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.
01/09/2017
Putin sees increased support from Republicans
A December survey found that 37 percent of Republicans had favorable opinions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has killed free speech, jailed his critics and profited from deep corruption in his country. Since becoming president, 34 journalists have been killed, political opponents and critics have been jailed or killed, and Putin has amassed a huge fortune from government deals.
■Class discussion: Why do you think Republicans’ opinions of Putin have risen so dramatically? Has he done anything that would increase his favorability among Americans? Do you think Putin tried to interfere in the U.S. election? Why have the United States and many other nations imposed economic sanctions on Russia? How has Putin dealt with Russia's neighbors? What do you think of Putin?