Social Studies / 7-8
Performance Tasks for each day
Use this time to learn about the world around you and explore the multiple perspectives of others. Everyday, engage with current events by watching the 10 minute student news on CNN if possible, or find other ways to learn about current events through watching the news on television, listening to the radio, reading the newspaper, or talking with the adults in your home. Days will then alternate between Newsela articles to practice summarizing skills and Pro/Con discussions to practice identifying viewpoints.
1. Everyday, watch CNN 10 Current Events online or learn about current events in alternate ways. After viewing/reading about current events in the news complete the following 3-2-1 Activity: Write out 3 things you learned, write down 2 questions that came to mind after viewing/reading about current events, write out 1 way you personally connect to one of the events.
2. On Newsela Article days, read the article, then provide a 5 sentence summary of the article. In addition, complete the questions at the end of each article.
On Pro/Con Discussion days, examine the topic selected and be able to describe the two viewpoints. Extend the discussion by asking a friend, parent, or guardian if they have a position on the topic that you investigated. Briefly explain their position.
Day 1: Current Events & Technology Available Government/U.S. Elections Current Events - CNN 10 News https://www.cnn.com/cnn10
Newsela Article - U.S. Elections 2020: a guide to the race for the White House https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U-wQEmIC_xoD2 PAd7Sh45a4AxR-gP-f9/view?usp=sharing
Technology Not Available Current Events - Watch television, listen to the radio, read the newspaper, or talk with an adult about what is currently happening in the news and complete the performance tasks above.
Newsela Article - U.S. Elections 2020: a guide to the race for the White House (pdf) Day 2: Current Events & Economics Technology Available Current Events - CNN 10 News https://www.cnn.com/cnn10
Newsela Article - Earning a Living: Why some jobs in the U.S. pay more than others. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U0vrJYfF01FJ0_ sUdhdGQkGgPSIBCRkh/view?usp=sharing
Technology Not Available Current Events - Watch television, listen to the radio, read the newspaper, or talk with an adult about what is currently happening in the news and complete the performance tasks above.
Newsela Article - Earning a Living: Why some jobs in the U.S. pay more than others. (pdf) Day 3: Current Events & US History Technology Available Current Events - CNN 10 News https://www.cnn.com/cnn10
Newsela Article - Nasty rumors and personal attacks fueled the presidential election of 1828 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c8gMSN9qX12NI pqCRj6HdELTc64_0WpD/view?usp=sharing
Technology Not Available Current Events - Watch television, listen to the radio, read the newspaper, or talk with an adult about what is currently happening in the news and complete the performance tasks above.
Newsela Article - Nasty rumors and personal attacks fueled the presidential election of 1828 (pdf)
Day 4: Current Events & World History Technology Available Current Events - CNN 10 News https://www.cnn.com/cnn10
Newsela Article - The Origin and History of the BCE/CE Dating System https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X7XdRjZGjpqr64 eiUEsXtrtLA1bNRXY3/view?usp=sharing
Technology Not Available Current Events - Watch television, listen to the radio, read the newspaper, or talk with an adult about what is currently happening in the news and complete the performance tasks above.
Newsela Article - The Origin and History of the BCE/CE Dating System (pdf) Day 5: Current Events & Technology Available Government/Culture Current Events - CNN 10 News https://www.cnn.com/cnn10
Pro/Con Discussion - Should the Selective Service Registration Include Women? https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SF6wjF_1eLGvD AvhlZ5Pyg5aQ-K400ld/view?usp=sharing
Technology Not Available Current Events - Watch television, listen to the radio, read the newspaper, or talk with an adult about what is currently happening in the news and complete the performance tasks above.
Pro/Con Discussion - Should the Selective Service Registration Include Women? (pdf) Day 6: Current Events & Government/The Technology Available U.S. Census Current Events - CNN 10 News https://www.cnn.com/cnn10
Newsela Article - The History of the Census https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c-msqJYFjcyk_3d yHOo3zYDE06n_yTji/view?usp=sharing
Technology Not Available Current Events - Watch television, listen to the radio, read the newspaper, or talk with an adult about what is currently happening in the news and complete the performance tasks above.
Newsela Article - The History of the Census (pdf) Day 7: Current Events & Economics Technology Available Current Events - CNN 10 News https://www.cnn.com/cnn10
Newsela Article - How to Save Money as a Teenager https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rd1XO4Fx-bdJO Fsf7gI6cfU2i7rETkGg/view?usp=sharing
Technology Not Available Current Events - Watch television, listen to the radio, read the newspaper, or talk with an adult about what is currently happening in the news and complete the performance tasks above.
Newsela Article - How to Save Money as a Teenager (pdf) Day 8: Current Events & US History Technology Available Current Events - CNN 10 News https://www.cnn.com/cnn10
Newsela Article - Alternate Take: What if Martin Luther King Jr. Had Not Been Killed? https://drive.google.com/file/d/14YA5EzpK7puHY vKMCeMBqUy2Le71i2AL/view?usp=sharing
Technology Not Available Current Events - Watch television, listen to the radio, read the newspaper, or talk with an adult about what is currently happening in the news and complete the performance tasks above.
Newsela Article - Alternate Take: What if Martin Luther King Jr. Had Not Been Killed? (pdf) Day 9: Current Events & World History Technology Available Current Events - CNN 10 News https://www.cnn.com/cnn10
Newsela Article - What Is Globalization? https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DV7ze39MTm4m 8UnTAzkUXSgcXlXKg8nc/view?usp=sharing
Technology Not Available Current Events - Watch television, listen to the radio, read the newspaper, or talk with an adult about what is currently happening in the news and complete the performance tasks above.
Newsela Article - What Is Globalization? (pdf) Day 10: Current Events & Culture Technology Available Current Events - CNN 10 News https://www.cnn.com/cnn10
Pro/Con Discussion - Is Binge Watching a Harmless Pleasure or a Harmful Addiction? https://drive.google.com/file/d/15hfS-Lg73LOxA6 82ZPWFrb7hdZo2tWGR/view?usp=sharing
Technology Not Available Current Events - Watch television, listen to the radio, read the newspaper, or talk with an adult about what is currently happening in the news and complete the performance tasks above.
Pro/Con Discussion - Is Binge Watching a Harmless Pleasure or a Harmful Addiction? (pdf)
U.S. elections 2020: a guide to the race for the White House By The Guardian, adapted by Newsela staff on 02.09.20 Word Count 860 Level 600L
Image 1. President Donald Trump gives a speech at a campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, January 14, 2020. Trump is running for reelection. Photo: Evan Vucci/AP
On November 3, 2020, Americans will go to the polls and vote. Here's a quick guide to the election process.
What's the 2020 election all about?
Voters are choosing who will be the president for the next four years. Can President Donald Trump win reelection? All eyes are on the Democrats. They are in the process of picking a candidate to take on Trump.
In 2016, Trump won a surprise victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton. The Republican Party won states that people thought would vote for Democrats. In 2020, however, the Democratic candidate will be different. The issues are different. And the electorate – the people allowed to vote – has changed, too.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. There are other positions at stake. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election. Voters will also decide on 34 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate.
Who can vote?
In 2020, more than 250 million Americans will be able to vote. This group of voters will be different than in 2016. They are younger. About 33 percent of them will be voters of color. Ten percent will be Generation Z. These are people between the ages of 18 and 23.
People who can vote do not always go to the polls, though. In the 2016 race, about 42 percent of voters did not cast a ballot. But the 2018 midterm race was different. More people turned out then to vote for open seats in Congress.
What's about to happen?
Currently, the Democrats need to choose a presidential nominee. More than 20 people announced they wanted to run. More women decided to run than in previous years. Several candidates have dropped out. Now it is down to about a dozen candidates.
Candidates discuss issues in public debates. They answer questions about their platforms and ideas. Often, candidates need to have high polling or fundraising numbers to attend. Candidates without enough support have to drop out.
What are the primaries?
Primaries are elections within the party. They take place in all 50 states. Washington, D.C., and territories such as Puerto Rico also have primaries. Most states have primary elections. People cast votes at a polling place. Some can mail ballots or vote online.
Candidates want to get the most delegates. Delegates represent voters from their state. Some states give all of their delegates to one candidate. Other states split up their delegates between candidates.
What's a caucus?
A handful of states hold caucuses. They hold these instead of primaries. These community meetings can last for hours. People speak in support of candidates. The meetings hold many votes. Finally, one candidate is named the winner.
Primaries and caucuses begin early in the year. The Iowa caucuses are held first. Primaries in New Hampshire and South Carolina follow. Then comes the caucuses in Nevada.
Iowa held its caucuses on February 3, 2020. Then, on March 3, 13 states will vote in primaries. This day is called "Super Tuesday." Super Tuesday often decides who will get the nomination.
OK, then what?
The next major events are the national conventions. The convention is partly a big business meeting. It is also a celebration. Delegates attend from all over the country. After days of debate, a candidate is chosen. The president and vice president are officially nominated.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. The 2020 Democratic National Convention will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It will be held July 13–16. The Republicans will hold their convention August 24–27. It will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Then it'll finally be Election Day, right?
Not even close! The campaign gets even more intense. Trump will go up against the Democratic Party's choice.
The candidates decide where to campaign next. They decide what voters to target. They focus on getting their supporters excited. There will also be several TV debates.
Finally, November 3, 2020, will come around. Americans will cast their votes. The votes are added up. Then, the Electoral College makes the official decision.
How does the Electoral College work?
The Electoral College is a voting system. It is the final step in choosing the president. All 50 states and Washington, D.C., participate. There are a total of 538 electoral votes. This number includes two Senate seats per state, or 100 in total. It also factors in the number of congressional districts in states (435 in total). Also, Washington, D.C., gets three votes. Districts are based on population counts. A candidate needs 270 votes to win.
One candidate might get more popular votes. But they still might lose the election. How? Most states do not split their electoral votes. All of their electoral votes go to one person. It is the candidate with more than half of the popular vote.
Trump won the Electoral College in 2016. Clinton won the popular vote. Trump won several key states. He received 304 electoral votes. Clinton received 227 electoral votes.
Key Dates For The 2020 Elections
February 3, 2020: Iowa Caucus
March 3, 2020: Super Tuesday. Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Virginia hold their primaries.
November 3, 2020: Election Day
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Quiz
1 Read the paragraph below from the section “Who can vote?”
In 2020, more than 250 million Americans will be able to vote. This group of voters will be different than in 2016. They are younger. About 33 percent of them will be voters of color. Ten percent will be Generation Z. These are people between the ages of 18 and 23.
What is the MAIN idea of this paragraph?
(A) The voters in 2020 will be very different than the voters in 2016.
(B) Younger voters will choose the next president in the 2020 election.
(C) More than 250 million people are able to vote in 2020, but many will not vote.
(D) People voting for the first time are more interested in the election.
2 The main idea of the section “What's about to happen?” is that candidates must gain support when they run for office.
Which key detail from the section supports the section’s MAIN idea?
(A) More than 20 people announced they wanted to run.
(B) More women decided to run than in previous years.
(C) Several candidates have dropped out.
(D) Often, candidates need to have high polling or fundraising numbers to attend.
3 If readers are looking for information on what happens at conventions, which section should they read?
(A) “Who can vote?”
(B) “What's about to happen?”
(C) “What are the primaries?”
(D) “OK, then what?”
4 What can a reader learn by looking at the article's section titles?
(A) changes in the types of voters
(B) common questions about elections
(C) the reasons that people run for president
(D) the rules that guide elections
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Answer Key
1 Read the paragraph below from the section “Who can vote?”
In 2020, more than 250 million Americans will be able to vote. This group of voters will be different than in 2016. They are younger. About 33 percent of them will be voters of color. Ten percent will be Generation Z. These are people between the ages of 18 and 23.
What is the MAIN idea of this paragraph?
(A) The voters in 2020 will be very different than the voters in 2016.
(B) Younger voters will choose the next president in the 2020 election.
(C) More than 250 million people are able to vote in 2020, but many will not vote.
(D) People voting for the first time are more interested in the election.
2 The main idea of the section “What's about to happen?” is that candidates must gain support when they run for office.
Which key detail from the section supports the section’s MAIN idea?
(A) More than 20 people announced they wanted to run.
(B) More women decided to run than in previous years.
(C) Several candidates have dropped out.
(D) Often, candidates need to have high polling or fundraising numbers to attend.
3 If readers are looking for information on what happens at conventions, which section should they read?
(A) “Who can vote?”
(B) “What's about to happen?”
(C) “What are the primaries?”
(D) “OK, then what?”
4 What can a reader learn by looking at the article's section titles?
(A) changes in the types of voters
(B) common questions about elections
(C) the reasons that people run for president
(D) the rules that guide elections
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Earning a living: Why some jobs pay more than others in the U.S. By Council for Economic Education, adapted by Newsela staff on 09.18.19 Word Count 427 Level 570L
Photo from: Unsplash/Annie Spratt.
People receive money for the work they do. The money they receive is called income.
Not everyone earns the same yearly incomes. Each year, Forbes magazine reports on the top celebrity earners. In 2017, the top earner was music producer and businessman Sean Combs at $130 million. Beyonce Knowles was second at $105 million. Harry Potter's author JK Rowling was third at $95 million.
Most Americans earn less than the top stars.
Doctors, Surgeons Earn Lots Of Money
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is part of the U.S. government. The group keeps records on the American workforce. The BLS listed the top average 2017 incomes for American workers.
The top earning job was doctors and surgeons. They made $214,700 a year, on average. The next highest job was dentists. They made an average of $180,000 a year. The third-highest job was
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. marketing and sales managers. These managers help companies sell their products. They made $140,600 a year. Lawyers and law clerks were ranked fourth. They made $139,900 a year. Rounding out the top five earning jobs was pilots and flight engineers. They made $138,690 a year.
You might wonder how much your teachers make. On average, they made $58,780 a year.
Some jobs made much less, though. Fast-food workers made $21,380 a year.
Demand For Different Skills
Why do some jobs earn more than others? One reason is the demand for different skills. Almost anyone can work in fast food. Special skills aren't needed. On the other hand, it takes special skills to write a popular book. Likewise, not everyone can win a Grammy award for music. The few people with those skills earn more money.
Many other jobs have a high demand for workers, though. For example, there's a growing demand for people in health care. The U.S. has a large number of older people. They need more health care. As a result, the health care field wants to attract more workers. This is good news for health care workers. Their wages are going up.
The Qualities You Bring To Work, Education
Human capital also affects income. Human capital is the set of qualities people bring to work. People bring knowledge and talent to their jobs. Education helps increase your human capital. You can then earn more money. Finishing high school and college usually raises a person's income.
The following table was created by the U.S. Census Bureau. It shows the relationship between levels of education and income. Take a look at the difference education makes.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Quiz
1 How can education affect a person?
(A) Education can lower a person's human capital.
(B) Education can increase a person's need for health care.
(C) Finishing high school and college can raise a person's income.
(D) Finishing high school and college can help a person become famous.
2 According to the article, why do celebrities earn high incomes?
(A) because they went to college
(B) because they have special skills
(C) because there is low demand for celebrities
(D) because there is high demand for healthcare workers
3 Read the paragraph from the section "Doctors, Surgeons Earn Lots Of Money."
The top-earning job was doctors and surgeons. They made $214,700 a year, on average. The next highest job was dentists. They made an average of $180,000 a year. The third-highest job was marketing and sales managers. These managers help companies sell their products. They made $140,600 a year. Lawyers and law clerks were ranked fourth. They made $139,900 a year. Rounding out the top-five earning jobs was pilots and flight engineers. They made $138,690 a year.
Which sentence from this paragraph explains the average income for sales managers?
(A) They made $214,700 a year, on average.
(B) They made an average of $180,000 a year.
(C) They made $140,600 a year.
(D) They made $139,900 a year.
4 Which question is answered in the introduction [paragraphs 1-3]?
(A) Who was the top celebrity earner in 2017?
(B) How can Americans increase their incomes?
(C) Why do some jobs earn more than others?
(D) What is Beyonce Knowles famous for?
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Answer Key
1 How can education affect a person?
(A) Education can lower a person's human capital.
(B) Education can increase a person's need for health care.
(C) Finishing high school and college can raise a person's income.
(D) Finishing high school and college can help a person become famous.
2 According to the article, why do celebrities earn high incomes?
(A) because they went to college
(B) because they have special skills
(C) because there is low demand for celebrities
(D) because there is high demand for healthcare workers
3 Read the paragraph from the section "Doctors, Surgeons Earn Lots Of Money."
The top-earning job was doctors and surgeons. They made $214,700 a year, on average. The next highest job was dentists. They made an average of $180,000 a year. The third-highest job was marketing and sales managers. These managers help companies sell their products. They made $140,600 a year. Lawyers and law clerks were ranked fourth. They made $139,900 a year. Rounding out the top-five earning jobs was pilots and flight engineers. They made $138,690 a year.
Which sentence from this paragraph explains the average income for sales managers?
(A) They made $214,700 a year, on average.
(B) They made an average of $180,000 a year.
(C) They made $140,600 a year.
(D) They made $139,900 a year.
4 Which question is answered in the introduction [paragraphs 1-3]?
(A) Who was the top celebrity earner in 2017?
(B) How can Americans increase their incomes?
(C) Why do some jobs earn more than others?
(D) What is Beyonce Knowles famous for?
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Candidates for president both used dirty tricks in the election of 1828 By ThoughtCo.com, adapted by Newsela staff on 08.27.19 Word Count 765 Level 600L
Image 1. View of the crowd in front of the White House during President Andrew Jackson's first inaugural reception in 1829. The furnishings of the White House were destroyed by the rowdy crowd during the festivities. Image by U.S. Library of Congress
The presidential election of 1828 was very important. It signaled a major change. It led to the election of a man viewed as a champion of the common people. The election was also known for attacks and lies. They were used by supporters of both candidates.
President John Quincy Adams faced Andrew Jackson. They could not have been more different from each other. Adams was the highly educated son of the nation's second president. He had traveled widely as a U.S. messenger to other countries. Jackson grew up without parents. He had to fight his way into politics. He became a hero at the Battle of New Orleans. It marked the end of the War of 1812.
Adams was known for being thoughtful. Jackson was known for violence and fighting duels.
By the end of the election, both men would have wild stories spread about their pasts. There were charges of murder and adultery. The stories were spread by newspapers that were quick to take sides.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. The Election Of 1828 Was A Rematch
The two opponents in the election of 1828 had faced each other before. They both ran in the election of 1824. It was a strange election. It ended with no candidate receiving enough votes to win the electoral college. The race had to be decided by lawmakers in the House of Representatives instead. Speaker of the House Henry Clay was the leader of the House. It was widely believed that he used his power to hand the victory to John Quincy Adams. Adams then rewarded him by making him secretary of state.
Jackson's angry campaign against Adams began as soon as Adams took office in 1825. Jackson and his supporters worked hard. They lined up support around the country.
In 1827, supporters of each candidate tried to damage the character of the opponent. The two candidates had big differences on important issues. Even so, the campaign turned out to be based on character. Lots of lies were told.
Candidates' Personal Lives Were Used For Attacks
Adams' supporters disliked Andrew Jackson. There were a lot of stories for them to work with. Jackson was famous for his short temper. He had led a life filled with violence and trouble. He had taken part in several duels. Jackson killed a man in a duel in 1806.
Those who disliked John Quincy Adams said he was out of touch. His intelligence was turned against him. His opponents said he believed in a government run by a small group of important people rather than by all people.
Coffin Handbills And Marriage Rumors
Even Jackson's marriage was used for attacks. When Jackson first met his wife, Rachel, she thought her first husband had already divorced her. He had not, though. When Jackson married her in 1791, she was still married.
The situation was later fixed. The Jacksons were remarried in 1794. Jackson's political opponents did not care, though. They tried to trick people and use it against him.
Attacks On John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams was the son of founding father and second president John Adams. He worked for the American messenger to Russia when he was a teenager. He was respected for his work for the U.S. in other countries.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. The supporters of Andrew Jackson began spreading a rumor about Adams. It was about his time serving as America's messenger to Russia. The attack was based on a lie. The Jacksonians enjoyed spreading it, though.
Adams Retreated, Jackson Participated
These wild charges began appearing in newspapers. The newspapers took sides for one candidate or the other. John Quincy Adams refused to take part in it.
Jackson did take part in it. He was very mad about the attacks on him and his wife. He wrote to newspaper editors. He gave them guidelines on how their own attacks should go.
Jackson Won The Election Of 1828
Jackson was well liked by the "common folk" and it served him well. He easily won the election. It came at a price, though. His wife Rachel had a heart attack and died before he became president. Jackson always blamed his political enemies for her death.
Jackson arrived in Washington to become president. A new president usually sits down with the old one. Jackson would not sit down with Adams, though. Then Adams did not show up to see Jackson take his oath of office. The bitterness of the election of 1828 lasted for years.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Quiz
1 Read the section "The Election Of 1828 Was A Rematch."
Select the sentence from the section that explains WHY the election of 1824 was unusual.
(A) The two opponents in the election of 1828 had faced each other before.
(B) The race had to be decided by lawmakers in the House of Representatives instead.
(C) Jackson's angry campaign against Adams began as soon as Adams took office in 1825.
(D) In 1827, supporters of each candidate tried to damage the character of the opponent.
2 Which question is answered in the section "Candidates' Personal Lives Were Used For Attacks"?
(A) How did Jackson and Adams respond to the attacks against them by newspapers?
(B) What rumor did Jackson supporters spread about Adams' time as a messenger to Russia?
(C) How did the newspapers help Andrew Jackson win the election?
(D) What types of stories did Adams' supporters tell about Jackson?
3 Which of these events happened FIRST?
(A) Andrew Jackson married his wife while she was still married.
(B) John Quincy Adams beat Jackson to become president.
(C) Andrew Jackson beat Adams to become president.
(D) John Quincy Adams skipped Jackson's oath of office.
4 How did newspaper stories affect the election of 1828?
(A) They helped Henry Clay get the job of secretary of state.
(B) They explained the differences between candidates.
(C) They attacked candidates and took sides.
(D) They helped people learn about politics.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Answer Key
1 Read the section "The Election Of 1828 Was A Rematch."
Select the sentence from the section that explains WHY the election of 1824 was unusual.
(A) The two opponents in the election of 1828 had faced each other before.
(B) The race had to be decided by lawmakers in the House of Representatives instead.
(C) Jackson's angry campaign against Adams began as soon as Adams took office in 1825.
(D) In 1827, supporters of each candidate tried to damage the character of the opponent.
2 Which question is answered in the section "Candidates' Personal Lives Were Used For Attacks"?
(A) How did Jackson and Adams respond to the attacks against them by newspapers?
(B) What rumor did Jackson supporters spread about Adams' time as a messenger to Russia?
(C) How did the newspapers help Andrew Jackson win the election?
(D) What types of stories did Adams' supporters tell about Jackson?
3 Which of these events happened FIRST?
(A) Andrew Jackson married his wife while she was still married.
(B) John Quincy Adams beat Jackson to become president.
(C) Andrew Jackson beat Adams to become president.
(D) John Quincy Adams skipped Jackson's oath of office.
4 How did newspaper stories affect the election of 1828?
(A) They helped Henry Clay get the job of secretary of state.
(B) They explained the differences between candidates.
(C) They attacked candidates and took sides.
(D) They helped people learn about politics.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. The origin and history of the BCE/CE dating system By Ancient History Encyclopedia, adapted by Newsela staff on 08.23.19 Word Count 488 Level 580L
Image 1. Messina Cathedral Astronomical clock on clock tower in Palermo, a province in the autonomous region of Sicily, an island affiliated with Italy. Photo by: Eye Ubiquitous/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
We write down dates almost every day. However, we don't usually think about how dates are determined. It turns out our dating system is meaningful. It is full of history.
Historians used to use the BC/AD system when dating history. This is short for Before Christ and Anno Domini. Anno Domini means "in the year of our Lord" in Latin.
Now, however, they use the BC/CE system for dates. This is short for Before Common Era/Common Era.
Not everyone agrees with this change. Some people say the use of the BC/CE system is political. They think it is a way to "remove Christ from the calendar."
History Of BC/AD
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. We have not always used these calendar systems. Early Christians used the Roman and Hebrew calendars. Then a Christian leader named Dionysius Exiguus made a new system. Dionysius lived about 500 years after Jesus.
At first, Dionysius wanted to set a date for Easter. In his time churches in different parts of the world celebrated Easter on different days.
So, Dionysius needed a new calendar. Then he could set one day for Easter. He decided to make Jesus' birth date the beginning of his calendar.
There was a major problem though. No one knew exactly when Jesus was born. Dionysius, himself, did not know. He studied the four gospels of the Christian Bible to figure it out. The gospels are four books that tell the story of Jesus' life. They were written by different writers. They all said Jesus was born at different times.
Dionysius came up with a date anyway. He never explained how he found it. The BC/AD system is based on his estimate. Experts say the system is flawed as a result.
The Common Era
Dionysius did not use the terms BC and AD. They were not used until about 200 years later.
King Charlemagne put the BC/AD system in place. He ruled from 800 to 814 CE. Many European countries continued to use other calendars, though. Not until the 1400s did everyone in Europe use the BC/CE system.
In the 1600s, the German scientist Johannes Keppler wrote "vulgar era" in place of AD. "Vulgar" meant "common." The term eventually became the "common era." People also started to say "before the common era." This term was useful for discussing earlier events.
BCE/CE In The Present Day
Historians today use BCE/CE because it is more accurate. The BC/AD system assumed Dionysius knew Jesus' birth date. He did not.
There are other advantages to the BC/CE system. The BC/AD system dates every event as being before or after Jesus' birth. Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God. It makes sense for them to date events in this way. However, Jesus' birth is not as important to people of other religions.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Quiz
1 Which sentence from the section "History Of BC/AD" explains why Dionysius decided to make a new calendar?
(A) Early Christians used the Roman and Hebrew calendars.
(B) Dionysius lived about 500 years after Jesus.
(C) At first, Dionysius wanted to set a date for Easter.
(D) No one knew exactly when Jesus was born.
2 Read the paragraph from the section "BCE/CE In The Present Day."
Historians today use BCE/CE because it is more accurate. The BC/AD system assumed Dionysius knew Jesus' birth date. He did not.
Which question is answered in this paragraph?
(A) When did Dionysius make the BC/AD system?
(B) Why do historians use the BCE/CE system?
(C) Where was the BC/AD system created?
(D) How many people use the BCE/CE system?
3 Look at Image 2.
In which year did the Roman Empire begin?
(A) 1000 BCE
(B) 550 BCE
(C) 27 BCE
(D) 330 CE
4 What does Image 1 show about the calendar system?
(A) It shows a calendar that uses the BC/AD system.
(B) It shows a calendar that uses the BCE/CE system.
(C) It shows a calendar used by Romans and Hebrews.
(D) It shows a calendar used by Johannes Keppler.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Answer Key
1 Which sentence from the section "History Of BC/AD" explains why Dionysius decided to make a new calendar?
(A) Early Christians used the Roman and Hebrew calendars.
(B) Dionysius lived about 500 years after Jesus.
(C) At first, Dionysius wanted to set a date for Easter.
(D) No one knew exactly when Jesus was born.
2 Read the paragraph from the section "BCE/CE In The Present Day."
Historians today use BCE/CE because it is more accurate. The BC/AD system assumed Dionysius knew Jesus' birth date. He did not.
Which question is answered in this paragraph?
(A) When did Dionysius make the BC/AD system?
(B) Why do historians use the BCE/CE system?
(C) Where was the BC/AD system created?
(D) How many people use the BCE/CE system?
3 Look at Image 2.
In which year did the Roman Empire begin?
(A) 1000 BCE
(B) 550 BCE
(C) 27 BCE
(D) 330 CE
4 What does Image 1 show about the calendar system?
(A) It shows a calendar that uses the BC/AD system.
(B) It shows a calendar that uses the BCE/CE system.
(C) It shows a calendar used by Romans and Hebrews.
(D) It shows a calendar used by Johannes Keppler.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. PRO/CON: Should Selective Service registration include women? By USA Today Editorial Board and Jude Eden, adapted by Newsela staff on 03.26.19 Word Count 437 Level 600L
Major General Marcia M. Anderson (right), deputy chief of the U.S. Army Reserve, speaks at a Women's History Month observance at the U.S. Army Reserve Command headquarters at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, March 25, 2014. Photo by: U.S. Army photo by Timothy L. Hale/Released
PRO: Include women in Selective Service registration
The United States used to have a military draft. The draft was when men who were 18 years old had to sign up for military service. They would be called to join if ever there was a war and there were not enough volunteers for military service.
The draft ended in 1973. Now people volunteer for the military.
Nearly all men ages 18 to 25 still must sign up for the draft, though. They may have to join the military and fight. It would only happen if a major war started, though. It might not happen at all. Even so, it is time that women sign up as well.
Today, about 1 in 6 service members is a woman. An estimated 378,000 women serve in the military.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Only So Many Volunteers
The volunteer U.S. military has worked so far. It was pushed to its limits in Iraq and Afghanistan, though. Soldiers had to fight for a long time. Growing the military with only volunteers is hard. It's hard when there are lots of non-military jobs for people to choose instead.
A draft would only happen at a moment of serious danger. Every young person who is able should have to help. All people are equal. That also means all people have to help in hard times. Deciding that half the population does not have to help would be wrong.
The USA Today Editorial Board is the staff of the newspaper's opinion section.
CON: There is no military need to draft women
Women can now serve in the military. Should they have to sign up in case of a draft?
It depends on what you think the draft is about. Is it about people being treated equal, or is it about war?
The military's job is to win at war. That goes beyond questions of being equal. Men and women do not have to have the same jobs to be equal. We can protect our nation in different ways.
Stronger For War
The purpose of the draft is a military need in a time of danger. That means the real question is if drafting women would make our military more prepared. Would it make our military more successful in a world war? The answer is that it would not.
Women get hurt more often than men in war. That could mean more lost battles.
Drafting women may mean more people killed. We could lose the battles the women were drafted for. That would completely defeat the point.
Jude Eden is a Marine veteran of the Iraq War.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Quiz
1 Read the section "CON: There is no military need to draft women."
Select the sentence from the section that explains what the CON author thinks the draft is about.
(A) Women can now serve in the military.
(B) The military's job is to win at war.
(C) That goes beyond questions of being equal.
(D) We can protect our nation in different ways.
2 Which sentence from the article explains when the military draft is used?
(A) The United States used to have a military draft.
(B) Now people volunteer for the military.
(C) It would only happen if a major war started, though.
(D) An estimated 378,000 women serve in the military.
3 Read the following sentences from the section “Stronger For War."
Women get hurt more often than men in war. That could mean more lost battles.
How are the sentences connected?
(A) Both show a comparison.
(B) Both show events in order.
(C) One is a cause and one is an effect.
(D) One is a problem and one is a solution.
4 Read the sentences from the section “PRO: Include women in Selective Service registration."
The draft ended in 1973. Now people volunteer for the military.
The sentences are events in order. What is something the author does to show this connection?
(A) The first sentence uses the word "draft."
(B) The second sentence uses the word "military."
(C) The first sentence uses the word "ended."
(D) The second sentence uses the word "now"
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Answer Key
1 Read the section "CON: There is no military need to draft women."
Select the sentence from the section that explains what the CON author thinks the draft is about.
(A) Women can now serve in the military.
(B) The military's job is to win at war.
(C) That goes beyond questions of being equal.
(D) We can protect our nation in different ways.
2 Which sentence from the article explains when the military draft is used?
(A) The United States used to have a military draft.
(B) Now people volunteer for the military.
(C) It would only happen if a major war started, though.
(D) An estimated 378,000 women serve in the military.
3 Read the following sentences from the section “Stronger For War."
Women get hurt more often than men in war. That could mean more lost battles.
How are the sentences connected?
(A) Both show a comparison.
(B) Both show events in order.
(C) One is a cause and one is an effect.
(D) One is a problem and one is a solution.
4 Read the sentences from the section “PRO: Include women in Selective Service registration."
The draft ended in 1973. Now people volunteer for the military.
The sentences are events in order. What is something the author does to show this connection?
(A) The first sentence uses the word "draft."
(B) The second sentence uses the word "military."
(C) The first sentence uses the word "ended."
(D) The second sentence uses the word "now"
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. The History of the Census By National Geographic Society, adapted by Newsela staff on 02.02.20 Word Count 460 Level 530L
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court as the court hears oral arguments in the Commerce vs. New York case on April 23, 2019, in Washington, D.C. The case highlights a question about U.S. citizenship included by the Trump administration in the proposed 2020 U.S. census. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Every 10 years the United States counts its people. The process is called the U.S. Census. The census determines how many representatives should represent each state in Congress. It also finds out how the country is changing. For example, the census finds out how old people are. It learns what jobs people have. This information helps the government meet people's needs. It also helps leaders plan for the future.
The purpose of the census is pretty ordinary: to find out about people. The information it discovers, though, can be surprising.
Followers Of The "Jedi" Religion
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. The United Kingdom offers a good example. In 2011, that country asked about the religion of its people. Officials were surprised by one of the answers. More than 170,000 people listed "Jedi" as their main religion. The problem? Jediism is a religion in the "Star Wars" movies and television shows. A government group was asked to decide if it was becoming an actual religion. It said "no" to giving it official status.
How is the census done? You might picture census workers knocking on doors and asking questions. That is partly true. But here's something you might not know: the U.S. census was one of the first uses of computer technology.
A Contest
After the 1880 census, the U.S. government faced a problem. It could not keep up with the data it collected. The population was growing too fast and the country was changing rapidly. More people from different backgrounds were living in the United States. The U.S. Census Office needed a better way to process the information. What did they do? They created a contest. They asked the public to design a faster way for processing data for the 1890 census.
Herman Hollerith was the winner. He was an engineer and former government employee. He came up with a revolutionary system. His "tabulating machine" used punch cards. This machine "read" the holes punched into the cards. It counted them and a clerk recorded the results. Hollerith's machine made it possible to collect more information and process it faster.
Many Purposes
Today, the U.S. Census serves many purposes. It can even save lives.
Preparing for natural disasters is a good example. It helps the government be ready for a big emergency. Census information tells how many people there are and where they live. Emergency teams find that data very useful. Perhaps a neighborhood has a lot of Spanish speakers. Officials will know to send the people who can best help them.
A census gives useful details. It shows how the country is changing. It may offer information for planning new schools or hospitals. The census is not just a bunch of numbers. Its numbers tell stories about the people being counted.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Quiz
1 Which sentence from the article states a MAIN idea of the entire article?
(A) Every 10 years the United States counts its people.
(B) The purpose of the census is pretty ordinary: to find out about people.
(C) After the 1880 census, the U.S. government faced a problem.
(D) Emergency teams find that data very useful.
2 What is the MAIN idea of the section “A Contest”?
(A) Some people in the United Kingdom told census workers that their religion was Jedi.
(B) The U.S. Census Office was one of the first groups to use a machine to organize data.
(C) The 1880 census created a problem for the U.S. government.
(D) Census workers used punch cards to gather and organize data.
3 Which section of the article gives information about how census information can be useful in emergency situations?
(A) Introduction [paragraphs 1-2]
(B) “Followers Of The ‘Jedi’ Religion”
(C) “A Contest”
(D) “Many Purposes”
4 What does the introduction [paragraphs 1-2] show the reader?
(A) the main purposes of the census
(B) the way census information is organized
(C) that the census collects unusual information
(D) that people do not take the census seriously
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Answer Key
1 Which sentence from the article states a MAIN idea of the entire article?
(A) Every 10 years the United States counts its people.
(B) The purpose of the census is pretty ordinary: to find out about people.
(C) After the 1880 census, the U.S. government faced a problem.
(D) Emergency teams find that data very useful.
2 What is the MAIN idea of the section “A Contest”?
(A) Some people in the United Kingdom told census workers that their religion was Jedi.
(B) The U.S. Census Office was one of the first groups to use a machine to organize data.
(C) The 1880 census created a problem for the U.S. government.
(D) Census workers used punch cards to gather and organize data.
3 Which section of the article gives information about how census information can be useful in emergency situations?
(A) Introduction [paragraphs 1-2]
(B) “Followers Of The ‘Jedi’ Religion”
(C) “A Contest”
(D) “Many Purposes”
4 What does the introduction [paragraphs 1-2] show the reader?
(A) the main purposes of the census
(B) the way census information is organized
(C) that the census collects unusual information
(D) that people do not take the census seriously
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. How to save money as a teenager By Wikihow, adapted by Newsela staff on 11.17.19 Word Count 588 Level 680L
Get a piggy bank if you want to keep your money at home.
There are probably things you want. Maybe you want a new cell phone or video game. Or maybe it's cute clothes. You can't always just ask your parents to buy these things for you, though. It might be time to start saving up some money!
Finding A Way To Save That Works For You
Get a piggy bank if you want to keep your money at home. It doesn't have to be a real piggy bank. You can also use an old shoebox or an empty jar. The point is just to have something you can put your bills and loose change into.
Open a savings account. Sometimes it's hard to save money when it's too easy to get at. You may start breaking into your piggy bank every time you want spending money. If that happens, open a savings account at a bank instead. Your money will be safe, but harder to get at.
Some banks will not accept less than a certain amount of money to open an account. You may first need to save up between $25 and $100. Over time, the savings you put away will earn you more money. The bank will pay you a small amount each month for leaving your money with them.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Ask someone you trust to hold your money. You can also ask someone you trust to hold onto your money for you. It could be a parent, or a brother or sister. Just make sure you tell them not to give in if you ask them for some money.
This way of saving works best if you are saving up for a specific thing. Say you want to save $50 to buy a new pair of shoes. Tell your trusted person how much you need to save. Once you reach that amount, they can give you the money.
Fighting The Urge To Spend
Save at least one-third of your money. As soon as you get some money, put at least one-third of it into your savings. Allow yourself to spend the other two-thirds. For example, if you earn $18, put $6 into savings. This way, you give yourself some spending money while still building up your savings. If you make a larger amount of money, raise the amount you put into savings. Save half the money instead of a third.
Plan out your spending. Each month, figure out which things you really need money for, and which you can do without in order to save money. Set a spending limit. Then keep track of your spending and stick to your limit.
Making Money
Do chores to earn money at home. Ask your parents if there are chores you can do in return for a certain amount of money every week or month. For example, you could ask for $5 for picking weeds. Remember that your parents may not be able to give you an allowance, though. They might need the money for something else.
Do some work for neighbors. Try checking with neighbors, too. Ask if they have chores they need help with and can pay you for.
Come up with your own job. You can also come up with your own job. First, figure out what you might enjoy doing. Then, offer to do it for your neighbors. If you like young children, you can babysit. If you like animals, you can walk dogs or pet sit. If you like doing outdoor work, you can rake leaves or mow lawns. The possibilities are endless.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Quiz
1 Select the sentence that summarizes the article.
(A) A good way for kids to make money is to do chores for family members or neighbors.
(B) Kids can ask a trusted person to hold onto their money until they reach their savings goal.
(C) Savings accounts help kids keep their money safe and can also make more money.
(D) There are many ways kids can make money and save money to buy things they want.
2 How does the information in the section “Fighting The Urge To Spend” support the MAIN idea of the article?
(A) It explains what types of things kids can buy if they can save up their money.
(B) It gives kids ideas on how to think about money and avoid spending it too fast.
(C) It shows that kids have a hard time saving money because they keep spending it.
(D) It describes the different places where kids can easily save their money.
3 Read the following paragraph from the introduction [paragraph 1].
There are probably things you want. Maybe you want a new cell phone or video game. Or maybe it's cute clothes. You can't always just ask your parents to buy these things for you, though. It might be time to start saving up some money!
What is the structure of this paragraph?
(A) problem and solution
(B) steps in a process
(C) compare and contrast
(D) cause and effect
4 Read the paragraph in the section “Making Money.”
You can also come up with your own job. First, figure out what you might enjoy doing. Then, offer to do it for your neighbors. If you like young children, you can babysit. If you like animals, you can walk dogs or pet sit. If you like doing outdoor work, you can rake leaves or mow lawns. The possibilities are endless.
What does this paragraph do in this section?
(A) It explains how kids can get an allowance from their family.
(B) It shows that it is difficult for kids to come up with their own jobs.
(C) It shows kids how they can make money step by step.
(D) It gives several examples of things kids can do to earn money.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Answer Key
1 Select the sentence that summarizes the article.
(A) A good way for kids to make money is to do chores for family members or neighbors.
(B) Kids can ask a trusted person to hold onto their money until they reach their savings goal.
(C) Savings accounts help kids keep their money safe and can also make more money.
(D) There are many ways kids can make money and save money to buy things they want.
2 How does the information in the section “Fighting The Urge To Spend” support the MAIN idea of the article?
(A) It explains what types of things kids can buy if they can save up their money.
(B) It gives kids ideas on how to think about money and avoid spending it too fast.
(C) It shows that kids have a hard time saving money because they keep spending it.
(D) It describes the different places where kids can easily save their money.
3 Read the following paragraph from the introduction [paragraph 1].
There are probably things you want. Maybe you want a new cell phone or video game. Or maybe it's cute clothes. You can't always just ask your parents to buy these things for you, though. It might be time to start saving up some money!
What is the structure of this paragraph?
(A) problem and solution
(B) steps in a process
(C) compare and contrast
(D) cause and effect
4 Read the paragraph in the section “Making Money.”
You can also come up with your own job. First, figure out what you might enjoy doing. Then, offer to do it for your neighbors. If you like young children, you can babysit. If you like animals, you can walk dogs or pet sit. If you like doing outdoor work, you can rake leaves or mow lawns. The possibilities are endless.
What does this paragraph do in this section?
(A) It explains how kids can get an allowance from their family.
(B) It shows that it is difficult for kids to come up with their own jobs.
(C) It shows kids how they can make money step by step.
(D) It gives several examples of things kids can do to earn money.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Alternate Take: What if Martin Luther King hadn’t been killed? By History.com, adapted by Newsela staff on 02.05.19 Word Count 483 Level 590L
Image 1. People march in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade on January 19, 2019, in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Paul Hennessy/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Martin Luther King Jr. was killed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968. He was shot outside the Lorraine Motel. He spent his life fighting for all people to be free and equal. If he lived, he probably would have continued that fight.
Clayborne Carson runs the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute. It is at Stanford University in California. Carson says that King would have continued to speak out against racism if he had lived longer. He would have kept fighting against the unfair treatment of African-Americans.
Carson says King cared about more than racism, though. He was fighting against war and poverty, too.
In 1965, King helped get the Voting Rights Act passed. It protected African-Americans' right to vote.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. After that, King continued his work. He began to look at problems beyond racism, Carson says.
King Said Racism, Poverty And War Were Evil
King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was invited to give a talk because of it. King talked about three evils in the world. One of those evils was racism. The other two were poverty and war.
King planned the Poor People's Campaign in November 1967. He called for 2,000 poor Americans of all races to march on Washington, D.C., in May 1968. They would ask for an "economic bill of rights." It demanded more jobs and help for people without jobs. It asked that people receive fair money for their work. It asked for more housing for the poor.
King died before the march took place. It did not go far without King's help. The "economic bill of rights" never happened.
King Wanted Big Changes Immediately
There is now a holiday honoring King's birthday every January. There may never have been a holiday if he had lived longer. King was not widely popular when he was killed.
Gallup is a group that asks Americans for their opinions. Gallup asked people's opinions on King in 1966. He was not well-liked. It found nearly two people disliked him for every one person who liked him. By 1999 this changed, though. Gallup asked for opinions again. It found that King ranked behind only Mother Teresa as the most-liked person of the 1900s.
Lillie Edwards is a professor of history and African-American studies. She says King's ideas were revolutionary. He demanded big changes right away. He did not believe in slow step-by-step solutions to injustice. Edwards says many people do not remember King this way. Some have the mistaken idea that he did not demand such big changes, she says.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Quiz
1 Which sentence from the article expresses a main idea of the entire article?
(A) If he lived, he probably would have continued that fight.
(B) Clayborne Carson runs the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute.
(C) It did not go far without King's help.
(D) Gallup is a group that asks Americans for their opinions.
2 What is the main idea of the section "King Said Racism, Poverty And War Were Evil"?
(A) King wanted to bring together people of all races to work for more jobs, housing and fair pay.
(B) King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his work on the Poor People's Campaign.
(C) The economic bill of rights demanded more housing for poor people.
(D) The march on Washington, D.C. didn't happen after King died in 1968.
3 Which event happened FIRST in the article?
(A) King won the Nobel Peace Prize.
(B) King helped pass the Voting Rights Act.
(C) King planned the Poor People's Campaign.
(D) King was killed in Memphis, Tennessee.
4 How did many people feel about Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s?
(A) A lot of people liked King almost as much as Mother Teresa.
(B) A lot of people didn't like that King wanted to make such big changes.
(C) A lot of people liked King's economic bill of rights.
(D) A lot of people were happy to create a holiday honoring him.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Answer Key
1 Which sentence from the article expresses a main idea of the entire article?
(A) If he lived, he probably would have continued that fight.
(B) Clayborne Carson runs the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute.
(C) It did not go far without King's help.
(D) Gallup is a group that asks Americans for their opinions.
2 What is the main idea of the section "King Said Racism, Poverty And War Were Evil"?
(A) King wanted to bring together people of all races to work for more jobs, housing and fair pay.
(B) King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his work on the Poor People's Campaign.
(C) The economic bill of rights demanded more housing for poor people.
(D) The march on Washington, D.C. didn't happen after King died in 1968.
3 Which event happened FIRST in the article?
(A) King won the Nobel Peace Prize.
(B) King helped pass the Voting Rights Act.
(C) King planned the Poor People's Campaign.
(D) King was killed in Memphis, Tennessee.
4 How did many people feel about Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s?
(A) A lot of people liked King almost as much as Mother Teresa.
(B) A lot of people didn't like that King wanted to make such big changes.
(C) A lot of people liked King's economic bill of rights.
(D) A lot of people were happy to create a holiday honoring him.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. What is globalization? By National Geographic Society, adapted by Newsela staff on 09.14.17 Word Count 975 Level 700L
A street in Guangzhou, China, with many American fast-food restaurants. In many countries, globalization leads to "Americanization." This means having American companies and goods. Over time, this makes other cultures more American. Photo by: David Chen/Wikimedia.
Globalization connects different parts of the world. People, ideas, knowledge and goods move around more easily. People start having more in common.
Globalization In History
Globalization has a long history. Thousands of years ago, ancient Greek culture spread across Asia, Africa and Europe. They built towns in new continents so they could buy and sell more goods.
Another example is the Silk Road. This was an ancient trade route between China and Europe. It carried ideas and knowledge, along with goods like silk and spices.
In time, Europeans began setting up colonies in other countries. They took control of those countries and brought goods across the world. Globalization grew more and more. Many early European explorers also brought the Christian religion to new areas.
Globalization sped up 200 years ago. This period was called the Industrial Revolution. During the Industrial Revolution, farmers moved to the city to work in factories. Many companies used
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. materials, like metal, from distant lands. They also sold their goods in other countries.
Globalization sped up even more 100 years ago. One of the reasons was the Internet.
Communication
Globalization depends very much on how people communicate. Knowledge zips around the world on the Internet. People can read news about other countries as easily as they read about their hometowns.
Many people in the world also use cellphones. A farmer in Nigeria can talk to his cousin in New York City, New York. Nigeria is a country in Africa.
Travel
Being able to travel around the world also created more globalization. Each year, millions of people move from one country to another in order to find better jobs.
People do not travel just for work, of course. Millions of people take vacations in other countries.
Travelers are able to learn about new ideas, goods and services. In this way, globalization affects trade, tastes and culture.
Popular Culture
Popular culture has also become more globalized. People in the United States like listening to South African music. They read Japanese comic books. American soap operas are popular in Israel.
People eat more foods from other countries. People in England eat Indian curry. People in Peru enjoy Japanese sushi. Meanwhile, American fast-food chains are common around the world. McDonald's has restaurants in more than 100 countries. People all across the world are eating more fast food, which is both meaty and sugary.
Economy
Globalization helps companies sell goods to other countries. American companies, like Microsoft, Apple and Google, make a lot of money from people around the world. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, a country in the Middle East, sells oil to many other countries.
Most large companies have offices all around the world. Many of them have moved factories to poorer countries. This is called outsourcing. The company can pay less money to workers in poor countries. It also makes more money and foods might cost less.
People and organizations are connected to companies around the world. Because of this, if a big important company is in trouble, then the rest of the world is in trouble, too. This is called a
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. financial crisis.
Politics
Globalization can also be a good thing. Many countries around the world face the same problems. They must work together to solve them. For example, countries are joining together to deal with climate change. The earth is heating up because of gases from cars and factories.
Through globalization, people can also get medicines that don't exist in their country. The new jobs that globalization brings have stopped many people from being poor.
But not everyone says that globalization is good. Some people worry that American culture will destroy local cultures around the world. They fear that everyone will end up eating hamburgers and watching Hollywood movies.
Many also blame globalization for being bad for workers. Even if they get jobs, those jobs might not be very good. On top of this, when companies move from rich countries to poor ones, they take away jobs from the rich countries.
Still, people say that factory workers are better off with globalization. At least they have a job that makes them less poor. They also say that globalization has made goods cheaper. Rich countries don't have to spend as much money to buy things, which means they're better off, too.
Fast Facts:
Battle In Seattle
In 1999, the World Trade Organization (WTO) had a meeting in Seattle, Washington. The WTO is a group of government officials from around the world. These officials come together to make decisions about trade. When governments make trade easier around the world, it helps globalization. Thousands of people came to Seattle to protest. They were against globalization. The protests became violent and hundreds of people were arrested. Many were hurt by police, and buildings were damaged. This event is sometimes called "the Battle in Seattle."
Powerful Peppers
Globalization happens through food, too. Many foods in Korea and China today are spicy because of chili peppers. Korea and China did not have chili peppers until 400 years ago, though. The hot chili pepper came from the Americas. The explorer Christopher Columbus first brought chilies to Europe in 1493, and from there they spread across Asia.
URL: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/globalization/
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Quiz
1 Read the paragraph from the section "Globalization In History."
Globalization has a long history. Thousands of years ago, ancient Greek culture spread across Asia, Africa and Europe. They built towns in new continents so they could buy and sell more goods.
Which phrase from the paragraph helps you understand the meaning of "ancient"?
(A) "Thousands of years ago"
(B) "culture spread across"
(C) "Asia, Africa and Europe"
(D) "buy and sell more"
2 Read the sentence from the section "Communication."
Globalization depends very much on how people communicate. Knowledge zips around the world on the Internet.
Which word could replace "zips" WITHOUT changing the meaning of the second sentence?
(A) races
(B) crawls
(C) calls
(D) swings
3 Read the section "Globalization In History."
Which of the following BEST describes the structure of the section?
(A) cause and effect
(B) sequence of events
(C) problem and solution
(D) compare and contrast
4 If you want information about how globalization can both help and hurt people in poor countries, which section should you read?
(A) "Travel"
(B) "Popular Culture"
(C) "Economy"
(D) "Politics"
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Answer Key
1 Read the paragraph from the section "Globalization In History."
Globalization has a long history. Thousands of years ago, ancient Greek culture spread across Asia, Africa and Europe. They built towns in new continents so they could buy and sell more goods.
Which phrase from the paragraph helps you understand the meaning of "ancient"?
(A) "Thousands of years ago"
(B) "culture spread across"
(C) "Asia, Africa and Europe"
(D) "buy and sell more"
2 Read the sentence from the section "Communication."
Globalization depends very much on how people communicate. Knowledge zips around the world on the Internet.
Which word could replace "zips" WITHOUT changing the meaning of the second sentence?
(A) races
(B) crawls
(C) calls
(D) swings
3 Read the section "Globalization In History."
Which of the following BEST describes the structure of the section?
(A) cause and effect
(B) sequence of events
(C) problem and solution
(D) compare and contrast
4 If you want information about how globalization can both help and hurt people in poor countries, which section should you read?
(A) "Travel"
(B) "Popular Culture"
(C) "Economy"
(D) "Politics"
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. PRO/CON: Is binge-watching a harmless pleasure or a harmful addiction? By ProCon.org, adapted by Newsela staff on 02.14.20 Word Count 1,076 Level 720L
Is binge-watching a harmless hobby or a dangerous vice? Photo: Guido Mieth via Getty Images.
The term "binge-watch" may seem like it's been around forever, but it was first used in 2003. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, to binge-watch is to rapidly watch many episodes of a TV show, one after another.
The term "binge-watch" became popular in 2013. That year, Netflix released a new series. It was called "House of Cards." The streaming provider put out all 13 episodes at once. In 2015, "binge- watch" was declared the word of the year by Collins English Dictionary.
Nearly three-fourths of Americans admit to binge-watching. The number is higher among Millennials and Generation Z. Millennials are people who were born between 1981 and 1996. Members of Gen Z were born between 1995 and 2012. About 9 out of 10 individuals in these age groups say they binge-watch. Around 4 out of 10 binge-watch an average of six episodes of television in one sitting. That's about five hours of TV at a time.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Helen Newstead works at HarperCollins Publishing. She said that the rising popularity of the term "binge-watching" is a sign of the biggest change in people's viewing habits since the videocassette recorder was introduced. The videocassette recorder, or VCR, became popular about 40 years ago. It allowed viewers to record a show to watch later on. This meant they no longer had to stay home to watch.
Binge-watching has taken the world by storm. Is it a harmless pleasure? Or could it be a harmful addiction? Consider the pros and cons below.
PRO: Binge-watching leads to beneficial social connections
Binge-watching creates a sense of community around a show. Experts refer to this as a "shared cultural space." It's a kind of common ground. It allows viewers to discuss their enjoyment of a show with everyone from a family member to a coworker to a stranger at the supermarket.
Romantic relationships can be strengthened by binge-watching together. Binge-watching creates a shared interest. It's a fun and easy way for couples to spend time together. Binge-watching may even help couples who are going through problems in their relationship. If couples see TV characters experiencing similar troubles, they may be able to better understand their own issues.
A study was published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. It found that binge- watching can help people in long-distance relationships, too. Sharing the pretend world of a show helps long-distance couples connect from far away.
PRO: Binge-watching has health benefits, like stress relief
According to experts, binge-watching releases a chemical called dopamine in the brain. Dopamine creates a feeling of happiness. It can help people relax. It may even relieve their stress.
John Mayer is a psychologist. Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Mayer says that everyday life causes people lots of stress. We are constantly flooded with information. "It is hard to shut our minds down and tune out the stress and pressures," he says. Binge-watching can help. It acts "like a steel door," Mayer says. It shuts out the constant stress we face.
In other words, binge-watching gives our brains a break.
PRO: Binge-watching makes a show more fulfilling
When a viewer is binge-watching, they can get fully wrapped up in a story. This is a satisfying feeling. It's similar to staying up all night to finish a really exciting book.
Today, many shows are made for binge-watching. Netflix releases many of its shows with full seasons. "Stranger Things" is one example.
Watching many episodes at once can make it easier to follow the show's story. You are less likely to forget important details. As a result, shows made for binge-watching can be more complicated. Binge-able shows can feature twisty storylines and many realistic characters.
Steven Johnson is an author. He writes about media. Johnson says watching these more-complex shows may make viewers smarter. Shows like this demand greater attention. Many require deep thought to understand.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. CON: Binge-watching leads to mental-health issues
Researchers at the University of Texas did a study on binge-watching. They found that binge- watchers were more likely to experience certain negative feelings. These included sadness and loneliness. Yoon Hi Sung was one of the researchers. She explained that when binge-watching becomes a habit, viewers may start to ignore other things that are important — like their work and relationships. These people have a hard time stopping themselves from binge-watching. It's hard to quit even though they know it is making their lives harder, she said.
Binge-watching can even lead to addiction. Dr. Renee Carr is a psychologist. She has pointed out that the human body can get addicted to any activity that releases dopamine. Remember, dopamine is the chemical in our brain that makes us feel happy. Binge-watching releases dopamine.
Another study found that, rather than reducing stress, binge-watching actually made people more stressed. It gave them feelings of regret and guilt. These feelings were tied to the idea that binge- watching was a waste of their time.
CON: Binge-watching leads to serious physical health problems
Binge-watching requires sitting for hours and hours. This behavior has been linked to serious medical issues. They include heart disease, cancer and blood clots. It's not unusual to snack while you're binge-watching. This is OK in moderation. Too much snacking can be unhealthy, though, especially if the snacks are packed with sugars and fats.
One study found that binge-watching was related to poor sleep and extreme tiredness. Getting very into a series right before bed winds the viewer up rather than helping them calm down to sleep. Some viewers may be unable to sleep as a result. Others may choose binge-watching over sleeping! One survey found that more than 4 out of 10 binge-watchers had stayed awake all night to binge-watch a show.
CON: Binge-watching makes the show less fulfilling
Viewers today do not want to wait for the next episode of a show. It makes them impatient. However, this experience can be pleasurable.
Damon Lindelof has created a few popular TV shows. One recent example is "Watchmen." Lindelof has said that when we binge-watch, we lose something: a feeling of anticipation. We used to look forward to the next episode of our favorite show. In a binge-watching society, we don't get to anticipate anything. We don't get to guess what will happen next. We just put on the next episode right away. Lindelof thinks this is sad.
One study found that viewers who binge-watched reported that they enjoyed shows less. Maybe they miss the anticipation, too.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Quiz
1 Select the sentence that summarizes the article.
(A) Most Americans say that they binge-watch television, consuming about five hours of content in each session.
(B) Experts agree that binge-watching has real effects on the viewer, but they disagree about whether those effects are positive or negative.
(C) Binge-watching television has been linked to improved social relationships and decreased levels of stress and anxiety.
(D) Doctors worry that binge-watching could lead to increased heart disease and blood clots due to inactivity.
2 Read the following paragraph.
Nearly three-fourths of Americans admit to binge-watching. The number is higher among Millennials and Generation Z. Millennials are people who were born between 1981 and 1996. Members of Gen Z were born between 1995 and 2012. About 9 out of 10 individuals in these age groups say they binge-watch. Around 4 out of 10 binge-watch an average of six episodes of television in one sitting. That's about five hours of TV at a time.
How does this paragraph support the main idea of the article?
(A) It supports the idea that younger Americans are at greater risk of negative health consequences tied to binge-watching.
(B) It illustrates the main physical and psychological consequences of binge-watching.
(C) It describes the large number of Americans who binge-watch, illustrating the importance of the debate around its possible effects.
(D) It compares the number of Americans from various age groups who regularly binge-watch television.
3 What is the structure of this article?
(A) cause and effect
(B) problem and solution
(C) pro and con
(D) compare and contrast
4 Read the paragraph from the section "PRO: Binge-watching makes a show more fulfilling."
Today, many shows are made for binge-watching. Netflix releases many of its shows with full seasons. "Stranger Things" is one example.
What does this paragraph do in this section?
(A) It explains how much people's enjoyment of a television show affects their binge-watching.
(B) It introduces one of the causes of decreased anxiety in people who binge-watch television often.
(C) It explains some of the most popular television shows that Americans like to binge-watch.
(D) It introduces the idea that television writers are creating shows that are meant to be binge-watched.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Answer Key
1 Select the sentence that summarizes the article.
(A) Most Americans say that they binge-watch television, consuming about five hours of content in each session.
(B) Experts agree that binge-watching has real effects on the viewer, but they disagree about whether those effects are positive or negative.
(C) Binge-watching television has been linked to improved social relationships and decreased levels of stress and anxiety.
(D) Doctors worry that binge-watching could lead to increased heart disease and blood clots due to inactivity.
2 Read the following paragraph.
Nearly three-fourths of Americans admit to binge-watching. The number is higher among Millennials and Generation Z. Millennials are people who were born between 1981 and 1996. Members of Gen Z were born between 1995 and 2012. About 9 out of 10 individuals in these age groups say they binge-watch. Around 4 out of 10 binge-watch an average of six episodes of television in one sitting. That's about five hours of TV at a time.
How does this paragraph support the main idea of the article?
(A) It supports the idea that younger Americans are at greater risk of negative health consequences tied to binge-watching.
(B) It illustrates the main physical and psychological consequences of binge-watching.
(C) It describes the large number of Americans who binge-watch, illustrating the importance of the debate around its possible effects.
(D) It compares the number of Americans from various age groups who regularly binge-watch television.
3 What is the structure of this article?
(A) cause and effect
(B) problem and solution
(C) pro and con
(D) compare and contrast
4 Read the paragraph from the section "PRO: Binge-watching makes a show more fulfilling."
Today, many shows are made for binge-watching. Netflix releases many of its shows with full seasons. "Stranger Things" is one example.
What does this paragraph do in this section?
(A) It explains how much people's enjoyment of a television show affects their binge-watching.
(B) It introduces one of the causes of decreased anxiety in people who binge-watch television often.
(C) It explains some of the most popular television shows that Americans like to binge-watch.
(D) It introduces the idea that television writers are creating shows that are meant to be binge- watched.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com.