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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 JUNE 04, 2007 Movie rating change aims at shielding young viewers from smoking scenes![]() ![]() Rating letters are just one clue to picking an appropriate film. Invite pupils to use the newspaper's weekend entertainment section or pages as a research tool. See how much information individual students or teams can find about one new movie — including from ads.
![]() Risks from certain behaviors or products are presented in health and science news coverage. Challenge students to find a recent article about nutrition, exercise, alcohol or tobacco. Ask them to evaluate whether it's clear, balanced and useful.
![]() Critics of the effort to curb teen smoking through stricter movie ratings say parents and young filmgoers can decide what's appropriate. Solicit views on this topic and assign the class to compose one or two letters to the editor, expressing the opinions of audience members who are affected.
Heavy on-screen tobacco use now could bring an “R” rating for new films, according to the Hollywood watchdog group that decides whether releases are suitable for General audiences, should be flagged for Parental Guidance or limited to viewers older than 17. Moviegoers under 17 can see “R” films only if a parent or guardian tags along. The Motion Picture Association of America ratings board, which previously considered underage smoking, now also will evaluate smoking by adults. That adds cigarettes, cigars and pipes to factors such as sex, violence and language that determine which of five ratings a film earns. Rating advisories appear on ads, trailers, in theaters and on video packages.
Film raters will consider the extent of tobacco use, whether it glamorizes smoking and the context. Movies set in the past, when smoking was more common, get a break.
Front Page Talking Points is written by
Felix Grabowski and Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2024
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