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Presentation9 cardsAbout 3 min to speakIntermediateSchool

Current events talk for class

A short current events or news talk for class: summarise one news story, explain the background, compare sources, consider different views and share a question for discussion.

Use this template

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The cards

  1. 1

    Headline

    My current events talk is about [story in one line].

    It was reported on [date] by [news outlet or outlets].

  2. 2

    The five Ws

    • Who: [people or groups involved]
    • What: [what happened]
    • When: [date or time frame]
    • Where: [place]
    • Why: [reason or cause, as reported]
  3. 3

    Background

    To understand this, you need to know that [one or two sentences of background].

    This connects to [topic we have studied in class], if relevant.

  4. 4

    Comparing sources

    • Source one: [outlet] focused on [angle]
    • Source two: [outlet] focused on [angle]
    • What they agree on: [facts]
    • What differs: [emphasis, words used, images chosen]
  5. 5

    Checking the facts

    • Is it reported by more than one reliable outlet?
    • Is the date recent and correct?
    • Is anything still unconfirmed? Say: It has been reported that ...
    • Is it news, opinion or analysis? [label]

    Name your sources out loud.

  6. 6

    Different views

    Some people think [view one] because [reason].

    Others argue [view two] because [reason].

  7. 7

    Why it matters

    This story matters to [people our age / our community / the world] because [impact].

    What might happen next: [possible development, if reported].

  8. 8

    My reflection

    What I found interesting or surprising was [reflection].

    I still want to know [unanswered question].

  9. 9

    Discussion question

    I would like to ask the class: [open question]?

    Thank you.

How to use this template

Many teachers in social studies, civics, geography and English run regular current events or news talks, where each student summarises a recent story and leads a short discussion. This template helps you go beyond reading out an article. The cards cover the headline and source, the five Ws (who, what, when, where and why), background, a comparison of how two outlets reported it, different views, why it matters, your reflection and a question for the class. Comparing sources is a key media literacy skill and often what teachers are really assessing. The talk takes around three minutes, plus discussion time.

Tips

  • Choose a story from the last week or two, from reliable news organisations, and check it is reported by more than one outlet.
  • Avoid stories that are graphic or likely to distress classmates, and check with your teacher if you are unsure.
  • Separate facts from opinions on your cards. Label anything that is a view or prediction rather than a confirmed fact.
  • Present different views fairly, even if you have a strong opinion. You can share your own view on the reflection card.
  • Make your discussion question open, starting with how, why or should, so it cannot be answered with yes or no.
  • Bring the article, a printout or a link so your teacher can check the source.
  • Practise the five Ws until you can say them without notes; they are the backbone of a clear news summary.
  • If a classmate disagrees during discussion, thank them and ask what evidence they have heard, keeping the tone calm.

Make it fit

  • For a one-minute news brief, keep only the headline, five Ws and why it matters.
  • For a local news talk, choose a story from your town or region and add a card on how it affects your school or community.
  • For a science or technology news talk, add a card explaining the key idea or discovery in plain words.
  • For an international story, add a map and say where the country is in relation to your own.
  • For older students, add a card that analyses the headline wording and the image the outlet chose.
  • For a regular weekly news slot, keep one blank copy of these cards and fill in a new set each week to save time.
  • For a primary class, choose a positive or curious story, such as a discovery or an animal rescue, and keep to the five Ws and why it matters.

Updated October 28, 2026

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