Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
03/12/2018
Russian TV anchor warns 'traitors' not to settle in Britain
Russian state television warned “traitors” and Kremlin critics that they should not settle in England because of an increased risk of dying in mysterious circumstances. The stark warning came as the former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, remained critically ill in the hospital after being poisoned with a nerve agent in Salisbury, England. Traces of the nerve toxin were found in a pub and a restaurant. Russian officials have denied anything to do with last week’s attack.
■Class discussion: At least five other opponents of the regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin have died in Britain from poisonings or suspicious accidents. Do you think Russian agents were responsible? What should British officials do about these cases? What can they do? Recent patrons were told to wash anything they wore or took to the pub or restaurant. Does this make the latest attack more threatening? Have Putin foes been assassinated in Russia? Do you think British or U.S. agents have ever assassinated anyone?