Current Event Guidelines
2 Current Events are due each
quarter!
 Must be controversial/debatable.
 If you don’t have the form, you
The point is for you to analyze an issue
and develop an opinion about it.
can type it separately at home.
 Must be at least 250 words.
 No sporting play-by-play coverage.
 Cite source (website, publication + date, attach article, etc.)
 Find a print source to back up radio/tv.
Suggestions
 Local issues – easier to have a connection.
 Make sure you understand the article. Read it all before writing it up!
 Use the back of the form for your notes. This makes it easier to write your
sentences when you have organized your information.
 Sources: Missoulian (school, home, online), CNN Student News, NEWSELA
Crafting your sentences
Don’t drone: “The main idea of this article is…”
Just jump in!
Instead of “My opinion is…”
Try: (I think…
(I believe…
(I disagree…
Instead of “My connection is…”
Try: (I also…
(I have heard…
(My family…
Instead of “My prediction is…”
Try: (In the future…
(I would guess…
(I think…
Quotations
 Keep it short and sweet, “and note it in quotation marks,” if you borrow
someone else’s words.
 Do NOT copy complete lines from the article as details. Read all the information
until it makes sense in your head, then tell about it in your own words.
Topic Sentences:
Combine most of the WWWWWH into a fluent sentence.
Topic Sentence
WHO: High school students WHAT: will have tougher consequences WHERE: Michigan, Illinois
and their parents
(fines, jail time) if the student
skips school
WHEN: 2015 school year
WHY: states are trying to stop
kids from skipping school
HOW: (fines, jail time)
TOO LIMITED:
High schoolers and their parents will get in more trouble for skipping school.
In Michigan and Illinois, kids can’t skip school.
.
This year, high schoolers’ parents might go to jail.
DIFFERENT WAYS TO SAY:
This year, states like Michigan and Illinois are trying to reduce high schoolers skipping
school by handing out fines and jail time to parents if their kids don’t come.
High school students and their parents in Michigan and Illinois will have to face
consequences like fines and jail time if the students skip school this year, according to
new state rules trying to keep kids in school.
(Can be 2 sentences)
Michigan and Illinois are two states working to reduce the number of high schoolers
skipping school. This year, if their kids are not coming to school, the states will fine
parents (or even put them in jail!).
CAPITALS AND CONTRACTIONS!!
i dont think its a good thing.