so electricity will not be guaranteed.
4. Windfarms are considered ugly by some citizens and can endanger wildlife.