Level 2 (grades 8 and up)

The 2024
U.S.
Includes
Election • A News Story
• Assignments
Article page 5 • A Quiz
Questions page 7 Subscribe to receive 3 additional
articles, answer keys, and more!
Cartoon page 10
Map page 11
Sample edition
Quiz page 13 2024/2025: Issue 1

A monthly current events resource for Canadian classrooms

 What you’RE missing
national
fire ravages picturesque Jasper
Like a monster on a rampage, a huge wildfire roared through the iconic town
of Jasper, Alberta in late July, forcing 5000 residents to flee for their lives. The
municipality is the heart of Jasper National Park, an exquisite 11,000-square-
kilometre preserve of mountains, forests, alpine . . .
Subscribe to read the full article. www.lesplan.com

International
a spectacular Olympics in Paris
The XXXIII Olympiad held in Paris, France from July 26 to August 11 was full
of breathtaking performances! It was the third time that the French capital
hosted the globe’s most celebrated sports meet. Some 10,500 athletes from 203
National Olympic Committees competed . . .
Subscribe to read the full article. info.lesplan.com

Science, Technology, and the Environment

cod fishing moratorium ends
Some 32 years ago, Canada closed the Newfoundland and Labrador cod fishery.
That decision devastated a 500-year-old industry and wiped out at least 30,000
jobs. It was, and still is, the biggest layoff ever in Canada. Northern cod, a
subspecies of Atlantic cod, had provided rich fishing . . .
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 to the Teacher
What in the World? Mission Statement
Level 2, 2024/2025: Issue 1
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PUBLISHER engagement in, understanding of, and ability to critically assess current
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Krista Clarke
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Catriona Misfeldt

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Level 2 • No. 1 What in the world? • Sample Page 3

 International
The 2024 U.S. Election
BEFORE READING

1. Draw a simple T-chart like the one below on the board.

What I know What I wonder

2. Project the title of the article that students are about to read: The 2024 U.S. Election.
3. Using a Think-Pair-Share strategy, have students brainstorm and jot down what they know about the topic. Add ideas
from each pair to the What I know column.
4. Repeat this process for the What I wonder column.
5. Invite students to set a purpose for reading the article, using one of their wonderings from the second column.
(e.g., My purpose for reading this article is to find out ...). Refer to the resource page Setting A Purpose Before Reading
as needed.
6. After reading the article, refer back to the co-created T-chart to share and discuss any information that answered
questions identified in the What I wonder column.

Level 2 • No. 1 What in the world? • Sample Page 4

 International
The 2024 U.S. Election

Who’s the most powerful person presidents can serve a maximum of

on Earth? Many people say it's the two four-year terms. A two-party system
American president. Why? Because the
But Mr. Biden is 81. Some observers Since the 1860s, the Republicans
United States is a superpower – and the
watching his increasingly shaky and the Democrats have dominated
president is its leader. So when there’s
demeanor feared that’s too old to take electoral politics in the U.S. The
a U.S. presidential election, people in
on such a demanding job for another difference between these two political
other countries – not just Americans –
four years. parties? The Republicans have a more
are interested in the results.
conservative platform. They believe
Yet Mr. Biden vowed to keep going
The world is certainly watching closely in less government control, a strong
even as his popularity sagged and
now. Under the U.S. Constitution, military, and reduced taxes. The
Democratic hopes waned. Finally, in
presidential elections must be held symbols of the Republican Party are
July, after a poor debate performance
every four years. The next one takes the elephant and the colour red.
and pressure from friends and
place on November 5 – and the run-up
allies, Mr. Biden declared he would The Democrats are more progressive.
so far has been full of drama.
not seek re-election. He endorsed They emphasize the military less, but
A tense election season Vice President Kamala Harris. U.S. the environment and social programs
presidents choose their own vice more. Their symbols are the donkey
For one thing, there was a heart-
presidents. Mr. Biden had picked and the colour blue.
stopping moment on July 13 when
Ms. Harris in 2020. Mr. Biden will
Republican candidate Donald Trump
remain president until January, when about the vice president
was almost assassinated. A gunman’s
November’s winner will be sworn in as
bullet nicked his ear as he spoke at an Ms. Harris lived in Canada from 1976
the 46th U.S. president. Then, he will
open-air rally in Pennsylvania. to 1982. When she was 12, Ms. Harris,
retire.
For another, the Democrats have along with her mother and sister,
After Mr. Biden’s decision, Democrats moved to Montreal. She graduated
experienced a roller coaster ride. The
quickly rallied to support Ms. Harris as from Westmount High School and
reason? Joe Biden is the incumbent
the new candidate. then attended Vanier College. She
president and he was elected in 2020
after he defeated Donald Trump. attended Howard University, in
Mr. Biden planned to run again. U.S. Washington, D.C., and then law

Definitions
assassinate: to kill someone famous or important, usually for Progressive: favouring progress, improvement, and reform
political reasons superpower: a country that has great military, economic, and
Demeanor: the way that someone looks or behaves political power and can influence other countries
incumbent: a person who holds a particular office or position U.S. Constitution: the fundamental law of the U.S.
Platform: a political party’s statement of principles and goals Vice President: the assistant to the president
Level 2 • No. 1 What in the world? • Sample Page 5
 International
The 2024 U.S. Election
school. She was a district attorney in in mid-June he selected JD (James
San Francisco before becoming the David) Vance as his vice presidential
The U.S. Electoral
attorney general of California. She candidate. Mr. Vance is an author and system
then served as a U.S. senator from Marine veteran who has served since In the U.S., voters don’t directly elect
2017 to 2021. 2023 as a senator from Ohio. the president. Instead, the head of state
is chosen by the Electoral College.
Ms. Harris is the first female vice competing campaigns
president and if she wins, she will be Here’s how the system works: Each
In early summer, the Republican effort of the 50 U.S. states has a number of
the first woman, and the first person of
was running smoothly and gaining electoral votes. The more people in a
Black and Indian descent, to become a
ground. The polls favoured Mr. Trump.
U.S. president. state, the more electoral votes the state
However, when Kamala Harris took gets. California, the most populated
Democrats celebrated the candidate control of the Democratic campaign, state, has 54 electoral votes. Alaska,
change and the campaign restart. supporters rallied behind the new with a much smaller population, has
The party became energized and candidate and momentum shifted to only three electoral votes.
supporters showed their enthusiasm by the Democrats.
opening their wallets. During the first Voters in each state cast a ballot
week, over $200 million was donated Both parties have multi-million dollar for their choice for president. The
to Ms. Harris's campaign. On August war chests for advertising and there are candidate who wins the popular vote
6, Ms. Harris announced Minnesota a number of major issues at the heart in each state usually wins all of that
Governor Tim Walz as her vice of the campaign. These include: the state’s electoral votes, too.
presidential running mate. economy, immigration, health care and
prescription drugs, taxes, tariffs, trade, There are 538 electoral votes in total.
about the challenger crime, and foreign policy. There are The candidate who wins the most
many other issues as well. electoral votes – 270 or more – wins
And what about Donald Trump, the
the presidency, even if he or she doesn’t
Republican candidate running again? Democrats also want voters to win the nation-wide popular vote.
He already served as U.S. president remember Mr. Trump's four
between 2016 and 2020. Now, he’s tumultuous years in office. During
hoping for a comeback in 2024. his term he was dogged by legal Too close to call
and ethical scandals and he was The polls continue to show a close
Mr. Trump attended New York
impeached twice by the House race. Here’s why. About 40 to 45
Military Academy (a private boarding
of Representatives. His efforts to percent of all voters from either
school), Fordham University in New
York, and he received an economics undermine the 2020 election and party are committed supporters ('the
degree from the University of overturn the results peaked when he base'). About ten percent of all voters
Pennsylvania. He then worked for his incited an insurrection in Washington are independent-minded and this
father’s real estate business. Mr. Trump on January 6, 2021. group will decide who wins. Also,
became a real estate developer and Mr. Trump also occupies a unique national polls do not show regional
businessman and was involved with place in history. He is the first former patterns. Some states always vote for
hotels, casinos, golf courses, resorts, U.S. president to be convicted of a a certain party. Texas is a Republican
and various properties in New York felony. In May he was found guilty fortress and California always votes
City and around the world. of 34 counts of falsifying business Democratic. Most campaign efforts are
records. He is also facing various other focussed on a small number of 'swing'
In 2016 he won the Republican or 'battleground' states which could go
nomination and defeated Hillary charges. Prosecutors say he illegally
removed and stored secret government either way.
Clinton to become president. But he
then lost to Joe Biden in 2020. He is documents. They also claim he tried to So will you pay attention on Nov. 5? It’s
the Republican candidate again and tamper with Georgia's election results. bound to be a nail-biter. J

Definitions
electoral college: the group of electors who formally elect impeach: to charge a public official with misconduct
the U.S. president and vice president popular vote: votes calculated across an entire region
felony: a serious crime in the United States Senator: member of the upper branch of the U.S. legislature

Level 2 • No. 1 What in the world? • Sample Page 6

 International
The 2024 U.S. Election
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1. When will the U.S. presidential election occur?

2. Describe what the Republican Party stands for. What symbols represent this party?

3. Describe what the Democratic Party stands for. What symbols represent this party?

4. List the Democratic and Republican presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

5. Explain what the Electoral College is.

6. How many votes are needed to become the president of the U.S.?

7. Why did President Biden withdraw his bid for re-election?

8. Identify at least three important details about Kamala Harris. List this information in the order you think is important.

9. Identify at least three important details about Donald Trump. List this information in the order you think is important.

Level 2 • No. 1 What in the world? • Sample Page 7

 International
The 2024 U.S. Election
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER THOUGHT
1. Joe Biden had planned to run again for a second term as U.S. president but made the decision to pull out of the race and
to endorse his vice president, Kamala Harris. As you see it, did President Biden make the right decision? Discuss the pros
and cons of his choice.

2. Donald Trump's presidency from 2016-2020 is described as 'tumultuous'. During his term as president, he endured legal
and ethical scandals, was impeached twice by the House of Representatives, claimed that the results of the 2020 election
were false, incited an insurrection in Washington on January 6, 2021, and he has been convicted of a felony for falsifying
business records, with other legal challenges still ahead of him.
In your opinion, for what reasons would American voters support a candidate with such a checkered past? Do you believe
that a convicted felon should be allowed to run for political office? Why or why not?

3. If Kamala Harris wins the U.S. presidential election, she will be the first woman, the first person of Indian descent, and
only the second Black person to become a U.S. president. As you see it, what impact would a 'President Harris' have on the
voters of the United States? Give examples to support your thinking.

Level 2 • No. 1 What in the world? • Sample Page 8

 International
The 2024 U.S. Election
QUESTIONS FOR ONLINE EXPLOR ATION
Note: The links below are listed at www.lesplan.com/links for easy access.
1. Watch this TED-Ed video which explains how the Electoral College works during a U.S. presidential election:
https://www.yout-ube.com/watch?v=W9H3gvnN468 [5:21]
What questions do you have?

2. Hear why President Biden made the decision not to run for re-election:
https://www.yout-ube.com/watch?v=-iyLT6Ze1j0 [11:02]
https://www.yout-ube.com/watch?v=xLH4fKB2V6E [3:02]
What did you learn about why President Biden decided to step down?

3. Learn how Kamala Harris is recharging the Democratic party since her nomination as candidate for president:
https://www.yout-ube.com/watch?v=32DtCdZ9crU [9:55]
What qualities might Vice President Harris bring to the presidency?

4. Why did Kamala Harris choose Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate for the Democratic party?
https://www.yout-ube.com/watch?v=rYS4SI7dovg [8:34]

5. Explore the highlights of Donald Trump's acceptance speech for presidential nominee:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-rnc-speech-thursday-1.7268328
What ideas stood out for you? Explain.

6. Why did Donald Trump choose JD Vance as his vice-presidential running mate for the Republican party?
https://www.yout-ube.com/watch?v=0mIF1l5uvGw [3:13]

7. Visit the official websites of both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Democratic Party website: https://democrats.org/
Republican Party website: https://gop.com/#
How are they similar? How are they different?

Level 2 • No. 1 What in the world? • Sample Page 9

 International
The 2024 U.S. Election

YOUR TASK:
Examine the editorial cartoon. Then, use the questions below to help you decode the cartoon’s message. Be specific and
include as many details as possible in your answers.
Initial reading: What can an initial look reveal?
1. Glance quickly at the cartoon. What is your first impression – your “gut response”?
2. Consider your background knowledge. What do you already know about the context of the cartoon – the time, place or
situation? (List key facts.)
Closer look: What’s happening in the cartoon?
3. Describe what you see and read in the cartoon.
Draw conclusions: What overall impression can you draw?
4. Identify possible biases. Whose perspective or point of view is expressed in the cartoon?
5. Explain the overall message of the cartoon in a paragraph. (Remember, a good interpretation is specific and detailed.) J

Prepared with assistance from TC2 , The Critical Thinking Consortium. © 2024

Level 2 • No. 1 What in the world? • Sample Page 10

 map assignment
American swing states
INSTRUCTIONS
Complete this map assignment to better understand the article The 2024 U.S. Election.
1. Obtain the required resources and read all the instructions before starting.
2. Colour your map after all labelling is completed.
3. Print in pencil only first, then go over the printing in black ink.
4. Work carefully and neatly.
Resources Required: pencil, black pen, pencil crayons, ruler, eraser and an atlas.
Part A Locate and label the capital of the United States and underline this city name.
Part B Locate and label the following three large states that voted Democratic in November 2020 in CAPITAL letters.
Colour each state blue.
California New York Illinois
Part C Locate and label the following three U.S. states that voted Republican in November 2020 in CAPITAL letters.
Colour each state red.
Texas Florida Ohio
Part D Locate and label the following seven U.S. 'swing states' in CAPITAL letters. Colour each swing state purple.
Arizona Georgia Michigan
Nevada North Carolina Pennsylvania
Wisconsin
Part E List the number of Electoral College votes for each of the 13 states above.
S(See: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/allocation.html)
Part F Colour all remaining U.S. states orange.
Part G Locate and label the following countries in CAPITAL letters and shade each as indicated:
Canada (green) Mexico (yellow)
Cuba (pink) The Bahamas (yellow)
Part H Locate and label the following and shade all salt water grey:
Pacific Ocean Atlantic Ocean
Gulf of Mexico
Part I Locate and label the Great Lakes and shade them light grey.
Part J Complete your map with a frame, title, and compass. J

Democratic Party United States Republican Party

Level 2 • No. 1 What in the world? • Sample Page 11

0 150 300 450 600 Kilometres
 International
The 2024 U.S. Election
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
A. Write the letter that corresponds to the best answer on the line beside each question:
______ 1. How long can a U.S. president serve in office?
a) 4 years b) 6 years
c) 8 years d) 10 years
e) 12 years
______ 2. Which institution officially decides who becomes the U.S. president?
a) Supreme Court b) Electoral College
c) Senate d) State Department
e) Congress
______ 3. Who is the current U.S. president and the current vice president?
a) Donald Trump - Nancy Pelosi b) JD Vance - Ron DeSantis
c) Barack Obama - Joe Biden d) Joe Biden - Kamala Harris
e) Kamala Harris - Tim Walz
B. Mark the statements T (True) or F (False). If a statement is True, write one important fact to support it on the line
below. If a statement is False, write the words that make it true on the line below.
______ 4. True or False? Either political party has a good chance to win a ‘swing state.’

______ 5. True or False? Joe Biden decided last year not to run for re-election.

______ 6. True or False? The U.S. presidential candidate who wins the popular vote wins the election.

C. Fill in the blanks to complete each sentence.

7. A person who holds a position is called the _______________________ .

8. The two major U.S. political parties are the _______________________ and the _______________________ .

9. A serious crime in the U.S. is called a _____________________ .

D. Respond to the following question in paragraph form. (Use a separate sheet of paper if necessary.)
10. What prediction can you make about the upcoming U.S. presidential election? Who do you suppose will win?
Give reasons to support your response.

Level 2 • No. 1 What in the world? • Sample Page 13

 Resource page for Students
Setting a purpose before readinG
There are a number of reasons we read, and setting a purpose for reading – knowing WHY we are reading – helps us to
focus on important information and to better understand and remember what we read. It also helps us decide HOW we
will read the text.
We don't read all texts for the same purposes or in the same way. For example, we read an instruction manual for a new
Blu-ray player for a different reason than we read a book or a website. How we will read it – the strategies we use – will
also differ. We are more likely to skim to find the information we need in a manual. Once we find what we need, we might
read the instructions carefully to figure out what to do. Then, we stop reading, put the manual down, and carry out the
steps. We may have to reread if we get confused or forget what to do.
This is a very different approach than the one we would use to read a book. When we read a book, we usually read
cover‑to-cover. We read carefully so we don't miss any details because we want to understand the whole story. Sometimes
we make connections or create images in our minds as we read to help us better understand what we are reading.
Depending on its length, we may put the book down before we finish reading it but we will start reading where we left off.
Good readers are flexible and responsive. This means that they match their reading strategies to their purpose for reading.
What types of text do you read? Why do you read them? What strategies do you use to read each of these texts? The chart
below is a summary of the main purposes for reading and what each entails.

Purpose for reading What it looks like

For enjoyment Usually student-selected.
Allows students to choose a variety of genres and forms.
Allows students to pursue what interests them while
developing reading skills.
To experience something new Students make connections between their personal
experiences and those of people around the world.
To learn more about themselves and others Students reflect on what they’ve read and express opinions
and perspectives.
Students develop a sense of their personal values and make
sense of the world around them.
To gain information Students use the features of informational texts to gather,
analyse and apply what they’ve learned.
To understand issues Students develop a sense of perspective.
Students pose questions, acknowledge other points of view,
critique the opinions presented and support opinions with
evidence.
To appreciate writing Students respond to text in ways other than written
answers to apply what they’ve learned in new contexts.

To appreciate use of media to communicate Students respond to a variety of media formats (e.g.,
infographics, political cartoons, videos, etc.) and react to
how the format supports the meaning of the message.
* Chart adapted from: A Guide to Effective Literacy Instruction, Grades 4-6, p. 11.

Level 2 • No. 1 What in the world? • Sample Page 14

 Resource Page for Teachers
ASsessment Rubric
This rubric may be helpful in providing students with formative, strength-based feedback and/or assessing students’
responses holistically.

Emerging Developing Proficient Extending

Supports Answers or reflections Answers or reflections Answers or reflections Answers or reflections
thinking are brief and include are general and are clearly supported are insightful and
obvious facts/details/ supported with some with specific, relevant supported with
evidence. relevant facts/details/ facts/details/evidence. specific, relevant facts/
evidence. details/evidence.

Shows Responses show a Responses are Responses are Responses are

understanding basic understanding thoughtful and show a thoughtful and insightful and show a
of the text, topic, issue general understanding show a complete deep understanding
or message. of the text, topic, issue understanding of the the text, topic, issue
or message. text, topic, issue or or message. May
message. synthesize ideas or
explain the ‘so what’.

Thinks Makes Makes logical Makes meaningful Makes powerful

critically straightforward connections to connections to self. connections that go
connections or self (T:S) and/ Considers ideas between texts and/or
inferences. Focuses on or background between texts (T:T). beyond the text (T:W).
retelling. knowledge (T:S).
Inferences are Inferences are
Inferences are logical.
plausible. plausible and
insightful.

Level 2 • No. 1 What in the world? • Sample Page 15

 Current Events, Clearly Explained

Students want to know what’s happening in their world –

but the news can be difficult and time-consuming to teach.
We have the solution. (Five, actually.)
The Canadian Reader What in the World?
grade 3 & up

5 & up
PDF/Word resource 9 PDF/Word resource
Level 2 (Grades 8, 9 and 10)

Rick Hansen and

Many in
9 National and international Motion

grade
9 Clearly written, leveled Canadian
page 3

Europe, the U.S., and

news stories The Economy

page 14

current events articles Somalia

Struggle for Survival in

9 Key vocabulary page 9

9 Literacy-based lesson plans Cell Phones

9 Background information in the Spotlight
page 20

9 Engaging, original illustrations

September 2011

A monthly current events resource for Canadian classrooms

9 Varied assignments
Routing Slip: (please circulate)

9 Comics
that build content-area
9 Map assignments
knowledge and enhance critical thinking
Product details: 8 issues. 38 pages. 9 Maps and illustrations
Available in English and in French for
Product details: 8 issues. 60 pages. Available in English and
grades 3 and up (1 reading level).
in French, and in 2 reading levels, for grades 5 and up.

Currents4Kids.com e 3&
up Building Bridges
News4Youth.com grad
5 & up
9 PDF/Word resource
9 Online and interactive 9 Builds understanding of current grade
9 Weekly events that impact Indigenous
9 Auto-graded quizzes Peoples and all Canadians
9 Comment page for Online interactive resource 9 Two theme-based articles
students to respond to the stories and lesson plans
9 Links to relevant articles, resources, 9 Background information
maps, photos and videos 9 Consistent with
9 Extension activities First Peoples Principles of Learning
9 Encourages a respectful, reflective, empathetic,
Product details: 40 issues. One subscription allows all
and inquiring frame of mind
teachers and students access from any Internet-connected
device at any time. Available in English and in French. Product details: 5 issues. Variable page length.
Currents4Kids/Infos-Jeunes: Grades 3 and up (1 reading level). Available in English and in French, and in 2 reading
News4Youth/Infos-Ados: Grades 5 and up (3 reading levels). levels, for grades 5 and up.

1-888-240-2212 lesplan.com www.

Contact us for a sample copy or free demo.

LesPlan Educational Services Ltd.
visit: www.lesplan.com email: [email protected] call toll free: 888 240-2212
Students Can Work In Word/Google Docs...

Did you know…

. . . that each issue of What In The World? includes a PDF file (complete document) and a
Word file (articles and questions only).
Students can complete assignments directly in the Word file. Teachers can email the file to
students or post it on the Internet. The Word file also allows teachers to:
• easily modify and format content including changing fonts and text sizes
• create a PDF document and use Adobe Reader’s ‘Read Out Loud Mode’
• save paper and copying costs and help protect the environment
• promote and encourage students’ computer skills

Data in the Word file Google Docs and LibreOffice

There are three ways to access data from a Word file: • You can easily upload the Word file to Google Docs and
1) Select the data you wish to Copy and then Paste it into share it with students or other teachers.
any word processing program. Use Select All to copy the • You can translate a Google Docs file into another language
entire document. (see Tools>Translate document) but you will need to edit
2) Import the entire Word file into LibreOffice (or the document to suit your requirements. Google Docs
another similar program) and then save as a new file. can translate into over 100 languages including Spanish,
Mandarin, and German.
3) Create a new file in a different format. Use the Word
Save As command to choose: 1) plain text, 2) rich text • LibreOffice is a free alternate to Microsoft Office and
format (RTF), 3) Web page (.htm), 4) PDF, etc. offers the same functionality. It’s easy to install and use.
See: www.libreoffice.org

LesPlan Educational Services Ltd.

Visit: www.lesplan.com email: [email protected] call toll free: 888 240-2212
 Big News
Clearly Explained
Suitable for Grades 5 and up

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* Offer only applies to new subscriptions. International Infographic
France’s Notre-DAme de Paris France’s Notre-DAme de Paris
– City’s Heart Wounded by Flames – City’s Heart Wounded by Flames

Publication English French Grade Level Price Amount Notre-Dame fire: Assessing the damage
Hundreds of millions of euros have been pledged to help rebuild Notre-Dame
after fire ravaged the 850-year-old building, destroying the medieval roof
timbers, the spire, and parts of the stone vaulting below
Bell Spire 18:50 local time: 19:53: Spire collapses
towers Fire begins in as fire races along

8 issues
roof near spire transept and nave
North
Transept 20:07: Entire
roof collapses

(Sept. – May)
Nave

South
Transept

12
On April 15, Notre-Dame de the roof. They engulfed the also remained intact after the

8m
Choir
Paris caught fire. spire, which collapsed. Shortly fire. The impressive instrument 48
m

The
after, the roof fell in, too. dates to the 1730s and boasts an
This medieval cathedral is Bell towers: 68m high. Gargoyles: Mythical
estimated 8000 pipes. Largest bell – Emmanuel – stone creatures – much
known throughout the world. It A close call installed 1685. loved part of cathedral

☐ ☐
Both towers intact
was immortalized in the Victor

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Parisians and tourists watched
Hugo novel The Hunchback of in shock as the famous landmark Did you know? Spire: Restored
in 1860s after

Canadian Reader*
Notre-Dame. burned. It took 12 hours to put The island that houses Notre- 12th century
original
Horrifying scene out the blaze. Dame is the true heart of Paris. dismantled
All distances in France are in French
An alarm rang at the cathedral The damage was severe. Two- Revolution.
measured from the esplanade in Destroyed
at 6:20 pm, but no fire was thirds of the 100-metre-long front of the cathedral.
found. It sounded again wooden roof was destroyed. But
at 6:43 pm. This time, fire the façade, the two 69-metre bell

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Emergency workers also
was discovered on the roof. towers, and the main structure managed to rescue many
Worshippers attending the remained. The cathedral’s valuable works of art and

☐ ☐
evening mass were quickly precious stained-glass rose Bronze

Grades 5 and up $172.50

religious items from the fire. statues:
evacuated, and 400 firefighters windows, though damaged, were Among them? The crown Twelve Apostles
raced in to battle the blaze. not destroyed. of thorns, said to have been
and four evangelists
removed days before
fire for renovation
worn by Jesus before his

Level 1
Despite their efforts, however, Notre-Dame’s organ, one of the
the flames quickly burst through world’s biggest and most famous, crucifixion, and a tunic worn by Stained glass: 13th century
rose windows. One survived,
fate of two others uncertain
Grand Organ: 8000-pipe
Definitions instrument, renovated 2013.
engulf: to surround something in a way that destroys it rose window: large circular window, usually glazed with Reported saved
esplanade: a long stretch of open level ground (paved or stained glass, having stone tracery radiating from the center,

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Relics: Crown of Thorns believed
grassy) for walking along a waterfront often with intricate petal-like patterns worn by Jesus at crucifixion, and
Tunic of Saint Louis, 13th century
immortalize: to make famous forever spire: a tall tower at the top of a building (usually a church or king of France. Both saved
intact: not harmed in any way by something that has temple) and that tapers to a point at the top

☐ ☐
Source: www.notredamedeparis.fr Pictures: Associated Press © GRAPHIC NEWS

Grades 8 and up $172.50

happened tunic: a long, loose piece of clothing with a belt and no
sleeves, worn by people in ancient times

2018/2019: Issue 8 What in the world? • Le vel 1 Page 12 2018/2019: Issue 8 Wh at in the wor ld? • Le vel 1 Page 16

Level 2
International

Online Weekly QUIZ

France’s Notre-DAme de Paris
– City’s Heart Wounded by Flames
Answer Key
N

(Sept. – June 40 issues)

A. Write the letter that corresponds to the best answer on the line beside each question: Fra n c e
______ 1. How long did it take to build the Notre-Dame cathedral?
a) 25 years b) 50 years North
Sea
c) 100 years d) 200 years
______ 2. A stone statue of an ugly creature often found on old churches is called a:
a) serpent b) gargoyle UNITED

Currents4Kids* ☐ ☐
KINGDOM

Grades 3 and up $172.50

c) spire d) flying buttress (purple)

Amsterdam
______ 3. How many tourists visited Notre-Dame in 2018?
NETHERLANDS
a) 800,000 b) 2 million (green)
c) 9 million d) 13 million London

GERMANY
B. Mark the statements T (True) or F (False). If a statement is True, write one important fact to (brown)
Brussels
support it on the line below. If a statement is False, write the words that make it true on the line below. BELGIUM
(pink)

News4Youth**
______ 4. True or False? Notre-Dame cathedral is located on an island. Channe
l
English

☐ ☐ Grades 7 and up $330.00

______ 5. True or False? The fire that engulfed Notre-Dame was started on purpose.
LUXEMBOURG
Seine (orange)
Paris River Strasbourg

Level 1, 2 & 3
______ 6. True or False? The French government does not plan to rebuild Notre-Dame cathedral.

Loire
C. Fill in the blanks to complete each sentence. River

7. Notre-Dame is one of the best examples of French ______________________ cathedral architecture. Atlantic (red)
Ocean SWITZERLAND
8. The Notre-Dame fire burned the roof and engulfed the ______________________ which collapsed.
9. Notre-Dame cathedral is a UNESCO World ______________________ Site.

Subtotal
FRANCE
(yellow)
Lyon
D. Respond to the following question in paragraph form. (Use a separate sheet of paper if necessary.)
Bay
As you see it, what is the significance of the Notre-Dame fire? Give reasons to support your response. of ITALY
Biscay Rhone (green)
River

Garonne

ON add 13% HST

Nice
River Toulouse
Marseille

HST
SPAIN
(pink)
Mediterranean

International 0 50 100 150 200 Kilometres

ANDORRA
(red) Sea

Conte NB, NL, NS & PEI add 15% HST 2018/2019: Issue 8
The Uighurs of China
What in the wor ld? • Le vel 1 Page 21 2018/2019: Issue 8 What in the world? • Le vel 1 Page 42

ian – Terrorists or Victims?

nt
Canad

All others add 5% GST GST

d ie n

Co
na

n te n u c a
Total

* Receive 8 issues/months for the price of 6. Save $57.50 off the regular price of $230. Human rights groups around
the world report that China has
imprisoned up to one million
About Xinjiang’s Uighurs
China has the largest population in the world – 1.4 billion. Some 91.5

** Receive 8 months for the price of 6. Save $110 off the regular price of $440. Uighurs living in China’s
Xinjiang region. Satellite images
and other evidence show a
percent are Han Chinese; 8.5 percent are minorities.
Xinjiang is a territory in northwest China. It became part of China
in 1949. In theory the region is autonomous. In practice, the Chinese
growing number of detention government controls it.
centres in Xinjiang, including at
The population of Xinjiang is 22 million. About 11 million are Uighur
least 44 high-security buildings. Muslims who speak a language similar to Turkish.
Fake news Xinjiang’s traditional economy is based on agriculture and trade. But

Deliver to (please print clearly) The Chinese government,

however, denies this accusation.
It is “completely untrue,” a senior
the region is rich in oil and other resources, and the economy has been
developing. That’s prompted many Han Chinese from China’s eastern
areas to move to Xinjiang. Han Chinese now make up 40 percent of the
Chinese official told the UN territory’s population. Many local Uighurs resent them because they
last August. The centres have are perceived to get the best jobs.
been set up to teach lessons on Uighur communities also exist in neighbouring countries, such as
Chinese history, language, and Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. These countries used to be
Name culture. They offer ‘nutritious, part of the Soviet Union. But they gained independence in the 1990s,
free diets’. The buildings are also when the Soviet Union collapsed. That inspired some Xinjiang Uighurs
used as job retraining centres, to start a separatist movement. However, China’s harsh response to
another official explained. these activities forced separatists underground.

School However, China does admit to

cracking down on ‘extremist
activity’ among Uighur Muslims
in Xinjiang. It claims that
are plotting attacks and stirring
up tension between Uighurs and
Islamic militants and separatists Han Chinese.
Definitions
autonomous: freedom to govern or control its own affairs perceive: to understand or think about something in a
Address detention centre: jails where prisoners are held
temporarily
particular way
separatist: a group that wants to form a new country
extremist: far beyond the norm soviet union: a former country of Europe and Asia
Han chinese: China’s main ethnic group underground: secretly working against an existing regime
2018/2019: Issue 8 What in the world? • Le vel 1 Page 22

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