These are the current events that have been used in previous years to teach the skills covered on Blue Diamond Assessment 8.

 

 

Gazprom restores Ukraine gas flow

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7276589.stm

 

Russian energy giant Gazprom has agreed to restore full gas supplies to Ukraine, ending a three-day crisis.

 

What was the purpose of including the map of the main gas lines in Europe?

1. to provide a picture to make the article more enjoyable for the reader.
2. to offer the reader a sense of just how important gas lines are to Europe.
3. to visually compare the length of the text to the length of the pipes.
4. to ensure that the reader is following the progression of the argument.

 

According to the selection, "A previous row between the two sides saw Russia cut gas to Ukraine in 2006. It also hit exports to Western Europe and affected diplomatic relations between Brussels and Moscow."

 

Based on the context of this selection, what does "row" mean?

 

1. to go down stream
2. to solve
3. to dispute
4. to physically fight

 

 

 

Gazprom deepens Ukraine gas cuts

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7276589.stm 

 Russian gas monopoly Gazprom has cut supplies of gas to Ukraine again, and said further cuts may follow in the wake of a dispute over debts.

 

Which of the following best describes the relationship between Russia and Ukraine?

 

1. Russia is independent of Ukraine, but does use some of Ukraine's resources.
2. Ukraine is dependent on Russia for natural resources.
3. Ukraine and Russia are allies and sell gas to other Eastern Europe countries.
4. Russia and Ukraine are working together to help solve the gas problems in Eastern Europe.

 

What is the main idea of the selection?

 

1. Ukraine is dependent on Russia for all of its needs.
2. Gazprom has cut Ukraine's gas supply because it (Gazprom) claims Ukraine has not paid.
3. Ukraine is seeking more gas for other Eastern European countries.
4. Gazprom is thinking about providing more gas to Ukraine.

 

Nato tries to heal Macedonia row

 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7274205.stm

Nato's secretary general is to visit Athens to try to convince Greece not to block the membership of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

 

What is the main idea of this selection?

 

1. Nato is trying to convince the former Yugoslav Republics to open up their doors to immigrants.
2. Nato is trying to convince Greece not to block the membership of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
3. Nato is not trying to help anyone, they just want to protect the people.
4. Greece is deciding not to be apart of this issue because they are angry with Macedonia.

 

According to the selection, "Nato wants the former Yugoslav republic beneath its umbrella as a safeguard against the country dividing between the ethnic Macedonian majority in the east and the Albanian minority in the west.

 

Based on the selection, what does "safeguard" mean?

 

1. misfortune
2. protection
3. alliance
4. respect

 

 

Immigration points system begins

The government has launched the first stage of a new points-based system for migrants from outside the EU.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7269790.stm

 

According to the selection, what is the significance of the UK limiting immigration to only highly-skilled labor?

 

1. illustrates to the reader just how far some countries will go to limit immigration.
2. shows the reader just how easy it is to immigrate to the UK
3. it is an example of just why immigrant remain in their native lands
4. Shows just how bad immigration has become in the UK.

 

 

 

Medvedev sweeps Russian presidential poll

 

http://www.euronews.net/index.php?article=472947&lng=1&option=1

 

What is the significance of Vladimir Putin accompanying Dmitry Medvedev to the concert?

1. Shows to the viewer just how much Putin supports Medvedev.
2. It is a political stunt to undermine the audience.
3. It is not important at all that Putin and Medvedev are together.
4. It shows just how much Russia is willing to do to keep journalists out.

 

Moscow offers 'migrant amnesty'

 Moscow authorities have announced what they have called a "spring amnesty" for the hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants working in the city.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7271445.stm 

 

What is the main idea of the selection?

 

1. Russia is too caught up in foreign affairs to be worried with immigration. 
2. Russia has annouced a spring "amnesty" for illegal immigrants in Moscow.
3. Russia is trying to deport all of the immigrants out of Moscow.
4. Russia is not concerned with immigration.

 

 

Russia Election vs. US Election

This video is a short contrast between Russia's election and the United States.  It's about four minutes.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2008/02/28/chance.russia.not.america.cnn

 

 

 

 Russia refuses journalist entry

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7267265.stm 

 

A Moldovan journalist has been involved in a stand-off at a Moscow airport after being denied entry on the grounds she is a threat to national security.

 

How would this reader help other journalists thinking about writing stories about Russia?

 

1. Journalists would refuse to write at all in Russia.
2. Journalists would be more likely to only write about the "good" things that Russia does.
3. Journalists would spend more time researching for their articles.
4. Journalists would email all reports to Vladimir Putin before publishing.

 

According to the selection, what is the significance of Natalya Morar being refused entry into Russia?

 

1. It illustrates that Russia is not empathetic to visitors from other countries.
2. It shows just how much free speech has been limited in Russia.
3. It shows just how much Russians hate Moldovians.
4. It shows how protective Russia is of Russians and things that are written about the country.

 

 

Estonia fears Russia dictatorship

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7264464.stm

Russia could be sliding into dictatorship as Germany did soon after World War I, Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves has warned.

 

Which of the following best describes Russia's relations with Estonia?

 

1. Estonia is very upset with Russia and does not want to be ruled in any way by Russia.
2. Estonia is pleased with the attitudes of Russia.
3. Estonia believes that Russia is optimistic about the world.
4. Estonian government and Russian governements are constantly thinking of ways to improve themselves.

 

According to the selection, "On Tuesday, human rights pressure group Amnesty International said civil rights in President Putin's Russia were being eroded."

 

Based on the context of the selection, what does "eroded" mean?

 

1. to deteriorate
2. to raise awareness
3. to save
4. to praise

 

 

 Families struggle as breadwinners head West

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19227137/?story=exodus 

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18981289

 

Studies show the influx of highly motivated economic migrants will increase the GDP in countries such as Britain and Ireland.

 But the social and political impact is more complicated.  Already concerned about voter backlash, Britain and others in the 27-country block slapped more stringent immigration regulations on the European Union's newest members Bulgaria and Romania, which joined this year.

 

Based on the context of the selection, what does “stringent” mean?

1. reasonable
2. inclusive
3. strict
4. specific

 

 

Estonia's view of Kremlin 'meddling'

 

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7258893.stm

 

 

What was the author’s purpose in including the picture of the palace in Estonia?

 

 

1. to provide a picture to make the article more enjoyable to the reader
2. to help the reader sympathize with the author.
3. so the reader will be able to visualize the actual palace and agree with the author in its’ splendor.
4. to ensure that readers are following the progression of the argument.

 

Which of the following best describes Estonia?

1. eager to rid itself of its’ Soviet past, causing problems between Estonia and Russia.
2. uneasy about having visitors to its’ country.
3. a small town that is unable to look after its’ people.
4. a relatively new country that is still trying to define itself.

 

Africa Meeting to Block Migrants

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7258161.stm

African and European politicians are meeting in the Ghanaian capital Accra to discuss how to stem the illegal flow of African migrants to Europe.

 

Which of the following best describes immigration in Europe?

 

1. Immigration is constant in Europe, so much so, that Europe is willing to meet with Africa to figure out a way to limit it.
2. No one wants to immigrate to Europe because of their increased focus on immigration.
3. Immigration is not a problem in Europe.
4. Immigration is a problem everywhere.

 

What was the purpose of including picture of Africans in a boat?

 

1. to provide a picture to make the article more enjoyable to the reader
2. to help the reader empathize with the Africans.
3. to offer a sense of relief for the Africans.
4. to ensure that readers are following the progression of the argument.

 

Russians prompt boom in Montenegro

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7255240.stm

This article talks about how Montenegro is becoming a haven for rich Russians looking for a warm climate escape and an opportunity to make money, in some cases by laundering dirty money.

This is all well and good for the Montenegrian as they are benifiting from the economic growth, but it comes at criminal and environmental concerns.

 

Questions,

According to the selection, "Not far from Podgorica there is a huge pond, its waters an ominous shade of red.

It collects the toxic waste from Montenegro's biggest company, the Kap aluminium complex that accounts for 40% of the country's exports." Based on the context what is the meaning of ominous?

 

Threatening, menacing or scary

colorful, pretty or happy

Large, big or gigantic

Harmless, normal or pleasant

 

What is the purpose for including a picture of the Montenegrian beach with homebuilders in the foreground?

 

To show how poor the nation of Montenegro is.

To provide a picture for the reader, making the article more entertaining.

To show that Montenegro has a growing building sector.

To provide a picture of how pretty Montenegro is.

 

 

Macedonia: New UN proposal could resolve name dispute

http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Politics/?id=1.0.1895908880

This article details the argument Greece has with FYR Macedonia over nation names.  Greece claims that Macedonia should not use that name at all as it hides the Greek region of Macedonia, the birthplace of Alexander the Great.  Macedonia wants to keep their name and even named their airport Alexander the Great airport recently.  This dispute has made it all the way to the United Nations.

 

questions,

 

Which of the following best describes the Greek government?

 

Happy with Macedonia for not renaming their country.

Satisfied with the current negotiations.

Upset that macedonia will not rename themselves the Republic of Skopje or something similar.

Ready to invade Macedonia and force them to change their name.

 

According to the article, "Athens objects to the name of the Republic of Macedonia, saying it hides the territorial pretensions of the northern Greek province with the same name and birthplace of famous Greek warrior Alexander the Great."  Based on the context of this selection what is the meaning of pretensions?

 

arguement

fight

dispute

claim

 

British citizenship tests planned

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7253933.stm

 

Immigrants who want to become British and settle permanently in the UK will need to pass more tests to "prove their worth" to the country under new plans.

 

How would reading this passage help you if you were an immigrant planning to move to the UK?

 

1. You would think harder about your decision to move to the UK.
2. This passage would not help me in my decision to move to another country.
3. Using this passage, many immigrants would attempt to go the UK illegally.
4. You would discourage other immigrants from going to the UK.

 

According to the selection, "The Tories called the plans, which do not cover EU citizens, a "gimmick". Based on the context of the selection what does "gimmick" mean?

 

1. a document that covers everyone.
2. a scheme or plot to disquise ones' true intentions
3. a plan that is important to the UK
4. a business strategy used to encourage people to come to the UK.

 

 Closing Chernobyl's sister

http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/304353

this article deals with the closing of a nuclear reator in Lithuania.  The reactor was built by the Soviets and is similar to the reactor that melted down in Chernobyl.  Lithuania was forced to close the reactor down when they joined the EU.  Now Lithuanians are worried about where they will get cheap power.

 

questions,

 

According to the selection,"There is some frustration for Lithuania in all this," says Dainius. "Nobody likes somebody else dictating when you need to shut down your plant. But we have no choice: Ignalina will close next year.  Based on the context of the selection what does dictating mean?

 

torturing and killing

command

helping

crying

 

 

Kosovo Serbs burn border points

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7252874.stm

Kosovo Serbs have set fire to two border crossings to protest against Kosovo's declaration of independence.

 

Questions:

 

According to the selection, "The police on the spot were not enough - we are deploying troops to re-establish order."  Based on the context of the article what does deploying mean?

 

1. To position in readiness for combat, as along a front or line.
2. To send more money to Kosovo to "beef" up security.
3. To send more aide to Kosovo.
4. To send more government representatives to help in Kosovo.

 

How would reading this passage help you if you were the leader of a country that decided to declare its' independence?

 

1. You would be better prepared to handle the backlash from public dissatisfaction.
2. You would not declare independence at all.
3. You would declare independence "under the table."
4. You would wait until you have an ally with a "super power"

 

How do the conditions in Serb

 

 

 

 

US, European Leaders Recognize Idependent Kosovo

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/02/080218-AP-Kosovo.html

This article details some of the nations that have recognized Kosovo and some that have not.  We will only read the first page up through the section dealing with the new flag and the comments from the USA.

 

Questions:

According to the selection, "Giddy Kosovars danced in the streets when they heard of the endorsements."  Based on the context of the article what does giddy mean?

 

Upset and mad

Happy and joyful

Bored and tired

Excited and ready to fight

 

Spain has chosen not to support Kosovo independence.  This is most likely because?

 

Spain is an ally to both Serbia and Russia.

Spain believes that Kosovo is an area of unhappy people that just need to be happy with their Serbian connections.

Spain is listening to the USA and not supporting Kosovo.

Spain has a large problem with the Basque people wanting independence from Spain.  They see this break-away as a chance for the Basque to 'ramp up' their idenpendence fight.

 

According to the selection, "Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Bush "has responded affirmatively" to Kosovo's request to establish diplomatic relations."  Based on the context of the article what does affirmatively mean?

 

Positive

Negative

Angry

Sad

 

Kosovo stirs Balkan Neighbors

 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7249587.stm

How does the reaction of Bosnian Serbs to Kosovo's independence differ from that of Montenegro?

 

1. Bosnian Serbs are characterized as very passive and have adopted a "wait and see" tactic.
2. Bosnian Serbs are protesting and have become violent, while Montenegro has adopted a "wait and see" tactic.
3. Neither country is particularly interested in what is happening in Kosovo.
4. Both countries are adopting a "wait and see" tactic.

 

 

According to the selection, "there were more demonstrations in Serbia, but in the rest of the Balkans the reaction was more cautious."  Based on the context of the article, what does "demonstrations" mean?

 

1. Displays of public dissatisfaction
2. To keep quiet
3. To show, as in an experiement
4. To walk through town

 

 

 

 

Kosovo MPs proclaim independence

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7249034.stm

 

This article details the historic vote by the kosovo government to break away from Serbia.  This move has been championed by America and the EU and arguged by Serbia and Russia.  The Streets of Kosovo were full of revelers and the streets of Belgrade had riots.

 

Questions:

 

How might a Russian view this article?

 

As a wonderful development in the lives of the Kosovo people.  Russia supports Kosovo fully.

As another American and Western interference.  Russia supports Serbia fully.

Most Russian do not care about what is happening in Kosovo at all.

Many Russians are happy that Kosovo will become a new country, they see it as a way to sell more oil.

 

Based on the context of the following, what is the meaning of dissolution,

"The independence of Kosovo marks the end of the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia," the prime minister said.

 

Creation

Development

Dissolving

War

 

Based on the context of the article which of the following best best relates to the following,

Serbia:Serbs::_________

 

Kosovo:Ethnic Albianians

Ethnic Albianians:Kosovo

Kosovo:Russia

USA:Washington DC