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Blue Diamond Assessment 5

Page history last edited by Hutch 11 mos ago

Blue Diamond Assessment 5

 

Blue Diamond Assessment 5 requires students to:

  1. Determine the main idea of a speech or selection.
  2. Find hidden messages in a speech or selection.
  3. Describe the author of a selection based on the text.
  4. Determine the difference between fact and opinion in a speech or selection.
  5. Describe why speeches are primary sources.
  6. Determine an author's purpose for giving a speech.
  7. Determine the effect that opening lines have on a speech or selection.
  8. Determine an author's bias.
  9. Determine what kinds of questions an audience would likely ask an author of a speech or selection.
  10. Determine an author's motivation for using particular lines or phrases in a speech or selection.
  11. Determine/decide why author's use maxims.

 

  1. Blue Diamond Assessment 5
    1. Luxembourg to reduce duke's power
    2. Berlin's zoo may lose bear Knut
    3. 'I get my kicks from plastic bricks'
    4. BBC NEWS | UK | Government reversal on coal mines
    5. BBC NEWS | American v British teeth
    6. BBC NEWS | Bid to cut UK transport emissions
    7. Britons' toilet pastimes revealed
    8. EU slices up 'ugly fruit' rules
    9. Rats return to Pied Piper's town
    10. UK society 'condemning' children
    11. Urine passes Nasa taste test
    12. Shark Cam Catches Ocean Motion
    13. Charles still looking ahead at 60
    14. World Recalls End of World War 1
    15. Echoes of conflict 90 years on
    16. Reaching across the religious divide

 

BD 5 Archived Current Events

 

  

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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