Current Event Article Assignment: Civil Rights and Liberties
Every week, you will need to submit a current events article and analysis. (For due dates, please see your quarter schedule.) Please follow the following guidelines when completing your assignment:
1. Choose a newspaper (paper or online news source) and find an article that appeals to you. Article should be at least 4 paragraphs long and have enough "meat" to it that you can summarize the article and add your own opinion to it. CUT OUT / PRINT OFF the article. Make sure that if the article is on two separate pages that you take both pages of the article. --- The article can be from the local, state, national or world. NO sports, entertainment, gossip, or advertisement kinds of articles.
2. Read the article to make sure you understand what it is talking about. Take time to talk about the article with someone at home as this is a good way to make sure you are clear as to what the article is all about.
3. Write a paragraph (6-7 sentences) summarizing the article. Be sure you have factual information included in your summary. Make sure you state where you found your article (which newspaper / online source).
4. Write a paragraph (6-7 sentences) with your opinion on the article. What did you think about the article? If the article made you feel a certain way, share your thoughts. Some ideas to consider, depending on the type of article you choose:
- Do you agree / disagree with what is being said?
- Did you learn something new?
- Are you more informed about what is going on in your area, the nation, the world?
- Has the article inspired you?
- Does the article leave you wanting to "take action" and do something?
Ideas for News Sources: All news sources will have a bias. This is by no means an exhaustive list, however, using this list will keep you away from sensationalized or opinion news sites. See me if you have a source that is not listed. Try using a different news source each week for a diversified view of
Las Vegas Review Journal The Nevada Independent
NPR/KNPR Reuters
The Associated Press (AP) Christian Science Monitor
CSPAN BBC
The Chicago Tribune Wall Street Journal
The Washington Times The Washington Post
Fox News The Economist
Forbes USA Today
New York Times NBC News
CBS News CNN
ABC News PBS
How to Spot Sensationalized/Opinion News:
· The bias is in the title or tagline. (Ex. Conservative Review, Democratic Underground.)
· They insult/ignore alternative views. (Ex. Talk radio/TV pundits, Late Night TV)
· Do some research if friends/family on social media post or reshare an article. Many articles on social media are intended to make you feel emotional against a cause/person/action.
· Human interest stories are written to make you feel emotional.
· Use different news sources for the same story to get the best understanding of an issue.