In groups of four, flip through USA TODAY and look at the headlines in every section. Next, as individuals, choose an article about a current issue. Read and re-read the article until you fully understand it. Now, summarize its most important point in one sentence. Share your sentence with the group and with their help, edit it so that it is as clear as possible. Next, choose two of the four statements your group edited and change them so that they are inaccurate [...]
Archive for October, 2008
November 3-7, 2008
Posted in October 31st, 2008
By Wednesday, barring any unforeseen circumstances like those that occurred in the 2000 election, the U.S. should have a new commander in chief. As you follow the election coverage in the paper this week, consider how the new president will affect the lives of citizens and businesses. Then, in a paragraph, describe a specific citizen (e.g., a [...]
October 27-31, 2008
Posted in October 25th, 2008
Read USA TODAY’s coverage of either Sen. Barack Obama or Sen. John McCain. Choose one of the candidates and list and briefly describe his views on five different issues. (If you need additional information, visit the candidate’s website). Next, interview one conservative, one moderate and one liberal voter and ask, “If you HAD to vote [...]
October 27-31, 2008
Posted in October 25th, 2008
For a product to sell, it must have an effective marketing campaign. In small groups, imagine that you are designing a TV spot for a product or service mentioned in today’s paper. As you would in an initial strategy session, discuss and record answers to the following questions: 1.) Who is the target audience for [...]
October 20-24, 2008
Posted in October 17th, 2008
Satires use irony, exaggeration and wit to poke fun at a person or group. Saturday Night Live’s satires of the presidential and vice presidential candidates have used the device to brilliant effect. (NBC’s video of the mock vice presidential debate has received over 5 million hits.) The show has also speared candidates with its mock [...]
October 20-24, 2008
Posted in October 17th, 2008
Find a headline, sentence or quote in today’s paper that would make a fitting tribute to your favorite work of literature. Then, use the statement as the first line in a poem or set of song lyrics about the work’s author, one of its characters, its setting or its overall message. Read your poem aloud [...]
October 13-17, 2008
Posted in October 10th, 2008
Historically, presidential hopefuls have had to be both politicians and entertainers. And the two major-party candidates in this year’s presidential election are no different — Obama has been "communing with Oprah and posing for Annie Leibovitz (for yet another cover of Men’s Vogue)," and McCain has been seen "grilling ribs with Rachael Ray, snarking with [...]
October 13-17, 2008
Posted in October 10th, 2008
Last week’s stock market performance indicates that investors are scared — they’ve lost their faith in the financial system. Look through the paper and read an article about people who have lost faith — either in the stock market or in another system, organization or service. Then, write a two-paragraph letter to those who have [...]
October 6-10, 2008
Posted in October 3rd, 2008
Early last week, the House defeated the $700 billion bailout bill. Then, with several new additions to the bill, the "tweaked" bailout bill passed and was signed into law on Friday. Look through USA TODAY to find and read articles about the effects of the bailout bill passing. Then, create a two-column chart, label the [...]
October 6-10, 2008
Posted in October 3rd, 2008
Last Thursday night Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palen engaged in the only vice-presidential debate of this presidential election. This week, collect articles in USA TODAY that focus on the affects of the VP debate and on the merits of the VP candidates. After reading the articles, engage in a debate. Students who believe [...]
