The document provides instructions for a student assignment to find and summarize a current news article or event from within the United States from the past two weeks. It advises students to use major newspapers or their library for finding a story, and to fill out an organizer with the article details before writing a two paragraph summary - one paragraph summarizing the key details of the article, and another explaining why the event was important and who it affected. The document also provides formatting and proofreading requirements for the assignment.

1. Name: ___________________ # _____ Date: ____________________
February 7, 2011
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 event that is no more than 2 weeks old. Although local newspapers are great for
finding information about things going on close to where we live, you may want to choose a
larger and more widely known newspaper like The New York Times. 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 different newspapers and also have
internet access available.
After you have chosen your story complete the form on the back of this page to help
you organize your thoughts. Your writing will need to include a summary of the article or story,
explain why the article is important or who it will affect, and tell about why you chose this story.
After filling in the organizer on the back, you will need to rewrite your information into two
separate paragraphs. One paragraph for your summary, and another paragraph for your
other information. Your final copy should be written in ink or typed. 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, the article or story / information about the news program, and a
final copy of your information that is written in ink or typed.
• Have a parent proofread your writing to check for spelling and grammar mistakes.
• Your organizer is your rough draft. You do not have to write a rough draft after filling
in the organizer if you don’t want to.

2. Name of Newspaper or Other Source: ______________________________________________
Date of Article or Story: ___________________________________________________________
Title of Article or Story: ___________________________________________________________
Summary (remember to just include the main points!): __________________________________
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You can attach another sheet of paper if you need more space.
Why was this story important and who will it affect the most? ___________________________
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Why did this story interest you? ____________________________________________________
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• Make sure a parent or other adult proofreads your work before you do your final copy!