Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, 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. FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 26, 2015 Super Bowl brings Seahawks-Patriots showdown -- and an 'ad bowl'
 Find a Super Bowl preview story and tell what you learn.
 Now look for a report on the financial impact or other business-related coverage, including commercials.
 If you're a sports fan, see if you spot an opinion column or interview predicting who'll win or what could determine the outcome. Do you agree?
Even if you're not a football fanatic, it'll be hard not to catch at least a bit of Super Bowl fever this week. The Big Game is this Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. The Seahawks are last year's defending champs and the Patriots are playing for the eighth time. Starting quarterbacks are Russell Wilson for Seattle and Tom Brady of New England. The main halftime performer is Katy Perry. The event, airing on NBC, is Super Bowl XLIX – 49 in Roman numerals (you knew, right?!) One pregame issue involves suspicions that the Patriots purposely deflated footballs used in their 45-7 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Jan. 18, making them easier to throw and catch in a game that gave New England a Super Bowl spot. Coach Bill Belichick denies any mischief, saying this past weekend that the Patriots "absolutely followed every rule to the letter. At no time was there any intent to compromise the integrity ofthe game or to gain an advantage." Part of what makes this football game "super" is that it's a cultural phenomenon. Advertisers sponsor imaginative new commercials aimed at dazzling viewers, earning social media buzz and drawing news coverage. A 30-second ad costs a record-high $4.5 million. (Yes, you read that right.) Universal Studios will air a new trailer for "Jurassic World," a science fiction adventure film coming in June. Toyota will include athlete Amy Purdy, a double below-knee amputee, in an inspiring spot. First-time Super Bowl advertisers include Skittles and a website design firm called Wix.com.
Front Page Talking Points is written by
Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2026
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Quarterback says: "We're playing a great team. That's why they're in it too. . . . They're really well-coached." – Tom Brady, New England Patriots 
