Writing about current events requires factual knowledge and evidence. It also requires you to critically think about a topic that may be controversial or emotionally charged. Familiarize yourself with the topic by studying several news sources that cover the subject. Take notes on the facts, data and claims made by each source as you read. This will help you make informed judgments about the topic as you write your essay.
Start with newspapers and online news sites to find the most up-to-date information about a topic. Check your teacher’s assignment sheet to see if they have specific news sources for you to use. If you are required to use one source, research extensively. Identify inconsistencies and be sure to verify any claims with additional sources.
Select an article that relates to your course curriculum. Whether you are writing an essay or creating an oral presentation, it is important that your topic be relevant to the assignment. For example, if you are writing an essay about the economy or government, choose a topic that is relevant to those subjects.
The article should be recent enough to have an impact on your community, nation or world. For example, you would likely want to select a story about the recent hurricane or the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Some stories are more important than others, but all deserve attention. For example, you might be interested in the recent news that Coca-Cola is moving to remove high fructose corn syrup from its products. This is a major shift for the company, and it could have a significant impact on consumers.
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