7^th Grade Current Event Assignment

Mr.Bergang

Everyday students ask why they need to learn history.  Some of them might even say…why is it important to me?  These guys are dead!!!!  History has a way of repeating itself so it is important to look at current events and relate them back to other events in history.  This is a writing assignment based on a Social Studies news article of your choice.

Directions:

1. Look through magazines, newspapers, and the internet to find a Social Studies article that interests you.  The article must be at least four (4) paragraphs. 
2. Neatly cut out or print the article.
3. Using a separate sheet of paper, you will complete a written report of the article.  The report must have 2 paragraphs.  One paragraph will be a summary of the article, and the other paragraph will be your reaction to the article.
4. Each paragraph must have at least 5-7 sentences (total of 10-14).
5. You must type this assignment.  Be sure to use complete sentences, and check for spelling and grammar.  Include your name, title of the article and source of the article. 
6. Attach the article to your written report.
7. There will be points taken off for assignments turned in late.

Summary Paragraph:

Without copying from the article briefly describe what the article is about.  You should use your own words.  Please do not plagiarize.  Plagiarism is the act of copying someone else’s work and passing it off as your own.

Reaction Paragraph:

This paragraph should tell us what you thought about the article.  You may want to answer these questions in your reaction:

• Why did you choose this article?
• How did this article affect you?
• What would you do if you were in this situation?
• How would you have handled it?
• Why did I like or dislike the article?
• Who could benefit from reading this article?
• Do you think this article is an important topic for kids your age?  Why or why not?

RUBRIC AND FORMAT FOR CURRENT EVENTS ASSIGNMENT

Your Name

Due Date

Title of Article:_____________________________________________  (1 Pt)

Name of Publication:_________________________________________   (1 Pt)

Date of Publication: ___________________________________________(1 Pt)

Author (S) name:_____________________________________________(1 pt)

Paragraph 1- Summary, 7 sentences (5 pts)

Paragraph 2- Your reflection/opinion/commentary, 7 sentences (5 pts)

Note:   Make sure you have read the article and highlighted or underlined the article for main ideas.  Don’t forget to attach/staple the article to your assignment.  Each assignment is worth twenty (20) points.  If you do not submit the article the assignment is worth half credit.

*Please be prepared to present your current event to the class on the day it is due!