This document provides instructions for a student assignment to find a current news article from within the United States. The article must be no more than two weeks old and can be about the government, a state issue, or a notable person. Students are directed to sources like newspapers, magazines, and online news sites. They must fill out an organizer with details of who the article is about, what it's about, where it takes place, and where they found it. The assignment is due on Friday and should include the completed organizer and a summary of the main points in the article.

1. Name: ___________________ # _____ Date: ____________________
September 13, 2010
Current Event:
National Article
This week you will be looking for a current event that is about something happening within
our nation (anywhere in the U.S.). The story you choose can be about the government or
different problems they may be trying to solve, an issue from another state, or a story about a
person who is being noticed, good or bad, for something they have done. Remember to
choose an article that is no more than 2 weeks old. Great places to look would be the Benicia
Herald, the Vallejo Times Herald, online, like Scholastic News, or even in magazines. Many
newspapers have online versions that they update daily if you do not subscribe to a newspaper.
Another great place to look is the public library. They subscribe to many of the local
newspapers and also have internet access available.
After you have chosen your story, complete the organizer on the back of this page to
help you organize your information. Make sure you are able to tell about who the article is
about, what the article talks about, and where it takes place. You should also note where you
found the article and what date it was printed or published. Have fun and happy current
event hunting!
Remember:
• A summary is a paragraph that includes only the main details of the article. Only
include the information that is the most important and leave out the smaller details.
• The story or article you choose must be current! You cannot choose a story that is
more than 2 weeks old.
• Your current events are due Friday. When you turn them in they should include a
completed back page and the article or story / information about the news program.
• Have a parent proofread your writing to check for spelling and grammar mistakes.

2. Name of Newspaper or Other Source: ______________________________________________
Date of Article or Story: ___________________________________________________________
Title of Article or Story: ___________________________________________________________
Who is the article about?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Where does the story take place?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
What is the article about?
Summary (remember to just include the main points!): __________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
You can attach another sheet of paper if you need more space.
Why did you choose this article? ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
• Make sure a parent or other adult proofreads your work before you do your final copy!