TJMS ASI TEAM Summer Social Studies/Science
Assignment: Current Events
Purpose: In order to more successfully contribute to community and society at large, one should be current on the world’s issues, updates, and changes. Being an informed citizen and discussing current events will give one a better perspective on different points of view and encourage a healthier lifestyle. Article Guidelines: Article must be current—within approximately one month of due date. Article must be relevant—should pertain to an environmental, political, economic, sociopolitical, industrial, governmental, or events of historical significance. Article must be from appropriate source—NOT Wikipedia! (see suggestions below) Article must be attached to Assignment Sheet and should be appropriately marked. (CLOSE reading Symbols) Directions: The news source can be digital or print. You may only use the Current Events Assignment Sheet Template given in class and should also familiarize yourself with the rubric before completing. Note: Begin by MARKING THE TEXT as you read! This should include underlining main ideas, highlighting important facts/details, circling unfamiliar vocabulary, writing notes and/or connections in the margins, etc. Specific directions for each section are given below. Please use our school wide CLOSE reading symbols. I.
Summary: On the lines given, summarize the main idea of your article. This should be easy if you have already underlined main ideas and highlighted important facts. II.
Vocabulary: Circle at least three unfamiliar vocabulary words from your article as you read. If you cannot find three, you may have to choose words that others might not know. Fill in the vocabulary chart, listing the part of speech, an appropriate definition. III. Reflection: Think about your own opinion or reaction to the topic presented in the article. Do you agree or not? What is your position, claim, argument? IV.
Making a Connection: Explain how the article you chose relates to you. DON’T FORGET TO ATTACH YOUR ARTICLE TO YOUR ASSIGNMENT SHEET BEFORE YOU TURN IN!! Suggested Sources
Local newspaper!!
www.nytimes.com (New York Times - newspaper)
www.courant.com (Hartford Courant - newspaper)
www.washingtontimes.com (Washington Times – newspaper)
www.washingtonpost.com (Washington Post – newspaper)
www.latimes.com (Los Angeles Times – newspaper)
www.chicagotribune.com (Chicago Tribune – newspaper)
www.middletownpress.com (Middletown Press - newspaper)
www.msnbc.com (NBC – broadcast T.V. news)
www.cnn.com (CNN – cable T.V. news)
www.usnews.com (U.S. News & World Report - magazine)
www.abcnews.go.com (ABC – broadcast T.V. news)
GRADING RUBRIC
Assignment Sheet Filled out completely
and clearly
Student wrote a minimum of 5 complete
sentences for the Article summary.
Possible Points
8
5
Student used CLOSE reading symbols.
4
Article was attached to assignment.
1
Assignment was completed on time
2
Overall points: _____ / 20
Teacher Comments:
Student’s Points
GRADE: ___________________
CLOSE READING SYMBOLS:
Social Studies/Science CURRENT EVENTS ASSIGNMENT
Name: __________________
Date: ________
Per:_______
CURRENT EVENT ASSIGNMENT SHEET
COMMON CORE STANDARDS:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.1
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.2
Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of
the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
Title of your article :______________________________________________________________
Source (where did you find it): _____________________________________________________
Circle one: Where did the news story take place?:
LOCAL (in Illinois)
NATIONAL (in the USA) INTERNATIONAL (around the World)
WHO/WHAT is the article about?
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WHEN did the event take place?
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WHERE did the event take place?
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HOW do you feel about this event?
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HOW does this event affect you and/or the world?
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WHY did you choose this article?
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Please summarize the article below in at least 5 well-written complete sentences (a summary tells what this
article is about).
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New Vocabulary (define, find a Synonym, identify the words part of speech (verb, noun, etc.) write it in a
sentence)
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Make a Connection: How does this article relate to you and your life, family, community, interests, etc.
Explain your connections by providing evidence from the text and your own personal reflection.
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