1. TORNADO TRAGEDY

Powerful tornadoes caused serious damage in Michigan and Oklahoma, leaving at least six people dead and many others injured. In Michigan, tornadoes damaged homes, barns, a church, and even part of a hospital campus, while in Oklahoma, a tornado destroyed a house and damaged a middle school. Thousands of people lost power, and many roads, phone lines, and internet services were disrupted. Weather experts said the dangerous storms were part of a larger outbreak stretching across several states, with even more severe weather expected afterward. This story shows how quickly tornadoes can change people’s lives and why it is so important to know where to go and how to stay safe during dangerous weather. Imagine your town is preparing for a tornado warning. Write a short public safety announcement that could be read on the radio or over the school loudspeaker to help people stay safe. Explain what people should do when a tornado warning is issued, where they should go for shelter, and why it is important to listen to weather alerts. Try to make your message clear, calm, and helpful so people understand what steps they should take.

2. IRAN’S NEW LEADER

Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The supreme leader is the most powerful person in Iran and helps make important decisions about the military, government, and the country’s future. His appointment came during a time of war and growing conflict in the Middle East, with attacks damaging important places like water plants and oil facilities. Many people in the region have been hurt, displaced from their homes, or forced to flee because of the fighting. The story shows how leadership changes during war can affect not only one country, but also many people in nearby places. Think about what qualities make a good leader, especially during a difficult time. Write a short paragraph describing three important traits a leader should have, such as fairness, bravery, or the ability to listen to others. Explain why each quality matters and how it could help a country during a crisis. After writing, discuss with a partner which leadership qualities you think are the most important.

3. UNREAL ANIMAL VIDEOS

More and more A.I.-generated videos are showing animals doing things that are not real, such as hugging people, playing instruments, or acting like humans. These videos may look convincing, but they can give people the wrong idea about how real animals behave. A zoo in Kansas warned that when people watch too many fake videos, they may forget that wild animals have real needs and should not be treated like pets or toys. The article explains that real animals are already amazing, and we do not need fake videos to make them seem more interesting. It also reminds readers to be careful online and to think about whether what they are watching is true. Choose one animal you have seen in real life, at a zoo, or in a nature video. Write a short explanation describing how that animal really behaves in nature. Then imagine someone made a fake A.I. video showing that animal doing something impossible, like talking or dancing. Explain why the video would be unrealistic and how people could tell the difference between a real animal video and a fake one.

4. SPRING FORWARD

Every year, many people in the United States change their clocks twice because of daylight saving time. In the spring, clocks move forward one hour, and in the fall, they move back one hour. This idea started long ago because people thought shifting the clocks could help save energy and make better use of daylight. Over time, some people have liked the extra evening light, while others have said the time change is confusing and can make people tired. Even today, leaders still disagree about whether the country should keep changing the clocks or choose one time all year long. For one day, pretend your school is creating a brand-new daily schedule that takes advantage of daylight. Think about when students would arrive, when classes would start, and when activities like recess or sports would happen. Write a short description of your schedule and explain why your plan makes the best use of daylight and helps students stay energized during the day.

5. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8 to honor the achievements of women and to encourage fairness and equality. The day has a long history that began when women spoke up for better pay, shorter work hours, voting rights, and equal treatment. Over time, it grew into an international event celebrated in many countries around the world. The colors purple, green, and white are often used to represent justice, hope, and dignity. International Women’s Day reminds people to celebrate women’s contributions and to continue working toward a fairer world for everyone. Many women throughout history have made a difference in science, sports, art, government, and everyday life. Think about a woman you admire. It could be someone famous, someone from history, or someone you know personally. Write at least 5 sentences explaining who she is and why she inspires you.