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Tips for writing an Excellent Current Events Essay or Research Paper

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Let's face it, writing a current events essay can be challenging if you are not adequately prepared. It is a laborious process, especially if you are to select a current event issue, formulate a topic, plan, write, and polish your essay within a tight deadline.

The bitter truth is that no professor will teach you how to write one. Well, at least not as deep as our detailed guide here will do in the next less than a quarter an hour of your time. Yet it is an assignment assigned at grades 6-8, high school, college, university, and sometimes even at Ph.D. levels.

In most cases, your role is to present points or concrete arguments about the event in question. In essence, you need to plan, research, and engage your best writing, critical thinking, and creativity skills. Good analysis, organization, and presentation are necessary more like when writing a synthesis essay or expository essay .

With all that in mind, let's find the way out. You can read this article and scoop some ideas on the elements that make a good current events paper, even if you are writing it for the first time.

What is a current events essay?

A current events essay describes a recent issue, situation, phenomenon, or happening that is interesting, drawing the attention of many people, shocking, or fascinating. In some cases, current event essays describe an event that is yet to happen. It helps relate what you have learned in class to the real-world situations that occur around you. Most current event essays are five-paragraph essays.

In a current events essay, you are to address the historical context, current state, and the potential short- and long-term effects of a given aspect of a current issue or phenomenon that has a global impact. In most cases, the topics will relate to concepts from the law, politics, international relations, technology, science, sociology, medicine and health, and other controversial societal issues. You will take a current event or issue and present it in its context.

It is a common assignment for students taking English writing classes, which is meant to assess writing, editing, and research skills. It also informs students about important occurrences across the world.

When writing one, you are to reflect on and form opinions about social justice and also learn how to spot publication bias. And as you write it, you get to hone your reading comprehension, summary, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

As well, writing an essay on current events helps you to develop your argumentative and persuasive skills.

Now that we know what a current events essay or the paper is let's explore the various steps you should take to write one successfully.

Steps to Write a Current Events Essay

Before everything else, let us show you the steps you need to follow when writing a current events essay. Although there is no one single proven way to approach such an essay better, these steps can help you avoid writer's block and write a current events essay that becomes your teacher's favorite. To write a current events essay, follow these steps:

1. Select a topic you find interesting

Although some professors or educators provide specific instructions about what topic to choose or write about, others leave it up to you (the student) to choose one. When allowed the flexibility of selecting a current events essay topic, you need to be very careful.

Check whether the instructions have specific time constraints on the topic you are to select. For instance, the instructions could stress that you focus on current events within the last year, one month, or five years.

You must also check whether your topic relates to a specific area, field, or industry. For example, understand whether it relates to education, banking, investments, technology, sports, business, religion, discrimination, gender, or politics.

Finally, check whether you need to choose a topic with some analytical aspects. This step should help you choose a topic that will not end up with a descriptive tone.

To choose a fit essay topic , you can focus on your notes, ask for insights from classmates and peers, or consult with your teacher. And as you select a topic, remember to choose one that is interesting, easy to find information about, and one you can write a complete 5-10 page essay on.

Suppose you are unsure and cannot get enough help from your teacher. In that case, you can engage an essay writing service for topic selection and further guidance.

Related Reading:

  • Informative Speech topics to consider.
  • Writing a descriptive essay the right way.
  • Good topics and ideas for persuasive essays.
  • Current and interesting argumentative essay topics.
  • Tips for writing an informative essay.

2. Choose a reputable news source and select an article

Some of the good places to find topics and articles for a current events essay include New ELA, NY Times , National News, Local news websites, Sports News, The Atlantic , BBC News , Daily Mail, The Economist, The Guardian, Investopedia, Forbes, TIME Magazine, The Harvard Business Review, National Public Radio (NPR), CNN News , USA Today, The Wall Street Journal , The Washington Post , and other credible news outlets.

The source you select should be reliable, reputable, and credible. It should write well-researched, verified, and trustworthy news. After finding the source, research a fresh article as you write about a current event. Besides, choose an article on the correct topic and ensure it has the right information for your current events paper.

If you are writing a current events paper for a politics class, use the section of the major newspapers that deals with political matters. In the same way, if you are writing on science topics, target the science and technology section of the newspaper for appropriate articles.

Consider choosing from scholarly sources such as empirical journal articles, scholarly books, government documents, or peer-reviewed articles.

3. Read the selected article and take notes

After you have selected the article, read through it severally. In the first few instances, skim through the article to have a rough idea of its contents, then subsequently read as you take notes.

When reading, highlight the critical points within the article. If you are unsure of some vocabulary in the article, use a dictionary and note the contextual meaning of the words.

 You should then use the highlighted notes to identify the 5 Ws: who, what, where, when, why, and how. Answer briefly the questions below:

  • What happened?
  • Where did it happen?
  • When did it happen?
  • Who was involved?
  • Why did it happen?
  • How did it happen?

Determining these aspects helps you develop an angle of analysis, develop lead sentences, craft a strong thesis statement , and develop claims and arguments necessary for your current events paper. You can also document your thoughts about the article and its content.

4. Develop a thesis statement and hook for your essay

With the notes, you can develop a thesis statement and choose a good hook for your essay . A current events essay needs to be captivating, which means supporting the main arguments with credible evidence. Therefore, develop a strong thesis that each body paragraph will support using evidence.

If you are writing a current events essay on human trafficking during COVID-19, you can use the hook and thesis below:

Hook: In a study by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC) , it emerged that the COVID-19 pandemic had had a devastating impact on the victims and survivors of human trafficking, with an increased targeting and exploitation of children and women.

Thesis Statement: It is time for world leaders, investigative agencies, and law enforcement agencies to come together and develop a platform that would curb human trafficking, especially during challenging times such as pandemics and natural disasters.

5. Select the sources you are going to use to support the thesis

Research is the most critical yet intimidating part of writing any paper. However, to set yourself up in the right direction, consider doing this:

  • Understand the number of sources you are to use to determine the scope of your research
  • Choose credible sources. This primarily depends on the instructions. Some professors and teachers will allow you to use media and business articles. At the same time, some will only accept essays written with scholarly sources.
  • Know the scope of your research or paper before commencing research. Try to write down the main points that you will use to support the thesis then research.

These are blueprints for your research as you seek to expound on the 5Ws and H of your current events essay paper.

The sources should help you fortify your position. Find and quote from experts, public figures, and scholars in the field.

When researching, look for relevant passages. Then, skim and read the documents with the 5Ws and H in your mind. If a section has ideas, consider them and highlight the significant points. You can also use the organizing tools to organize ideas from the sources.

6. Create an outline

A current events essay follows the five-paragraph essay format:

Introduction

  • Body paragraphs

The body section is where the rubber meets the road as you provide evidence to support the thesis. For example, you can use subheadings in the body corresponding to the 5Ws and H.

Below is a breakdown of what should go where:

  • What is the event?
  • What happened or is yet to happen?
  • What are the consequences?
  • Which media has covered the event, and when did it do so?

The answers to these questions should be brief. Your current events essay introduction aims to give the reader insight into the event. Brevity helps you to sound reliable, knowledgeable, and engaging. The introduction should not exceed five to six sentences in most cases unless it is a very long essay.

Body Paragraph 1

  • Give a history of the event
  • What factors led to the event, and who was involved

Body Paragraph 2

  • Explain the two sides people can take regarding the event (one side agrees, the other disagrees)- give adequate reasons.

Body Paragraph 3

  • Explain the significance of the event
  • As yourself, "who will the event impact?"
  • What will happen?
  • What roles do the people involve play?
  • What can be done to change things, and by who?
  • Summarize the crucial details of your essay
  • Discuss the possibility of bias in the article
  • Reflect on how bias informs you of the way the article was created
  • Tell your readers why the event is significant enough to cover in an essay.

Works Cited Page

  • List of the sources used in the essay

7. Write the first draft

It is now time to make the outline count with the outline completely. Then, you can start organizing your research and developing ideas in your essay. We advise that you begin by writing the body paragraphs, then the introduction, finally winds up with the conclusion. We are of the opinion that writing the introduction last ensures that it is excellent, composed, and consistent.

Regardless of the process, even if you begin writing chronologically (from introduction to conclusion), only focus on writing and not perfection when developing the first draft.

Select from the important passages you read evidence that support your thesis. Paraphrase, quote, and summarize from the sources, then provide an appropriate citation. Write the respective headings, subheadings, and paragraphs, and use transitions to maintain a good flow.

Your first draft should be rough, which means writing and not editing. Then, when writing the conclusion , it should be a recap of your essay. It should have a rephrased thesis and some important points of your research.

To avoid writer's block, ensure you systematically complete the paper when you have the will and zeal to write. Do not wait until later. Instead, plan your essay and complete it in phases before the deadline.

8. Proofread and edit the essay

With everything completed, it is time to refine the first draft and turn it into a final draft. First, edit your essay for the flow of ideas and sentence structure. Check whether there are ambiguous sentences, run-on sentences, or sentences that don�t make sense and are correct. If essay phrases have been misplaced, replace them with the best ones.

Proceed to proofread your essay for spelling and grammar errors. To conclude the polishing process, countercheck the sources cited in your essay. Check if the citations are done per the preferred format and that sources used in the in-text citations appear in your list of references in the correct format.

If possible, have another person read your essay. Trust our online proofreaders to read your essay, highlight mistakes, and make necessary corrections. You will get a smart paper that explains the significance of these changes. Your essay sells ideas to your professor or markers and anticipates the best Grade.

Tips when writing a current events paper

Use the following tips to perfect your current events essay.

1. Always read, understand, and analyze the essay question or the essay prompt

Check the limiting terms that define the scope of the topic, the content terms specific to the task, and the directive terms that define what your essay will be about. Directive terms include discussing, evaluating, comparing, illustrating, or exploring.

2. Define your arguments as you plan to write the essay

Ensure you have claim statements , thesis statements, and good hooks related to the main topic. Make an informed opinion, position, or point of view on the topic.

3. Use evidence, reasoning, and scholarship.

Evidence should offer data and facts to support your claim. It could be statistics, examples, quotations, and facts. Reasoning helps connect the evidence to your main argument. You will have to use reason when evaluating the evidence to show how it fits in the context of your paper. The scholarship aspect helps show how your arguments relate to what you have cited.

4. Ensure that your essay has an excellent organization

Use good essay hooks and thesis statements, and write befitting background information in your introduction. Next, organize the body paragraphs using different paragraphing techniques for a good flow. Finally, let your conclusion leave the readers yearning for more from you. It should show how the topic fits a broader context of your discipline, the significance of your findings, and factors you have covered that might interest your readers.

5. Have an essay plan

An essay plan will help you avoid writer's block. It will also help break down the writing process's parts, making it easier to concentrate, focus, and achieve more.

6. Have an essay checklist to help you refine and polish the paper

Develop the checklist from the rubric or marking scheme if one is provided. If not provided, consider some factors for a successful essay and mark your paper against the checklist.

7. Cite sources and evidence in your essay

Check whether each of the in-text citations is done as per the requirements. Equally, ensure that your list of references is up-to-date and formatted correctly in MLA, APA , Chicago, or Harvard formats.

8. Do not plagiarize

Ensure that every piece of information you use is well-cited. Acknowledge others for their credible information as you use their evidence, findings, and data to write your essay. This also means referring to verified sources such as authoritative newspapers, government journals, company data, images, and scholarly articles.

9. Be impartial

When writing, describe an event objectively without taking a subjective position. Look at the causes, factors, and other background details of the event that are not accessible. Choose not to guess or misrepresent ideas. Instead, analyze the chosen issue or event critically. And if you are writing about an event yet to occur, write what is expected based on evidence. Make good predictions and offer rationale or justifications to support your arguments. Your current event essay must be objective, convincing, informative, and educative.

These current essay tips can be the only determinant for getting the best Grade off your current events essay. Perfect and polish your writing, reading and comprehension, analytical, and organization skills because that is what is being tested. Avoid using complicated vocabulary. Instead, focus on the simplicity required in scholarly writing.

Current Event Topics

We have brainstormed, researched, and developed various current event essay topics you can choose and write about. Alternatively, these topics can be a great starting point for brainstorming and developing an appropriate topic.

  • How Twitter is a significant political tool
  • The USA uses drone strikes to attack terrorists; how accurate is the move?
  • Causes of the high cost of healthcare in the USA
  • Shortage of nurses and healthcare workers in the USA
  • Wildfires in Australia
  • Is the WHO trustworthy?
  • Is Big Pharma taking us around with COVID-19 vaccines?
  • Controversies about green energy
  • Ballooning student loans in the USA
  • Is social media to blame for rising teenage suicides?
  • Is TikTok better than Google?
  • Trump's presidency and international relations
  • Afghan women's rights under Taliban 2.0
  • The Black Lives Matter Movement in America
  • How COVID-19 changed the global politics
  • Are mandatory vaccination laws legal?
  • Should the USA reduce its strictness to illegal immigrants considering its built on the same workforce?
  • Should children above 15 years be allowed to vote?
  • Should the government be representative?
  • Should developed nations stop funding corrupt developing countries?
  • Should rich people be exposed?
  • Do rich people control the world
  • Are wars a tool to thwart developing nations?
  • The war in Syria is a creation of selfish leaders
  • Why America and Russia are not on good terms
  • Should North Korea stop nuclear weapons manufacturing?
  • Relationship between North Korea and the USA
  • The impacts of COVID-19 on the Tokyo Olympic
  • Eliud Kipchoge's 1:59 marathon Record
  • Should NFTs be banned?
  • Is Blockchain the next big thing for the world?
  • Nations should negotiate with North Korea
  • Causes of global hunger and poverty
  • Is NATO an effective organization
  • Did COVID-19 change the global healthcare system?
  • Is it possible that we are headed for a third world war?
  • Is China an observer of human rights?
  • Is China the new world's superpower?
  • China is the world's kitchen, a chief polluter
  • Is the Indian Judicial system better?
  • Foreign aid has hurt Africa for ages
  • African leaders are mainly corrupt, and dictators
  • Should Africa be recolonized
  • Is China using loans and foreign aid to recolonize Africa?
  • Is cycling better than football?
  • Covid-19 and the Olympic games
  • How covid-19 has affected sports
  • Should euthanasia be legalized
  • The endless destruction of Amazon and what governments are doing
  • Sex work should be legalized
  • Women's rights in Afghanistan
  • Mental healthcare for the LGBTQ people
  • How COVID-19 Exposed the Flaws of America's Private Health Insurance System
  • Why should Korea not forgive Japan for its past war crimes?
  • Did History Repeat Itself in Afghanistan?
  • The Afghanistan-Taliban scandal
  • Is Dubai a hub for international organized financial crimes?
  • Social isolation of prisoners during covid-19?
  • Was the media skewed in telling lies during the pandemic?
  • The no-mask mandate in England
  • Why is it time to lift COVID-19 restrictions?
  • Mandatory vaccinations and global travel
  • Was the alarm around COVID-19 necessary?
  • Housing shortage in China
  • Gender reveal parties are a waste of time
  • Is democracy doing any good?
  • Social distancing distanced people all over the world
  • Vaccine equality
  • Science and lies during the covid-19
  • Politics behind climate change
  • Fascism in the contemporary society
  • Can Trump make it back in 2024?
  • Covid-19 and property pricing in New York
  • Media censorship and oppression
  • The media only sings the tunes of the rich
  • Effects of covid-19 on financial stabilities of families
  • Being a Muslim in China
  • Are electronics the ultimate weapons?
  • Are the media houses making us more divisive through the news?
  • The third hand in Myanmar chaos
  • Africa and its ballooning foreign debts
  • Why do African countries store their money abroad?
  • Immigration and covid-19
  • Access to food and water during the pandemic
  • Should TikTok be banned?
  • Is TikTok a tool that has enabled LGBTQ people to come out?
  • Is universal basic income attainable?
  • Are trade unions any better in contemporary society?
  • Who runs the world?
  • Role of the New Silk Road from China to Pakistan
  • Justice in a divided country
  • Is Kim Jong-Un displaying his insecurity by flexing his nuclear muscles?
  • Is Trump among the best Presidents the USA has ever had?
  • Is Medical marijuana a promise for terminally ill patients?
  • Can medical marijuana be used to manage COVID-19 symptoms?
  • Deepwater Horizon Explosion and the environment
  • Walmart and gun ordinances
  • Consumer behavior in the age of social media
  • Nissan's CEO a wanted man
  • The latest breakthroughs in Fusion power
  • Elizabeth Holmes and her Theranos ideas
  • Is Next-Gen Graphics the next big thing?
  • Using CRISPR to reverse blindness
  • Silicon valley's greatest disaster
  • Thorium is the future of energy
  • Apple's M1 Chip as a game-changer
  • Rise of bank fraud
  • Ponzi schemes in the 21 st Century
  • The rise and fall of HTC
  • Humanoid robots and the future

Any of these topics can make it to a good current project paper. You can also consider a current event project example on issues such as war, political assasinations, olympics, global disease outbreaks, air accidents, economic depression, inflation, etc.

List of Current Events to Write About

We have listed elsewhere social issues that you can also look into as possible topics and titles for your current event essay. Apart from those, here are suggestions of recent events that you can check and pick an appropriate topic. First, focus on what is in the news pertaining to these areas, then choose your angle of analysis.

  • Airline travel
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Assisted suicide
  • Bilingual education
  • Black lives matter
  • Blockchain technology
  • Border Security
  • Capital punishment
  • Charter schools
  • Childhood obesity
  • Citizen scientists
  • Civil rights
  • The civil war in Ethiopia
  • Climate change
  • Concussions and injuries in football
  • Cyberbullying
  • Cyber security
  • Cybersecurity
  • Digital divide
  • Drug trafficking
  • Early childhood development
  • Early voting
  • Electric vehicles
  • Electronic voting
  • Environmental laws
  • Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam
  • Executive order
  • Factory farming
  • Food security
  • Fast food advertisements
  • Flint water issues
  • Foreign aid
  • Freedom of speech
  • Genetic engineering
  • Gerrymandering
  • Green energy
  • Green New Deal
  • Global Recession
  • Hate crimes
  • Hate speech
  • Health insurance
  • Healthcare access
  • Heart diseases among footballers
  • Human trafficking
  • Immigration
  • Investigative journalism
  • Israel-Palestinian relations
  • Land ownership
  • Land use and management
  • Lead and copper rule
  • Lead toxicity
  • Machine learning
  • Me Too movement
  • Minimum wage
  • Misinformation
  • Money laundering
  • National elections
  • Natural disasters (Tsunamis, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, flooding, snowing, storms, etc.)
  • Net neutrality
  • Nuclear energy
  • Offshore drilling
  • Online anonymity
  • Organic food
  • Organized crimes
  • Outsourcing
  • Police reforms
  • Police shootings
  • Poor governance
  • Racial profiling by law enforcement
  • Russian hacking
  • Scientific Research
  • Self-driving cars
  • Sex education
  • Shale gas exploration
  • Slacktivism
  • Smart devices
  • Social security
  • Space exploration
  • Stimulus packages
  • Supreme Court
  • Taliban and Afghanistan
  • Trade tariffs
  • Transgender rights
  • Transnational crimes
  • Ukraine and Russia
  • Voter fraud
  • Voting laws
  • Water resources
  • Water rights
  • Water supply regulation
  • White nationalism
  • White privilege
  • Women's rights
  • World cycling tours
  • Zero tolerance policies

Final Remarks

Now you understand how to write and what to include in a current events paper. We hope you are inspired to write one on your own following the steps, structure, and examples outlined above.

Related Read: Titling an article in an essay.

Although this guide is the surest way to write a quality paper, you can always look at samples of current event papers written in the past. You can also consult with peers and professors for the best ideas. Finally, you can choose from our list of topics and develop further ideas from our list of current events.

If you are not satisfied or confident with your research and writing skills, you are welcome to seek the help of our essay writing experts . We offer 24/7 professional support that can help you when stuck. Do not hesitate to contact us and ask us to write your current events paper.

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Through the writing of the essay, students learn to reflect on interesting topics and form opinions. The writing of the Current Events Essay promotes the mastery of comprehension skills and enhances argumentative skills

This article explains the defining elements of a Current Events Essay, its distinct characteristics, and tips on how to write it.

There are always trending issues around the world that find their way into news outlets. The current events essay tests the students' knowledge of such affairs. It provokes them to be critical and make judgments on important issues that are current.

Current events essay needs to be relevant to the readers. The discussion relies on facts from reliable and credible sources to eliminate the possibility of delivering fake information.

Demonstrating knowledge of the issue

Can one write a good essay without knowing the topic? Tutors test students' grasp of the current affairs through the writing of the essays. To write a good Current Events Essay on a particular topic, you must be conversant with the issue. If not, you should research and establish facts, read and comprehend them before responding in writing.

Showcasing critical thinking skills

Current Events Essay demands a mastery of critical thinking skills. The essay should demonstrate that the writer is knowledgeable and can form an opinion on the issue. The issue which generates the essay becomes a springboard for exciting the intellect of the writer.

Demonstrating the ability to cite credible sources

Current events are dictated by facts, although there are some cases of misinformation. For credibility, you should identify trustworthy sources that inform the topic and cite them appropriately. Acknowledging sources is a demonstration of knowledge and avoids cases of plagiarism.

Current events essays have the following features:

Current Events Essay comments on an issue that is still relevant to the readers. The event should have happened within a particular time frame.

The essay relies on facts, and thus you must cite relevant sources and credible authorities while commenting on an issue. As a writer, you are supposed to acknowledge your source of information to avoid plagiarism and ensure that your arguments are credible.

The Current Events Essay makes facts explicit to the readers. The essay details specific points that are verifiable to the readers. Before you decide on a particular issue under discussion, you start by revealing the facts that inform your judgment.

1.  Understand the issue

Start by researching on the Current Events Topic to have a clear understanding. Sources of information are available on several platforms, including online. The instructor can also ask you to use one source of information. When that happens, read or listen exhaustively to the resource as you write down key points. If you do not understand the issue, will you manage to comment on it?

2.  Identify key facts and sources

Not every information available in a news source is important. Look for the essential points that include figures and important places and persons. Research on the authenticity of the sources referred to in the material you are using based on your writing. Ensure that you highlight the facts and sources.

3.  Form an opinion based on facts

Upon getting the facts and other important details, you should think about the resource you are using critically. Ask yourself questions such as: To what extent is this true? To what extent do I find this presentation accurate or believable? What assumptions and contradictions have been made in the document I am relying on? Thereafter, declare your stand and write down all the key points informing your decision.

4.  Pre-write your essay

From the notes you have made, you can start the first stage of writing the draft. For inspiration, you can sample some Current Events Essay topic examples and learn how the writing is done, Start the first paragraph by informing your readers what you are commenting on to familiarize themselves with the issue. Arrange your arguments in an orderly manner to ensure there is continuity in your argument.

5.  Edit and proofread your draft

After writing the first draft, it is important to proofread your work. Confirm if you got the facts right and whether the argument is consistent. Edit out any grammatical errors and ensure your points are exhausted.

For you to write an impressive current events essay, consider the following tips:

Current events essay topics tests your ability to comprehend a situation. This leaves out imagination and demands facts and convincing arguments. Do not make the mistake of commenting on an issue that you have little knowledge. Even if you are restricted to use one article or any other news material, you should do extra research to enable you to connect with the realities you may have missed. Always remember that facts matter in the current events essay. As you go through the news material, write down all the facts, including data. Also, list the claims that the story makes as you critically think about them. You can write the best essay if you identify inconsistencies in the story. Look out for contradicting claims. Verify data, especially numbers from different credible sources. If you manage to point out some discrepancies, you can challenge the story's validity and make a convincing conclusion.

Globalization has enabled easy access to information. Follow current events and research extensively to enrich yourself with information about issues. While writing your Current events essay, create a strong thesis that will guide your argument. Be keen on facts and establish any inconsistencies to assist you in forming a strong thesis and conclusion.

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How to Write a Current Event Essay: Tips, Structure, Topics, Example

Students are often tasked with the responsibility of how to write a current events essay paper. This paper assesses their research, writing, and editing skills. It also helps them keep tabs on the occurrences in the world and draw a relationship between them and their possible effects.

a good current events essay

When writing this kind of paper, reflecting on a situation and exercising your critical thinking and creativity is essential. This writing also develops your argumentative and persuasive skills .

What Is a Current Events Essay?

Unlike most papers, a current events essay focuses on clearly and effectively outlining a particular phenomenon, situation, or happening. The event has to be interesting enough to draw most people’s attention and evoke different emotions from them. On rare occasions, this kind of writing could also describe an event that has yet to occur.

This kind of writing requires you to address the phenomenon’s historical context, current state, and potential effects. As a result, your topics will relate to concepts in fields such as technology, politics, medicine and health, sociology, science, international relations, law, and controversial societal issues and standards.

Current Event Paper Format

Having defined what this kind of paper is about, how about diving into details about its format? Before getting into intricate details about event paper writing, how about taking a detour to learn more about EssayAxe ? We are a cheap essay writing service you can confidently rely on. These are the reasons why you should hire us to work on your assignment:

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  • Our rates are student-friendly , and hiring us could save time and help you earn good grades.

How Do You Write a Summary of an Event?

Back to the format of writing current events papers, these steps will help you better approach this kind of essay. They will also help you avoid writer’s block and develop a well-structured essay. Follow these steps on how to write a current events report:

1. Select an Exciting Topic

Your tutor may provide a specific topic or instructions for this essay. On other occasions, they might ask you to select a topic and write an essay about it. The latter might sound easy, even though most students fail at approaching it. Therefore, you must be very careful when choosing a topic for your writing.

Before settling on a topic, go through the tutor’s instructions to establish the constraints of your essay’s topic. Some tutors specify the timeframe of the events they want to write about. Others limit the subject or field they want the writing to be about. Some instructions will also dictate the tone of your paper. For instance, an analytical essay should not have a descriptive tone.

Current Events Essay Topics

How do I make my current event article engaging and interesting? The first step is to choose the right topic. Focus on your notes or news outlets for ideas on what to write about. Ask for insights from your mates or tutor. Alternatively, consult our team for information on what to write about.

Meanwhile, here are examples of current events to write about:

  • How can we control inflation?
  • Should college be free?
  • Should all college debt be forgiven?
  • Is the U.S. going to go into recession?
  • Was the defunding of police departments a good idea?
  • What should be the rules for the repayment of college loans?
  • Is the U.S. economy becoming stronger or weaker?
  • How important is it to reduce the Federal budget deficit?
  • Should the death penalty be outlawed throughout the U.S.?
  • Should the United States raise the minimum wage for workers?
  • How is COVID-19 changing working in America? Around the world?
  • Does it make sense to give U.S. citizenship to all babies born in the United States?
  • What is causing the increasingly high cost of healthcare in the United States?
  • Does better health care for everyone make a better and stronger economy in the U.S.?
  • How should the U.S. respond to cyber hacking by Russia, China, and other countries?

writing a current events essay

2. Choose a Reputable News Source and Select an Article

What are some good sources for finding current events to write about? You could base your essay on sources like media publications. Some of them include:

  • National News
  • Sports News
  • The Atlantic
  • The Economist
  • The Guardian
  • Investopedia
  • TIME Magazine
  • The Harvard Business Review
  • National Public Radio (NPR)
  • The Wall Street Journal
  • The Washington Post

Remember, your source should be credible, reliable, and reputable. It should have a history of writing trustworthy news. You could also base your essay on publications on empirical journal articles, government documents, scholarly books, and peer-reviewed articles.

3. Read the Selected Article Keenly and Take Notes

After specifying the article you want to write about, read through it carefully, jotting down important details. If you are unsure about the vocabulary used in the article, look it up and note the contextual meaning of words. Identify the five Ws in the article:

  • What happened?
  • Where did it happen?
  • When did it happen?
  • Who was involved?
  • Why did it happen?
  • How did it happen?

Answers to these questions will help develop an angle for your analysis. It will also help build key sections of your essay like the lead sentences, thesis statement, title, claims, and arguments.

Read Also: Can You Plagiarize Yourself and What Are the Consequences?

4. Develop a Thesis Statement and Hook for Your Essay

How do you start an event essay? Using your notes, develop a thesis statement for your essay. Ensure you are creative enough to come up with a unique statement. In the same breath, it should be strong enough to form the basis of your arguments.

For instance, if you are writing about human trafficking during the COVID-19 pandemic, here is an example of a thesis statement and hook statement.

Thesis Statement

It is time for world leaders, law enforcement agencies, and investigative agencies to team up and develop structures and measures to curb human trafficking, especially during natural disasters and pandemics.

A study by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had dire effects on the victims and survivors of human trafficking; there was an increased targeting exploitation of women and children.

5. Choose the Sources You Wish to Use to Support the Thesis

How do I make sure my current event article is accurate and unbiased? Establish the sources you wish to use to determine the scope of your essay. They have to be credible. If your instructions specify the sources for your paper, bear that in mind. When researching, highlight the specific pages with information you will use to support your arguments.

How do I cite my sources in a current event article? The style depends on the instructions specified by your tutor.

READ ALSO: Best Conclusion Generator Top 5 Ones That Work

6. Create an Outline

Your current events essay should follow the five-paragraph essay format:

Introduction

  • 3 body paragraphs

The three body paragraphs should include arguments backing up the thesis statement.

How do I write a strong introduction for my current event article? The introduction paragraph should brief the reader on the event’s details by answering the five Ws. Remember not to make it too long; five to six sentences should work.

Body Paragraphs

The details of the first body paragraphs should explain the factors that led to the event and how they influenced it. The second paragraph should highlight the two sides people can take regarding the event and provide adequate reasons for it. The third paragraph should explain the significance of the event and who it will impact.

How do I conclude my current event article effectively? The conclusion should summarize the crucial details of the writing. It should also discuss the possibility of bias in the article, reflect on how bias informs how the article was created and why it was essential to highlight the event’s significance.

What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Current Event Article?

These are the most commonly highlighted mistakes students make with this kind of writing:

  • Spelling errors
  • Pronoun errors
  • Using irrelevant images
  • •Direct rewriting of original news
  • Lack of clarity
  • Too much or little details

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130 + Best Current Event Essay Topics & Current Event Essay Example

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This article covers a list over 130 Current Event Essay Topics and a Current Event Essay Example. It also discusses the ho to choose a Current Event Essay Topic that best fits your interests.

Current events essays are common assignments given by English professors which means learning to write them is a key to passing and succeeding in English class. Writing an essay may seem like a simple assignment, but when it is due tomorrow, a blank word document and piles of books can seem paralyzing.

What You'll Learn

Current Event Essay

A current events essay is a written description of a recent situation, issue, or happening. Current events essays are often assigned by English professors as a way to teach students about the research, writing, and editing process.

Properties of Current Events Essays

  • Are written in standard essay format
  • Include in-text citations and follow a specific citation format
  • Summarize a recent or upcoming event known to the public

You may also be interested to read about Argumentative business essay topics

How to choose your topic

Sometimes a current events essay assignment will provide specific instructions about what topic to write about.

Other times, students will have more flexibility in choosing a topic. Be sure to carefully review your assignment’s rubric and instructions.

If you will be choosing your own topic, make note of the following before you narrow down topic choices:

1. Do the instructions place any time constraints on your topic? In other words, does your current event have to be something that happened within the last year or can it be something that happened five years ago?

2. Does your topic need to relate to a specific industry or genre such as politics, sports, or business?

3. Are there any analytical components that are supposed to be addressed by your essay or are it purely descriptive?

How to Research Efficiently

Tackling the research process can, no doubt, feel a bit intimidating. Here are some basic steps for getting started:

1. Know how many sources you will need  so that you can allow enough time to research.

2. Choose credible sources.  This will depend on the instructions you are given. some professors allow business or media articles while others will only want scholarly sources.

3. Know exactly what you are looking for  before you start your research. Jot down three or four main bullet points of what you will be looking for while you are researching.

Think of these points like a road map. They will guide your reading so you know what passages will be relevant to your paper.

Usually, you will be looking for information that relates to the  What, Where, When, Who, Why,  and  How  aspects of your topic.

Best Current Event Essay Topics

Politics current event essay topics.

  • How will Black Lives Matter affect the 2020 elections?
  • Should the police be defunded?
  • How is the Trump presidency changing international relationships?
  • How should the U.S. respond to cyber hacking by Russia, China, and other countries?
  • Should the United States raise the minimum wage for workers?
  • How can cities in the U.S. be better designed to create a safer and more economically productive community?
  • Is the U.S. economy becoming stronger or weaker?
  • How will COVID-19 change working in America? Around the world?
  • Getting “off the grid” is a current trend. What is the benefit of becoming self-sufficient? Is it worth the cost?
  • Does better health care for everyone make a better and stronger economy in the U.S.?
  • Does it make sense to give U.S. citizenship to all babies born in the United States?
  • Gallup polls show that Americans view Unemployment and the economy as the top problem in the United States. Does evidence suggest they are right?
  • What are the different sides of the current debate over immigration reform in the U.S.?
  • Does the United States have a good or a poor educational system compared to the rest of the world?
  • How important is it to reduce the Federal budget deficit?
  • What will be the most important issues in the next Presidential election cycle?
  • What is causing the increasingly high cost of healthcare in the United States?
  • Should the U.S. continue using drone strikes against terrorists?
  • How is the current U.S. drought going to affect the fire season and food supply?
  • Should the death penalty be outlawed throughout the U.S.?
  • Should the U.S. aggressively work to change towards alternative energies like solar and wind power?
  • What is the best way to create new jobs in the United States to get people back to work?
  • Is the United States responsible for keeping peace around the world? What role should the U.S. play in preventing or intervening in wars and abusive governments?
  • Should the United States fund college education more for people? What should be the rules for the repayment of loans?
  • Should the United States make it easier for educated people or people with valuable skills to immigrate to the United States?
  • How can the Borders of the United States be made more secure? How important is border security?
  • Should it be easier for people to become United States citizens?
  • What infrastructure projects should be the top domestic priority in the United States?
  • How has the high incarceration rate in the United States affected the economy? What Federal and State policies have driven up this incarceration rate?
  • How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected the debate about racism in the United States?

You may also be interested to read about Argumentative Essay Topics about Social Media

Sports Current Event Essay Topics

  • Should sports teams play to empty stands rather than not play at all?
  • How will COVID-19 affect sports in the future?
  • Should college football players receive a salary or other compensation for their playing?
  • Should the owner of a professional team be held accountable for the comments he makes in a private conversation?
  • Is it worth it for a city to invest in building a bigger and better stadium for its professional sports team?
  • What is the value of a college sports team for a college? How does this help the college in terms of getting financial support from alumni? Attracting students? Supporting the economy of their community?
  • What is the difference between sports and entertainment?
  • How have new technologies made by watching sports different? Is the experience of watching sports better or worse than it was before?
  • Which is more interesting to watch, college or professional sports?
  • What sports should be taken out or added to the Olympic games?
  • Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports? What should be the rules about these drugs? Should athletes who used them in the past before they were outlawed be prevented from being entered into Hall of Fame?
  • Is racism in sports a problem?
  • Should athletes protest racism in America by not participating in the National Anthem or Pledge of Allegiance?
  • Is participating in organized sports a good or bad idea for young people?
  • Is it better for young people to specialize in one sport from a young age? Or should they try a variety of sports?
  • Choose your favorite sport. What is the best way for coaches to identify the best talent in their specific sport? Are there better ways to pick a team?
  • How much of a role do parents play in developing top talent in their children? What is the best way parents can help develop their children’s sports career? What are the worst mistakes parents make?
  • Can fan-owned teams solve sports problems?

World Issues Current Event Essay Topics

  • How will COVID-19 change the world economy?
  • Is WHO and organization that provides the information we can trust?
  • Is the International Space Station a good way to bridge differences between nations, or is it vulnerable to become a political tool?
  • Are we heading towards a 3rd World War?
  • Is N.A.T.O. and an effective organization?
  • How can the International Community prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons? How important is it that Iran not be allowed nuclear weaponry?
  • What is the effect on Africa on the fact that many children have been forced to be soldiers?
  • Is the EU going to survive the current economic problems countries have been having? Should the EU nations separate their economies?
  • Is violence along the border of Mexico getting better?
  • How can ethnic killings be stopped in Sudan?
  • Is China easing up in restrictions for Religion or not? Are human rights better or worse in China than in the past?
  • Should women’s issues be more important in international affairs?
  • Is China about to overtake the United States economically?
  • What is the effect of piracy on the stability of world commerce? How important is it to stop African pirates?
  • Is there a better way to fight the war against drugs internationally?
  • Is China starting to deal with their pollution problem?
  • How has social media helped positively influence the world?
  • Is India a poor nation or an emerging superpower?
  • How can we stop the world population from reaching 9 billion in 2050? Is it important to work to limit world population growth?
  • Should the world follow Bhutan’s development model?
  • How healthy is the Indian Judicial System?
  • Why do African nations have so many civil wars?
  • Has foreign aid hurt Africa more than helping it?
  • How has the influence of western media hurt underdeveloped nations?
  • Does Colonialism still affect the nations that were colonized? Pick a nation and explain the continuing problems in that nation due to the history of being colonized.

Health and Medicine Current Event EssayTopics

  • What can we do to better prepare ourselves for pandemics in the future?
  • What are the lessons the medical community will learn from COVID-19?
  • Are E-Cigarettes less harmful than smoking?
  • Why do people oppose the Affordable Care Act?
  • Does spending time on media cause children to have mental health problems?
  • How is the job of frontline health workers like pharmacists, nurses, and doctors going to change?
  • Is it possible to get AIDS infection rates to zero?
  • What is preventing the world from eradicating polio?
  • How are new technologies changing health care?
  • What are the current trends in research about helping people break out of addictive behaviors?
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine birth practices like eating the placenta (which in Western countries is usually encapsulated by being steamed dried and ground into pills) are becoming popular among some celebrities. What is the benefit of this practice? Is there any scientific evidence it works?
  • Does making a city a “no smoking zone” really benefit health? Does it stop people from smoking, or help them quit? Does it result in fewer smokers in that city?
  • What is the best diet for people with heart disease in their family history?
  • The length of the average life continues to increase. What does current research say about the best lifestyle for someone who wants to live to be 100?
  • Research is finding that what we think a medicine or food will do sometimes affects the way our body reacts. What is the evidence that our mind controls our body?
  • Current health food trends include eating “superfoods” or going “gluten-free.” Take a current food trend and investigate the scientific evidence that this helps people have better health.
  • What is the benefit of taking a daily low dose of Aspirin for older people?

As you continue, thestudycorp.com has the top and most qualified writers to help with any of your assignments. All you need to do is place an order with us. (Current Event Essay Topics )

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Media and Entertainment Current Event Essay Topics

  • How has Twitter changed Entertainment news? What are the most recent scandals made bigger because of Tweets?
  • Is it inevitable that teenage stars eventually turn to drugs, alcohol, or other destructive behavior?
  • Are female stars fighting back effectively against being judged by their looks, and especially by their weight?
  • Which celebrity does the best job of seeming to be authentic? Is there a celebrity who seems to be as nice as they appear? How can fans know?
  • How have shows like “Project Runway” influenced fashion? Have they motivated people to become more creative and personal in what they wear?
  • In what way does the attention of the media on religious figures like The Pope affect the way they behave?
  • Are the recent Christian movies helping win the culture wars?
  • Why are cooking shows like “Chopped” popular?
  • What is the best recent film adapted from a novel?
  • What are the best movies in the current year? Do the Academy Awards winners reflect the very best movies?
  • Is recap culture hurting television?
  • Recently, scripts from pro-wrestling have been released showing that the storyline is written even though the wrestling is improved. Analyze how pro-wrestling is similar to other forms of live or taped entertainment.
  • Which current actors from Bollywood or other film industry outside of the U.S. seem most likely to make it big in Hollywood?
  • Does getting involved in a scandal hurt or help a celebrity’s career?
  • Does being on American Idol, The Voice or other singing contest help an artist’s career? Do winners do better than other contestants?
  • Pick one of the current Reality T.V. shows to investigate. How “Real” are these shows? What is done for entertainment value more than for depicting real life? Do these shows hurt or help the people on them?

Controversial Issues Current Event Essay Topics

  • Affirmative Action
  • Alternative medicine
  • America’s global influence
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Assisted suicide
  • Bilingual education
  • Capital punishment
  • Charter schools
  • Childhood obesity
  • Civil rights
  • Climate change
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Cyber bullying
  • Drug legalization
  • Eating disorders
  • Factory farming
  • Foreign aid
  • Freedom of speech
  • Genetic engineering
  • Health insurance
  • Immigration
  • Labor unions
  • Minimum wage
  • Nuclear energy
  • Organic food
  • Offshore drilling
  • Outsourcing
  • Racial profiling
  • Reparations
  • Screen addiction
  • Self-driving cars
  • Sex education
  • Smart speakers
  • Social security
  • Standardized testing
  • Urban agriculture
  • Violence in the media
  • Women’s rights
  • Zero tolerance policies

Current Event Essay Example

The negative social impacts of “tomorrowland music festival” essay.

“Tomorrowland” is among the biggest global music events that were first launched in 2005. Despite the benefits of this festival for the local community, such as increased economic activity and employment, “Tomorrowland” has also been criticized for the presence of drugs on-site, the issues with cleaning up the location after the festival, local community’s quality of life, and noise pollution.

According to Turner (2017), during events such as Tomorrowland, “police generally occupy a low-key role at festivals with a focus on the seizure of drugs, rather than arrests” (241). Hence, the youth attending this event is exposed to drugs and seeing people around them be under the influence.

Another issue with Tomorrowland is the effect that this festival has on the local community. According to Pavluković et al. (2018), the governments and organizers of festivals usually cite the economic benefits of these events but fail to acknowledge the discomfort the locals feel. An obvious environmental impact is trash left behind by the visitors, which requires the administration of the festival to invest in clearing the site after “Tomorrowland” is over.

Adbulredha et al. (2017) argue that major music festivals generate substantial quantities of solid waste, an estimated “0.89 kg per guest” (p. 388). This problem affects the environment negatively since this waste includes non-recyclable objects or items that need to be collected and send for recycling.

Finally, noise pollution due to the powerful sound systems used by “Tomorrowland’s” performers, which can affect the hearing of the people attending the festival and cause discomfort to the community members, is also a problem.

Overall, although “Tomorrowland” is an important cultural event that has multiple benefits, it also endangers the youth and the environment and causes discomfort for the locals.

Abdulredha, M., Al Khaddar, R., Jordan, D., Kot, P., Abdulridha, A., & Hashim, K. (2018). Estimating solid waste generation by hospitality industry during major festivals: A quantification model based on multiple regression.  Waste Management, 77 , 388-400. Web.

Pavluković V., Armenski T., Alcántara-Pilar J.M. (2019) The impact of music festivals on local communities and their quality of life: Comparation of Serbia and Hungary. In A. Campón-Cerro A., J. Hernández-Mogollón, & J. Folgado-Fernández (Eds.), Best practices in hospitality and tourism marketing and management. Applying quality of life research (pp. 217-237). Springer.

Turner, T. (2017). Space, drugs and Disneyfication. An Ethnography of British youth in Ibiza. [Doctoral dissertation, Coventry University]. CURVE.

You can also check out Best Classification Essay Topics 

Related FAQs

1. what are the components of a current events essay.

A well-written, “current events essay” has four main components: Research: Make sure that you’re getting your news from a reputable source. Online news sources like Google News and any national news syndication Web site are good, convenient sources from which to gather reputable information and compile research data.

2. How to write a narrative discussion analysis article about current events?

The eply a narrative discussion analysis article, Current Event, include: (1)’s significance, relevance, relationship PUBLIC ADMINISTATION, (2) student’s opinion article’s public administration issue / problem, (3) supported (4) -text reference citations pages text 300 words.

3. How to write an essay about a recent event?

Select a recent article. Your task is to write about a current event; therefore, you have to choose the material that is one or two days old, maximum, one week old. The topic must be appropriate.

4. How to write a summary for a current event assignment?

Choose an article that is fresh since the assignment is to write about a current event. In addition, choose an article on the correct topic and make sure that the article gives enough information. Prepare to write the summary by reading the entire article.

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Current events essays are common assignments given by English professors which means learning to write them is a key to passing and succeeding in English class. Writing an essay may seem like a simple assignment, but when it is due tomorrow, a blank word document and piles of books can seem paralyzing.

This post will cover everything you need to know about how to write a well-organized current events essay including where to find trustworthy help from an online resource like an essay writing service.

Because successful writing depends on how you research and organize an outline to guide your writing, this post will spend a lot of time talking about how to set yourself up for success using research and outlining tools.

We will cover:

  • What a current events essay is

How to choose your topic

How to research efficiently.

  • How to organize your research
  • How to create an outline
  • The writing process

Keys to successful proofreading

  • Where to find assistance when you need it and how resources such as an essay writing service can help

What is a current events essay?

Woman with laptop and coffee

A current events essay is a written description of a recent situation, issue, or happening. Current events essays area often assigned by English professors as a way to teach students about the research, writing, and editing process.

Current events essays generally:

  • Are written in standard essay format
  • Include in-text citations and follow a specific citation format
  • Summarize a recent or upcoming event known to the public

Sometimes a current events essay assignment will provide specific instructions about what topic to write about. Other times, students will have more flexibility with choosing a topic. Be sure to carefully review your assignment’s rubric and instructions. If you will be choosing your own topic, make note of the following before you narrow down topic choices:

  • 1. Do the instructions place any time constraints on your topic? In other words, does your current event have to be something that happened within the last year or can it be something that happened five years ago?
  • 2. Does your topic need to relate to a specific industry or genre such as politics, sports, or business?
  • 3. Are there any analytical components that are supposed to be addressed by your essay or is it purely descriptive?

Behind stack of books

After you are clear on these three things, choose a topic you think will be most interesting to write about and easy to research. If you are not sure, try using Google Scholar to do some exploratory searches.

Choose a topic that is easy to find information about. If you are still not sure where to start, consider reaching out to an essay writing service for thought-joggers and topic inspiration. An essay writing service will generally be able to provide an example paper that can be helpful in generating topic ideas.

Tackling the research process can, no doubt, feel a bit intimidating. Here are some basic steps for getting started:

  • 1. Know how many sources you will need so that you can allow enough time to research.
  • 2. Choose credible sources. This will depend on the instructions you are given. some professors allow business or media articles while others will only want scholarly sources.
  • 3. Know exactly what you are looking for before you start your research . Jot down three or four main bullet points of what you will be looking for while you are researching.

Think of these points like a road map. They will guide your reading so you know what passages will be relevant to your paper. Usually, you will be looking for information that relates to the What, Where, When, Who, Why, and How aspects of your topic.

Here is an example:

Election of Donald Trump as President of the United States

  • What happened?
  • U.S. presidential election
  • Where did it happen?
  • The United States, specifically Washington D.C.
  • When did it happen?
  • Who was involved?
  • Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, their respective running mates, and electors
  • Why did it happen?
  • This section may include subjective elements or a discussion with multiple perspectives, unlike the others that are mostly objective facts.
  • How did it happen?
  • A majority of electoral votes were cast in favor of Donald Trump

The research process can be one of the most challenging and time-consuming parts of essay writing. Some high-quality essay writing services are able to provide assistance identifying and recommending credible sources. Generally, an essay writing service will do this by providing an annotated bibliography .

How to choose sources

Using computer with headphones

Again, be sure to review your assignment’s instructions about what types of sources your professor is letting you use. Wikipedia is almost always not allowed. If you are allowed to use business and media sources, some relevant sites may include:

  • The Harvard Business Review
  • Investopedia
  • TIME magazine

However, if you are asked to only use scholarly, peer-reviewed sources, you will want to use search engines such as Google Scholar, the Cochrane Database, JSTOR, or your school’s library database. Make sure that the sources you choose:

  • Are empirical journal articles or
  • Are scholarly books or government documents and
  • Are peer reviewed

If you are having difficulty determining whether or not a source is scholarly, try reaching out to a professional researcher and editor who works with high quality essay writing service such as Ultius. Ensure the essay writing service you choose only hires professional writers .

Differences between primary and secondary sources.

Use the above criteria as a filter when choosing sources to read. Next, choose the sources you will read based on how relevant they are to your topic. Use the title or meta-description to inform you, skim the first couple paragraphs, or read the abstract if one is available.

Look for the most relevant passages

Follow these simple steps to stay organized while you are reading your research:

  • 1. Pause and refresh. Remember that handy bullet point list you created in step #3? (You can also use a What, Where, When, Who, Why, and How list instead of bullets). That list is going to be your reading road map. Take a moment to review it. What information will you want to be looking for while you read?
  • 2. Read with clear intention. Begin skimming and reading your documents with these bullet points in mind. When you get to a section that tells you something you will need to know, read it more thoroughly.
  • 3. Use organizing tools. Use a highlighter tool or copy-paste excerpts to a separate document for later reference. Do not forget to include a citation if you copy-paste, so that you know where each excerpt came from. If highlighting, consider using a different color highlighter for each of the What, Where, When, Who, Why, and How subtopics.

Organize your research

Here are three basic methods of organizing your research:

Using hotkeys on laptop

  • 1. If you are a visual learner , use a different color highlighter or text for research that relates to each of your What, Where, When, Who, Why, and How subtopics. Then you will know exactly what passages to use for each part of the outline you will create next.
  • 2. If you like to compartmentalize, open a different Word document for each What, Where, When, Who, Why, and How subtopic. Copy-paste the most relevant research excerpts onto each document. Include citations.
  • 3. Combine methods 1 and 2 above for compartmentalized color-coded research. That way, if you move research around in your outline, you will still know what aspect or subtopic each item relates to most.

Create your outline

A current events essay outline will follow this general format:

  • Introduction

The body section will include additional subheadings. An easy way to start outlining these subheadings is to make them correspond to the What, Where, When, Who, Why, and How subtopics. For example, if writing a current events essay on the recent election of Trump, an outline might look like this:

  • 1. Introduction. (1 page)
  • a. A brief description of Donald Trump and Presidential elections. ( What )(0.5 pages)
  • b. The political context leading up to and surround the 2016 election. ( Where and When )(0.5 pages)
  • i. Candidates. (0.5 pages)
  • ii. Senate. (0.5 pages)
  • iii. House. (0.5 pages)
  • iv. Campaign initiatives. (0.5 pages)
  • v. State electors and public voters. (0.5 pages)
  • d. Polarized political views and primary political issues surrounding the election. ( Why )(0.5 pages)
  • i. Why Trump one the election over Hillary. (0.5 pages)
  • ii. Conspiracy speculations and opposing opinions (0.5 pages)
  • 3. Conclusion. Re-summarize the introduction and make note of any key takeaways. (1 page)

Notice the page count notes next to each subheading. Making note of page length per subtopic will also help you to write more efficiently and be sure to hit your assignment’s requirements.

Plug your research into your outline

Working at laptop from handwritten notes

Once you organize your research and create your outline, fitting the two together is like putting together a simple puzzle. Simply select the most important passages of research based on your organized subtopic documents or color-coded notes and place them under the outline heading each passage relates to. Also:

  • Be sure to include the citations after each. Do not worry if your citations are not perfectly formatted; you can go back and correct them later. (An essay writing service can also help you correctly format your citations ).
  • Do not try to paraphrase information yet. You will write everything in your own words later. Right now, the idea is simply to create a writing map for yourself so that you do not feel lost or stuck once you begin writing. Also, make notes to yourself on your outline. Jot down writing prompt ideas using keywords or simple phrases.

Remember, this process can be challenging the first couple times you try it. That is completely ok. It takes practice. Creating an outline or understanding what research passages relate to what subtopics are things a high-quality essay writing service can help with. But, be sure to find an essay writing service that can create customized research outlines rather than just providing example papers.

Once you are ready to write, begin by following these steps. Remember, your outline is your road map.

  • 1. Copy-paste your outline to a new document. Save an original version of your outline in case you need to reference it. You will do your writing in the new version.
  • 2. Start writing. As you write, follow your prompts, research, and subheadings. Erase the outline’s subheadings and prompt information as you write about it. Analyze and implement your research as you go, using the notes you wrote to yourself.
  • 3. Keep your writing rough. Avoid the temptation to edit as you write. Just keep writing!
  • 4. Start by writing a summary introduction about the entire current event. Keep your summary brief, about one paragraph. This will be the introduction. Do not worry about getting it perfect; you can revise it later. The goal is simply to write an overview.
  • 5. Write the body of your essay following your outline. Use connecting phrases between paragraphs that explain how thoughts and ideas are related.
  • Finally, write your conclusion. Your conclusion will be a re-cap of the entire essay. It will be similar to the introduction, but will re-state important points the research demonstrated.

Writer’s block can be a stressful obstacle for many students. If you are finding it difficult to get the words to flow, consider reading an example essay—which a professional essay writing service can provide —to inspire your writing.

Now it is time to go back and edit. During the proofreading process, try these 3 steps:

  • 1. Edit your essay for flow and sentence structure. Fix any awkward phrasing or elements that don’t make sense.
  • 2. Next, proofread your essay again for spelling and grammar errors.
  • 3. Finally, ensure all your sources are cited correctly. If you are not sure how to follow a specific citation format, ask your professor for help or reach out to an essay writing service for examples of how a particular citation style should look.

Ask for help when you need it

Writing group working at table

Asking for help is completely ok, and actually recommended . When we have help, we often learn more productively and retain information better.

Despite the many types of essay writing services available online today, high quality essay writing services can be an excellent source of help. Instead of choosing just any paper writing service, the key is to choose the best essay writing service to fit your needs.

Here are some tips for choosing a high quality essay writing service to help with your current events essay:

  • Read reviews.
  • Ask for examples of the essay writing service’s writing and editing to make sure the quality is up to par.
  • Make sure the service provides outlining, researching, and editing services in addition to writing.
  • Steer clear of free services (they sometimes plagiarize content)!
  • Make sure the essay writing service allows you to message your writer directly.

Follow the steps we covered in this post and choose a reliable essay writing service , and you will be on the road to writing an A+ current events essay.

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How to Write a Current Events Essay

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How to write a current events essay

A current event essay will address the historical context and long term effects of a given aspect of current happenings in the world . Usually, such a topic will stem from the realm of politics, law, international relations, or some other controversial issue. For instance, The United States presidential election of 2008 . More often than not you will have to argue or present some sort of point about the given current event. This will require research and critical thinking skills. A current events essay provides the unique challenge of presenting a modern-day issue in the context of history . If, again, your topic is the U.S. Presidential election 08, you should be able to provide good analysis of possible outcomes of the election and its long-term effects over the social, political, and economical situation in the United States and the rest of the world.

Research information that is not yet printed in textbooks

Once again, research is the key to such an essay. What makes a current events essay different, however, is that relevant information is usually not yet printed in books . Therefore, journals, magazines, and websites will be of great use to the writer . News websites like BBC News , The New York Times , CNN.com would be of great help. However, websites like Digg or Yahoo! Buzz , or Google News are the best source for current events information since many, if not all, news corporations provide biased information that is approved by a political force that funds it. Social bookmarking services like Digg make it possible for any user to submit news which makes it impossible to neglect opinions. Moreover, they present all possible opinions and arguments which means you won't suffer long researching the issue. Research needs to be geared to providing a broad understanding of historical context and lasting impact of the current event. It can be assumed that there is some sort of progression of events that have allowed the given current event to have the impact that it is having on the world (region, community, anything). This needs to be carefully analyzed and incorporated into the writing. It is also important for the writer to develop a strong, multi-layered thesis that addresses the complexity of many current events.

Template of a Current Events Essay

Introduction.

  • Should include a brief discussion of the historical context of the current event
  • The thesis should include a relevant position or point taken about the current event topic

Body Paragraphs

  • Present evidence in support of the thesis statement
  • Be adequately supported by evidence from credible sources
  • Address the complexities and historical intricacies of the given topic
  • Re-examine the historical context of the current event
  • Address potential lasting issues of the current event

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importance of current events essay

6 Reasons Why The News Is Important

importance of current events essay

The news – newspapers, magazines, TV news, and websites, is a major part of many people’s lives. Most people check some sort of news outlet each day. However, recently a backlash against the news has been growing. More people are seeing the news as biased and untrustworthy. There are those that advocate for ignoring the news entirely. However, the news is actually really important, and there are several key reasons why…

1. The News Tells People What Is Happening In The World

A first reason why the news is important is because it informs people about what is happening in the world.

The news chronicles the events of the day. It also provides an overview of longer-term trends that are happening globally. People consume the news because they want to learn about what is happening. All news outlets combine a mixture of national and international news. There are also local newspapers, websites, and TV channels , that focus on events in a town, city, or district.

Probably the biggest reason why the news is important is because people can find out what is going on. Without the news, people would only be able to find out what was happening by asking people who had first-hand knowledge. This would massively reduce the information people would have about the world around them.

The fact the news allows people to get up-to-date accounts of recent events is a major reason why it is important.

Having more people informed about what is happening in the world, as well as locally and nationally, is inherently a good thing. The news educates people about key events, as well as ongoing trends. The news gives people information on vital areas, including on political and economic developments, cultural happens and lifestyle advice. These are all reasons why the news is important.

2. It Allows People To Adapt To Global Changes

A second reason why the news is important is because is allows people to adapt to changes that are happening globally.

The news provides a regular update on what is happening. Almost all news outlets cover events that are local, national, and international. It is important to consume the news so that people are aware of what is going on. This allows them to make informed choices in their lives with knowledge about major events.

People need to know what is going on in the world, outside the events they directly experience or learn about from people they know. Without the news, people would only learn about local events that their community had knowledge of. The news is vital as it pools information gathered from people who experience events first hand, as well as journalists, to provide others all over the world with up-to-date information on the affairs of the day.

Many important decisions in people’s lives are informed by their knowledge of what has happened. They know what has happened because they learn about it from the news. Decisions on everything from politics, economics and commerce, trade, businesses management and lifestyle choices such as where to live or which companies to patronise are all made with information gathered from the news. This is also why the news is so important.

3. It Gives People Multiple Perspectives On Events

A third reason why reading and watching the news is important is because it provides people with multiple perspectives on events.

All major events are covered by big news outlets. Many people complain that news broadcasters and newspapers are biased. However, in many countries, there is competition within the news media market. This means that people can go to different news sources to get different perspectives on what is happening.

As well as there being many different news outlets that people can use to get different views on local, national, and international events, many countries, such as the United Kingdom, have laws that state news outlets must present an unbiased argument. This means that news outlets must cover a story from multiple angels, or at least provide a non-biased viewpoint. Laws such as these add to the importance of the news.

The fact that the news allows people to get different views on what is happening is a major reason why it is so vital. Without the news industry, people would learn about events only within their community, and would be unlikely to be able to source different accounts, reasons, or understandings of how events took place and why they happened. This would significantly weaken people’s ability to make informed decisions.

4. The News Helps To Hold Those In Power To Account

Another reason why the news is important is because it helps to hold those in power to account.

A free and open press is a key foundation of a democratic society. Allowing newspapers to print and broadcasters to say what is happening, and provide opinion, free from interference is vital for holding powerful institutions to account. This is a major reason why the news is important.

Powerful organizations – including political bodies, governments, businesses, and charity organisations, need to be transparent and to work for the benefit of the people they serve. A key way these institutions are held to account is by the news media. Journalists can critique their actions, as well as investigate their doings. Uncovering things politicians, businesses and non-profits have done and exposing them to the wider public is one of the vital things that a free press allows for.

Without the news, or with a media that is controlled or interfered with by the state, governments and businesses are much less accountable. This means they are less likely to work in the genuine interests of the people they should serve and are more likely to work for the benefit of a smaller elite. This is a massive determent to a society.

News media, including a free and open press, is a key way those in power are held accountable. This is why it is so important.

importance of current events essay

5. It Provides Expert Analysis Of World Events

A major reason why the news is important is because it provides an analysis of world events.

News outlets hire journalists with a range of expertise. As well as general correspondents that report on daily affairs, they often have journalists that specialise in specific areas. Everything from politics to economics, healthcare to transport usually has a dedicated journalist who is an expert on the affairs of that sector. Bigger newspapers, news broadcasters and websites can have large teams dedicated to specific areas. The role of journalists, and especially ones with expertise in specific areas, is to provide context, analysis and commendatory on events. This makes the news highly important.

The news provides a crucial analysis of events, their causes, impacts and how they relate to other historical and contemporary events. This goes above simply providing an account of what is happening in the world.

The in-depth analysis that news outlets provide helps to inform people not only about ongoing affairs, but also their wider context. This a one of the most vital things the news does.

6. The News Acts As A Historical Record

A final reason why the news is important is because it acts as a historical record.

Newspapers and TV news, as well as online news sources, provide an ongoing account of what is happening in the world. However, they also act as a record of what has happened in the past. Historians, researchers, academics, and students can use news sources as ways to find out about events that have come before. This is a key reason why the news is important.

As well as providing an overview of what happened in the past, news sources also provide commentary on events that historians can use to see how people at the time understood and communicated what was happening.

Newspapers began to be circulated widely in many countries in the 19 th Century. TV news goes back to the early 20 th Century. Historians researching these periods often rely heavily on the news sources of the time. Even before the introduction of mass news media, new sources including proclamations, announcements, letters, and speeches are used by researchers to see how people throughout history have interpreted the events that they lived through.

The main function of the news is to provide people with an account of contemporary events. However, by creating an ongoing record of local, national, and international events, the news is also a valuable source for those researching events of the past. This is a major factor in why it is so important.

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Global Affairs Explained is an ongoing project aiming to provide concise guides to world events. Focusing on international relations, history, and geo-politics, Global Affairs Explained uses original research and data to answer questions often not covered by traditional media.

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How to Write a Current Events Summary

Last Updated: February 12, 2023 Fact Checked

Choosing a News Article

Preparing to write, summary section, reflection section, final touches.

This article was co-authored by Richard Perkins . Richard Perkins is a Writing Coach, Academic English Coordinator, and the Founder of PLC Learning Center. With over 24 years of education experience, he gives teachers tools to teach writing to students and works with elementary to university level students to become proficient, confident writers. Richard is a fellow at the National Writing Project. As a teacher leader and consultant at California State University Long Beach's Global Education Project, Mr. Perkins creates and presents teacher workshops that integrate the U.N.'s 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the K-12 curriculum. He holds a BA in Communications and TV from The University of Southern California and an MEd from California State University Dominguez Hills. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 268,999 times.

A current events summary is a short description of an event that has recently happened or is going to happen. Current events summaries are often assigned by junior and senior high school educators for the purpose of teaching research, writing, and editing skills. The following steps will help you create a current events summary that is accurate, informative, and readable.

Step 1 Use a reputable news source.

  • Some possible news sources might include your local newspaper or larger newspapers such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times and others.
  • Check with your teacher for suggestions. He may have specific news sources to use.

Step 2 Choose an article that is less than one week old.

  • Most major newspapers have sections on their websites dedicated to certain topics. For example, the Washington Post has a section dedicated to “Tech.”
  • Search online for an article on one of these topics. For example, try searching “healthcare news” to find new information.

Step 4 Make sure the article is a good length.

  • An article that is one to two paragraphs long is probably not going to be lengthy enough.

Step 1 Read the entire article.

  • Look up any words you don’t know.
  • Take notes on the article or highlight passages that you think are important.

Step 2 Recount the article.

  • The headline typically indicates the article’s main idea, but the article will likely include more information that is relevant to your summary.
  • Choose five main points from the article that you think are important.
  • Find some keywords to get the main idea across to the people. [1] X Research source

Step 3 Read the article again.

  • Who: This is the person or group involved in the story. For a story on a recent arson case, you might say, “The people involved are four teenage boys who were charged with arson, a police investigation team, and the community that lost its historic baseball stadium.”
  • What: This is the event or the action discussed in the story. In an arson case, it might be: “The oldest wooden baseball stadium in the country burned to the ground.”
  • When: This is the date and time when the event took place: “The stadium burned down at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 29.”
  • Where: This is where the event took place: “The baseball stadium was in the middle of the city, surrounded by residences.”
  • Why: This is the cause or reason for the event: “The summer has been unusually dry and hot. The stadium had been sitting empty for five years and was not patrolled by security.”
  • How: This point explains the ways in which the events took place and the connections between them: “The teenagers walked into the stadium and began playing with lighters and loose debris. Once the fire was set, they ran off.”

Step 5 Write a sentence that gives the impact of the story.

  • Think about the story’s connection to your community, the nation, or the world, for example.

Step 1 Set aside the article.

  • When you recounted the article to someone else, you highlighted the most important parts of the article. These things will go in your outline. Now your job is to put them in an order that makes sense.

Step 3 Write your topic sentence.

  • Depending on your assignment, this might be three or four sentences, or it might be seven to nine sentences. Check your assignment for your length requirement.

Step 5 Write a closing sentence.

  • Even though the reflection is short (usually just a paragraph), you should still aim to make an argument , at least to some degree. Determine the main point that you want to make and think about how you will support that main point.

Step 2 Write a topic sentence.

  • Some teachers don’t allow the use of “I” (first person) in these reflections. Check with your teacher to determine if you can write in first person or not.

Step 3 Follow up with supporting sentences.

  • Don’t just string together random thoughts about why the news story is important.

Step 4 Wrap up with a concluding sentence.

  • Take a look at your verbs. If you use boring or the same verbs, your audience will get bored. See if you can make efficient choices of great action verbs.
  • If you are handwriting your summary, you may need to write it out again as a clean copy after you’ve corrected any errors. For this reason, it may be preferable to type out the summary. Some teachers may require a typed paper.

Step 2 Follow guidelines for the assignment.

  • If you have a grading rubric for the assignment, review this before turning in the assignment. Make sure you have met all the requirements to ensure a good grade.

Step 3 Include a citation for the article.

  • Lee, Morgan. “California Regulators Approve Higher Electricity Rates for Most Residents.” The Los Angeles Times. The Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2015. Web. 4 July 2015.

Step 4 Include the article with your summary.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • Every teacher’s assignment is going to be a little bit different. Make sure you follow your assignment exactly. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

importance of current events essay

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  • ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-write-summary-example
  • ↑ https://k12.thoughtfullearning.com/minilesson/asking-and-answering-5-ws-and-h-questions
  • ↑ http://coe.jmu.edu/learningtoolbox/5w1h.html
  • ↑ www.acisd.org/getFile.cfm?serverFileName=3D7039FC7A-D973-59AD-3C95BCBCFDC1039D.pdf
  • ↑ http://alt-resource.teams.leedsmet.ac.uk/how-to-write-a-reflection
  • ↑ https://owlcation.com/academia/How-to-Write-a-Summary

About This Article

Richard Perkins

A current events summary is a short review of a recent news story. To write your own, start by finding an interesting story from a reputable source, like a popular newspaper or news website. Read the full article and look up any words or phrases you don’t understand. Then, read the article again and take note of the most important facts, like who was involved, where and when the story took place, why it happened, and how it happened. Use these notes to write your summary. In your first sentence or 2, give a brief summary of what happened. Then, write a few more sentences to give your readers the extra details they need to know. For more tips from our Education co-author, including how to write a reflection on your current events summary, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Social Studies Skills

The Past Is Present: Strategies for Bringing Current Events Into the Social Studies Classroom

importance of current events essay

By Michael Gonchar

  • Nov. 29, 2018

Updated, Dec. 6, 2018 with related student contest.

Why do we insist that students study history?

Perhaps because the study of history promotes critical thinking, creates a shared cultural literacy or encourages responsible citizenship. Certainly one of the most important reasons is because history continues to matter.

Why has North Korea developed a nuclear arsenal that threatens the United States? Why are thousands of Hondurans camped out on the southern border of the United States? Why have many athletes decided to kneel during the national anthem? To answer any of these questions — or the myriad others posed by the news every day — students will need to understand what happened in the past.

In this teaching resource, we suggest different methods teachers can use to easily facilitate these connections. Each method is illustrated with two examples, one from global history and another from United States history, and each ends with a classroom challenge. The goal is to help this kind of thinking become a habit of mind for your students.

To encourage them, we’re running a contest from Dec. 6 to Jan. 21 that invites any teenager anywhere in the world to link a topic learned in school this semester with something in the news this year. The winners of last year’s contest came up with ideas such as comparing the Chinese Exclusion Act to President Trump’s ban of citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries .

What connections might your students make?

Connecting Through Essential Questions

Sinking islands, floating nation, rising sea levels are forcing the nation of kiribati to make difficult choices..

This is coming, and it is going to destroy our lives. So we cannot afford to stand on the sideline. And we will do everything, everything we can, to ensure that there is the land and the nation of Kiribati that will remain. For a long time I said there is nothing we can do. I was very angry. I was — there was a deep sense of futility, that no matter what I said, nobody’s listening. Nobody’s going to do anything about it. But I had to overcome that. And to overcome that, you’ve got to really throw away everything. Don’t think in straight, linear terms. Take it all apart and think about doing something crazy, like building an island. [speaking Japanese] These floating islands, I know when I first thought about it, it was unrealistic. I know it’s — in terms of the scale of thinking that we normally do in Kiribati. We don’t think in those terms. With the machines and the technology that we have at our disposal, we keep thinking that we can continue to destroy this planet because we believe we can fix it with our technology. And our arrogance to believe that we have control of everything. The one thing, of course, that’s been very difficult for our people in contemplating the possibility of moving and leaving their homeland is the deep link and connection with the spiritual world. Once we begin to build artificial structures, you will find that people who have left their indigenous homes and gone somewhere else seem to have lost that spiritual connection because they no longer regard themselves as being indigenous. [singing and music] If we leave Kiribati, then our ability to retain our culture as being distinct will no longer be very easy.

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Essential questions are, by definition, open-ended and big-picture, and using them in the history classroom encourages students to relate history to current events.Here are two examples.

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Classroom Q&A

With larry ferlazzo.

In this EdWeek blog, an experiment in knowledge-gathering, Ferlazzo will address readers’ questions on classroom management, ELL instruction, lesson planning, and other issues facing teachers. Send your questions to [email protected]. Read more from this blog.

Seven Ways to Bring Current Events Into the Classroom

importance of current events essay

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The news always seems to be moving a thousand miles an hour, with much of it impacting our students’ lives—either now or in the future.

This two-part series will explore ways we connect those current events to what we’re teaching in the classroom.

Today, Suzie Boss, Kristen Koppers, Sarah Cooper, Mike Kaechele, Jessica Torres, and Renee Hobbs share their ideas. You can listen to a 10-minute conversation I had with Suzie and Kristen on my BAM! Radio Show . You can also find a list of, and links to, previous shows here.

You might also find additional useful resources at The Best Resources & Ideas For Teaching About Current Events.

Project-Based Learning

Suzie Boss is a PBL (Project-Based Learning) advocate, author, and member of the PBLWorks National Faculty. Her latest books are Project Based Teaching and Reinventing Project-Based Learning, 3 rd Ed :

One of the best ways to amplify the authenticity of school is to connect the curriculum to current events. I call this “ripped-from-the-headlines” teaching. For many students, the invitation to focus on timely topics—from pop culture to political controversies—is a surefire way to increase engagement.

Current events can inform lesson plans in small ways. For example, English teachers can make free-writes more relevant by using hashtags from social media as writing prompts. Elementary teachers might focus morning meetings on events that are in the news—and, likely, on students’ minds. Science teachers might connect a lesson to a health-related headline.

To maximize the learning potential, however, I encourage teachers to look to the headlines as inspiration for more extended, project-based learning. Well-designed projects invite students to go deeper and make their own connections between academics and the world beyond the classroom. In the process, they will likely need to think critically about everything from the reliability and biases of news sources to the echoes of history in events unfolding today.

Let’s consider a few examples.

Chemistry teacher Ray Ahmed leveraged the Flint, Mich., water crisis to launch his students in Brooklyn, N.Y., on an investigation of how to prevent lead from leaching into drinking water. They had to think as chemists to design experiments about corrosive inhibitors, analyze data, propose solutions, and explain their results in a scientific journal article. Although they live hundreds of miles from Flint, Brooklyn students made personal connections to the larger issue of environmental racism, which has affected the quality of life in their own community. (Ahmed was one of the inspiring teachers I interviewed for a recent book, Project Based Teaching: How to Create Rigorous and Engaging Learning Experiences . This video from PBLWorks documents the Water Quality Project from start to finish.)

Immigration issues not only dominate headlines, they also reflect the life experiences of many of our students and their families. Connecting today’s immigration stories with academic content about human migration is a way to bring human geography to life. For example, Texas teacher Ryan Sprott is co-founder of a collaboration between educators and artists called the Borderland Collective , which invites students to take part in storytelling, photography, and art making.

Election cycles offer social studies teachers real-time connections to their content. Projects might culminate in debates, with students basing arguments on evidence; candidate fairs that students host, with a focus on issues they care about; or public-service campaigns to increase turnout of first-time voters.

If you overhear students buzzing about pop culture, listen closely for connections to learning goals. For Delaware English teacher Dara Laws Savage, it was the #oscarssowhite controversy a couple years back—when few actors of color were nominated for Academy Awards—that generated the idea for an annual awards event honoring African American icons. It’s become an annual event during Black History Month. Students develop criteria for excellence in different categories, make nominations, and persuade voters to share their opinions. Listen to an interview about the project here .

If you’re looking for timely connections for your next PBL unit, ask yourself:

  • Is there a topic or event that could provide an entry event for your next project?
  • Do you see natural connections between the topic and your upcoming content goals?
  • Does the topic involve a problem or challenge that your students could attempt to solve or debate through an extended inquiry project?

As you design your next project, take advantage of resources that will help your students think critically about current events. For example, Project Look Sharp is a K-12 resource for building media literacy. Pro/Con challenges readers to consider both sides of controversial issues.

Don’t be surprised if your students wind up making headlines themselves as a result of their projects.

Connecting George Orwell & Harper Lee to current events

Kristen Koppers is a national-board-certified teacher. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in English from Western Michigan University, a master of arts in English and a master of arts in educational administration from Governors State University. She is a public high school public English teacher. Her book Differentiated Instruction in the Teaching Profession was released in July, 2019:

Connecting current events with lessons in the classroom isn’t as difficult as it seems. Practically every lesson that’s taught from kindergarten through high school, and even postsecondary, can connect to a news article worldwide. It’s difficult to get students to watch the news or even listen to it. Because what they see on social media is the extent of their knowledge. Social-media news, at least from what I can see, is not all accurate. How can we as teachers make sure students are aware of credible information to information that is missing important facts?

The problem isn’t that many don’t take the time to read, listen, or even watch current events. The problem is that it’s not researched. As an ELA secondary education teacher, I not only connect current events to almost every lesson but I make it as authentic as possible. When I teach 1984 , by George Orwell, we focus on the aspect of the First Amendment. Even as an English teacher, I bring in the other subjects, such as history, social sciences, math, and even fine arts to connect with my students. For this particular lesson, I mainly focus on history and political science.

In the novel 1984 , privacy both public and private did not exist. Orwell’s slogan: ‘Ignorance is Strength’ is truer than we know. The less one knows the better. Before beginning the novel, I play a small video clip of Orwell, himself, just before he died warning about the future. Since Orwell wrote the novel in 1948, no one believed what he said was true. Many even thought that he was delusional during his last year. (I mean the title of the novel was just switching the last two digits of the year 48 to 84). However, whether it was coincidence or not, the Apple computer came out in 1984. After showing the short video clip of George Orwell’s warning, I showed the original 1984 commercial of the Macintosh computer. This got the students to talk.

I collected various articles beginning in 1984 through 2018. In their groups, the students read over them one by one where they started to make connections between what was similar about how technology evolved. I then pull out my iPhone to open the app “find my iPhone” to locate my husband. Now, normally, I do not have my phone in class. But for this particular lesson, I wanted to show how easily technology has not only evolved but our privacy has diminished.

I locate my husband and start pinging his phone for location. He knows what I’m going to do in class so he calls me (I have him on speaker) and asks me why I’m tracking him. Now before he calls, I tell the students where he is located. When he calls, I ask him his location. The reason he was on speaker was for the students to hear where he was located. Prior to the call, I told my students that he was located off Route 6 next to the gas station. When asked his location, he confirmed it. The phone conversation ends, and the class conversation begins.

This all connects to current events. This activity takes about two days because I want them to go home and think before the next lesson. Many actually went home to research “invasion of privacy” on their school computers. Because, after all, I can track what they research outside of my classroom. When they find this out, they say I violated their First Amendment rights. So, I have them look up First Amendment rights and I asked them what I exactly infringed upon. What they didn’t realize is that it’s the Fourth Amendment rights they were thinking about not the First. They were speechless.

With this one activity, my students are becoming more aware of current events. However, it wasn’t this one lesson that we connected to current events. Every day was a new lesson; whether we were reading the novel or not, I was able to relate to what was happening in the news.

Even studying short stories and past news about events, such as the lynching of Emmett Till, students were appalled at what happened. We studied a brief overview of the Civil Rights Movement and connected it to To Kill A Mockingbird , by Harper Lee. In 2017, evidence came out that the woman, Carolyn Bryant, Till “whistled” at wasn’t telling the truth. This encouraged them to find other articles about those wrongly accused no matter of race, gender, or religion.

It’s not just lessons that we teach based on the curriculum. If we can connect those lessons to skills students need to succeed, then we are doing our job.

importance of current events essay

Discussing current events across subject areas

Sarah Cooper teaches 8th grade U.S. history and is dean of studies at Flintridge Preparatory School in La Canada, Calif. She is the author of two books, Creating Citizens (Routledge, 2018) and Making History Mine (Stenhouse, 2009). Sarah speaks at conferences and writes for MiddleWeb’s Future of History blog, and she lives just outside Los Angeles with her husband and two sons:

We can link current events to what we teach in the classroom in at least two ways—through content and through character.

With content, teachers sometimes wonder how they can justify adding current events to their lessons if they’re not teaching contemporary history or politics.

A surefire way to make such connections is through themes, layering relevant pieces over the planks of an existing curriculum.

For instance, a science teacher can bring in articles all year about scientific ethics, and an English teacher can discuss pieces about group identity or the perils and promises of technology. A teacher of ancient world history can talk about the thrills of modern archaeology. World-language teachers can find pieces about contemporary cultures and politics, and arts teachers can check out the arts section of their local newspaper or alternative weekly.

With character, the relevance of current events expands even more. Many classroom teachers, from math to P.E., build norms with their students as school starts. Later in the year, if you see an article or video that reinforces one of these expectations, you can bring it in to discuss.

In my experience, students especially love stories that focus on positive human interactions, to lighten the daily news litany they scroll through online. One excellent resource for such stories is the Huffington Post’s Good News page . Such stories also generally avoid political partisanship, which even veteran social studies teachers can find hard to navigate.

Finally, don’t feel you have to do a lot! Even five minutes each day, or each week, can open up conversations you never would have had otherwise. And, if you bring in articles frequently enough, your students may start sending you what they find, creating a dialogue that can last far beyond a year in your classroom.

Don’t avoid controversial topics

Mike Kaechele is a history teacher in Grand Rapids, Mich., and National Faculty for PBLWorks. He believes in student-centered learning by giving kids authentic opportunities to do real work with local community partners:

Current events are a great way to engage students in the classroom. Project-Based Learning is an excellent structure to introduce current events. One of the key components of PBL is “authenticity,” and current events make content relevant. I use current events as “entry events” to get kids fired up about the launch of a project. My final products often ask kids to apply lessons from history to propose solutions to current issues that they present to community partners.

In social studies, current events can be used as an entry point to have students trace the causes of current problems to their source. The past can give both warnings and solutions to current problems that need to be addressed. I always use current contexts to launch history projects to give students motivation to learn about the past. For example the Driving Question, “Why do terrorists hate the United States?” requires students to do an in-depth study of American foreign policy of the last century to understand why certain countries do not see the United States as the “hero” on the world stage.

Current events engage students by shedding light on the tensions between American ideals and realities. They force students to be critical thinkers, considering multiple perspectives throughout history. Oftentimes, content is centered around sterile textbooks that do not address current realities. Embracing the controversy of current events engages students in critical thinking. For example, current arguments about immigration could lead to an exploration of our complex history of both welcoming some groups of immigrants while simultaneously discriminating against others with quotas and unjust laws. Students should be shown that current events do not happen in a vacuum but often are seated in a long history of controversy in our country.

Ideally. current events lead students to be proactive in coming up with solutions to the complex, connected society that they are inheriting. If we want students to awaken to the importance of our core content, then current events can be the hook for engagement by addressing real-world issues that their generation will be forced to solve. So instead of avoiding controversy, embrace it and teach students to consider all sides of current issues before taking up a strong position.

Articles & Podcasts

Jessica Torres serves as an educational specialist for ESC Region 12 in the heart of Texas. Formerly an assistant principal and Montessori teacher, Mrs. Torres is passionate about developing educators to provide innovative approaches and experiences for all learners as they pursue their unique interests and learning passions:

Our world has become a very small global community. Social media has allowed our news to become instantaneous in our society, allowing us to “know” what is happening before all of the facts have been clarified and the details are drawn out. For anyone living in today’s media-driven world, it is imperative that they be able to decipher between the facts and the rest, including propaganda, bias, disinformation, and click-bait. With this in mind, discussing current events in the classroom has become more than a fleeting idea—it has become an integral part of ensuring that our students are informed and prepared to face tough topics head-on with a background of knowledge and facts to support their opinions. Here are a few ideas and resources that I use to easily weave current events into the classroom each day and help students decipher between the muck and the news.

  • Newsela - The article archive provides access to the world’s news in a student-friendly format that allows the teacher to differentiate for Lexile level or reading ability. Teachers can create assignments from the articles on Google Classroom or share them with the whole group. Each article comes with its own comprehension questions and writing prompt that can be used to engage students in conversation. Allowing students time to discuss their thoughts and emotions in a safe space, such as the classroom, encourages them to listen and think about other perspectives.
  • Fact vs. Fiction book by Jennifer LaGarde and Darren Hudgins - Everyone needs help determining what’s real and what’s been spun lately. This book, written by two engaging educators, helps us develop strategies to use with ourselves and our students to safeguard our hearts and minds from inaccurate news and sources. Developing strong critical-thinking skills are the focus of this book, and a variety of resources are provided to help teachers as they share news items in their classrooms.
  • Podcasts - Either listening to podcasts or having students create their own podcasts based on what they have learned from news stories can be extremely powerful and clarifying. Many students thoroughly enjoy listening to someone “talk” about the news rather than read about it. For other students, having the opportunity to express their own thoughts or perspective on an event feels personal and encourages ownership. Additionally, podcasts are known to be brief and completely scalable to fit the needs of the classroom.

“The worst ways to bring current events into the classroom”

Renee Hobbs is professor of communication studies and director of the Media Education Lab at the University of Rhode Island’s Harrington School of Communication and Media. An expert on digital and media literacy, Hobbs is the author of the forthcoming book Mind Over Media: Propaganda Education for a Digital Age . Hobbs provides media-literacy curriculum resources for K-12 and college faculty and has offered professional-development programs on four continents:

Let’s start with identifying two of the worst ways to bring current events into the classroom: require students to maintain a current events journal or stage a debate about ongoing news and current events topic. The current events journal is a too-common assignment in middle school and high school where students must write short summaries of news, following a particular format. It’s an assignment that makes paying attention to news and current events a chore, a form of homework, and something to be dreaded. Assignments like this are not likely to inspire students to want to be informed on current events or encourage their intellectual curiosity about the news.

Classroom debate activities are well-meaning efforts intended to promote understanding of controversial public issues. But when students are positioned to take opposing sides and encouraged to gather evidence, argue their side and “win,” this legalistic practice actually leads adolescents in the wrong direction. As an instructional practice, debate can work against the development of genuine understanding and knowledge. Because debates promote competition, it does not model the deliberative and reflective practice of activating intellectual curiosity and modeling humility. When it comes to learning, the goal is not winning—it’s understanding.

Learning Civil Discourse

Instead of debate, students need to practice the art of perspective-taking on news and current events. In a five-minute daily discussion, start with a question to the whole group: “What are all the things you have heard about this topic, regardless of whether you believe them or not?” This invites general sharing and gathering of ideas, and it frees students up to offer ideas without being associated with or having to defend them.

In this kind of activity, students can share information without isolating themselves from their group. Plus, this method does not alienate the students who aren’t familiar with the news event or controversy under discussion. There’s no penalty for not knowing. Students can learn about current events from their peers.

Some teachers maintain a classroom rule for current events discussions: “You only have a right to an opinion if you have evidence or experience to back it up. If you don’t, then ask questions and listen and learn.” When students hear this, they feel a sense of relief. Students can show that they are participating by asking questions and taking notes. High school social studies teacher Emily Glankler explains it this way: “I’m trying to address a social problem we have in society today. Part of the problem is that people think they are entitled to an opinion on everything.” The everyday ritual of talking about current events for five minutes a day all year long models the practice of becoming a lifelong learner and an engaged citizen.

(This is the first post in a two-part series. You can see Part 2 here. )

The question of the week is:

What are the best ways to connect current events to what we’re teaching in the classroom?

Thanks to Suzie, Kristen, Sarah, Mike, Jessica, and Renee for their contributions.

Please feel free to leave a comment with your reactions to the topic or directly to anything that has been said in this post.

Consider contributing a question to be answered in a future post. You can send one to me at [email protected] . When you send it in, let me know if I can use your real name if it’s selected or if you’d prefer remaining anonymous and have a pseudonym in mind.

You can also contact me on Twitter at @Larryferlazzo .

Education Week has published a collection of posts from this blog, along with new material, in an e-book form. It’s titled Classroom Management Q&As: Expert Strategies for Teaching .

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The opinions expressed in Classroom Q&A With Larry Ferlazzo are strictly those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions or endorsement of Editorial Projects in Education, or any of its publications.

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Mimio Educator

Current events and why we need to teach them.

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Those of you who aren’t social studies teachers may be inclined to skip over this blog post, thinking it doesn’t pertain to you. Still others may be saying, “Why bother teaching current events at all?” After all, with the 24-hour news cycle, nothing stays “current” for long! However, research indicates that a regular dose of current events has a multitude of benefits, even in classes outside of social studies.

Students Should Be Aware of Global Issues

Elevating student awareness of global issues is increasingly important as the countries of the world become more interdependent. Today’s students also need an understanding of the world’s economy, politics, social structures, and environment in order to make the best decisions about how to live their own lives after high school and beyond. At the same time, consuming domestic news with a critical eye is vital to enhancing democracy and defeating intolerance. More than ever, an appreciation for news and our civic institutions is a key step toward self-empowerment and advancement.

As educators, it’s our job to make sure that students are armed with the tools necessary to distinguish between fact, fiction, and plain old opinion; between research or evidence-based statements and empty rhetoric; between exaggeration and reputable journalism – not just “factoids” from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or other information feeds.

The Benefits of Current Events for Students

And let’s remember the myriad benefits our students enjoy through current event programs:

  • They cover a wide range of subjects and connect to all areas of the curriculum.
  • They build language, vocabulary, reading comprehension, critical thinking, problem solving, oral expression, and listening skills.
  • They develop into informed citizens and lifelong news readers. Studying current events helps students understand the importance of people, events, and issues in the news; it stimulates students to explore and learn more about the news, and to pay attention to the news they see and hear outside of school.
  • They provide a “writing model.” Students can learn by imitating the clear, concise style of news writing.
  • They help teachers teach media literacy skills, which are as important today as any of the three R’s.
  • They can open up communication between students and parents. Students are often eager to emulate their parents’ news-citing behaviors, and talking about the news is one way for parents to engage kids in adult conversation.
  • They offer ideal opportunities for cooperative-group instruction, classroom discussions and debates, purposeful follow-up writing, and much more.

Of course, the next question becomes “ How can we make sure that students are informed about what’s going on around the world?” Like most things in life, the best way to do that is through practice. 

The Golden Opportunity of a Campaign

A political race can include swirling controversy, impolitic debate, pivotal issues of great importance – war and peace, economics, and the very role of government in our lives – hot tempers, and a decidedly divided electorate. While many teachers are wary of wading too deeply into controversy and matters of personal opinion, other teachers consider times like these fodder for especially impactful lessons and classroom activities.

Thomas Jefferson once said, “If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed.” I think we can all agree that for children to become competent lifelong learners, they must learn how to use nonfiction materials – current events – to expand their knowledge base, solve problems, and make decisions. But where does one start?

Some teachers use news stories about elections as a timely lesson in citizenship. And don’t forget one other tool for teaching citizenship and critical thinking — newspaper editorial cartoons can drive home the importance of voting, teach about the process of creating laws, track election results and voter turnout, and teach students what it’s like to make the tough decisions that elected officials make every day.

Another Thomas, this time Thomas N. Turner, professor of education at the University of Tennessee stated, “Teaching about world, national, state, and local happenings needs to involve active, participative learning rather than passive learning. This means a lot of hands-on, multisensory activities rather than activities in which the teacher or one student reports while everyone else pretends to listen.”

Now, more than ever, teaching current events is a practical and relevant part of learning which includes helping students develop nonfiction reading skills and build awareness of current events topics. Can you think of other benefits or lesson ideas related to elections and/or other current events? Share them below.

Topics: classroom assessment , Lessons , Interactive Whiteboard , Classroom Collaboration , curriculum , current events for students , current events topics , Teaching Current Events

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Current events of national and international importance

Last updated on April 3, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

importance of current events essay

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India, requiring aspirants to possess a comprehensive understanding of a wide range of subjects.

Among these, the segment on “Current Events of National and International Importance” holds significant weightage.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of staying updated with current affairs and how it aligns with the UPSC CSE syllabus.

Table of Contents

Understanding the relevance of Current events of national and international importance

Current events play a pivotal role in the UPSC CSE syllabus as they serve as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

This segment gauges an aspirant’s awareness of global and national issues.

It also checks aspirants’ analytical skills, and their ability to connect various events to broader socio-political, economic, and environmental contexts.

👉 Which year are YOU targeting for success in the IAS/IPS/IFS Exam? 🚀

(1) ⇒ UPSC 2025: Prelims cum Mains

(2) ⇒ UPSC 2026: Prelims cum Mains

(3) ⇒ UPSC 2027 Prelims cum Mains

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What Falls Under Current Events

As far as UPSC CSE is concerned, candidates should conceive the “Current Events of National and International Importance” as events that have taken place in recent times and have significant relevance to India’s socio-economic, political, and cultural landscape.

This includes both national and international events, policy changes, scientific advancements, diplomatic relations, environmental issues, and more.

Current Affairs is an extension of Static Topics

Current affairs is not something that is separate from static topics.

Ideally, candidates should see current affairs as an extension of static topics like Geography , Economy , Polity , Technology etc.

Current affairs events can be connected to subjects like polity and governance, economy, international relations, environment , science and technology , social issues, and security.

Aspirants should aim to form a holistic understanding of how these events impact these diverse subjects.

Some major events of recent national importance:

The current affairs events mentioned below represent a cross-section of the diverse issues that have captured national attention in recent times, reflecting the multifaceted nature of India’s socio-political landscape.

  • Katchatheevu Island : What is the dispute about?
  • Electoral Bonds : The Supreme Court held that anonymous electoral bonds are violative of the right to information under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
  • ISRO’s X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) : Launched to study black holes and galaxies, marking a significant step in space research.
  • Aditya-L1 Mission : India’s first solar mission successfully reached its final orbit, enhancing India’s capabilities in space research.
  • Mumbai Trans Harbour Link : India’s longest bridge, connecting Mumbai with Navi Mumbai.
  • Women Reservation Bill : This legislation aims to reserve 33 per cent of seats in both the directly elected Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies exclusively for women.
  • Chandrayaan 3 : Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third voyage to the moon and its second attempt at a soft landing. Through this mission, India joined China, the United States, and Russia as the fourth nation in the world to accomplish this accomplishment.
  • COVID-19 Pandemic: The global pandemic had a profound impact on India, leading to lockdowns, healthcare challenges, and socio-economic disruptions.
  • Farmers’ Protests: The ongoing farmers’ protests against agricultural reforms sparked nationwide discussions on agrarian policies and farmer welfare.
  • Vaccination Drive: India’s vaccination campaign against COVID-19, one of the largest in the world, aimed to inoculate millions and curb the spread of the virus.
  • Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization: The abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into union territories sparked debates on regional autonomy and security.
  • Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Protests : Nationwide protests erupted against the CAA, with concerns raised about its implications on citizenship and secularism.
  • Ayodhya Verdict: The Supreme Court’s verdict on the Ayodhya land dispute paved the way for the construction of a Ram temple and the allocation of an alternative site for a mosque.
  • Digital India Initiatives : The push for digitalization, especially during the pandemic, emphasized the importance of digital connectivity, governance, and services.
  • Economic Slowdown and Recovery: The economic impact of the pandemic led to challenges, followed by efforts for recovery through stimulus packages and policy changes.
  • Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: The self-reliance initiative aimed to boost domestic manufacturing, reduce dependence on imports, and promote entrepreneurship.
  • Ladakh Standoff: The military standoff with China in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley highlighted border security concerns and India’s foreign policy challenges.
  • Cyclone Amphan: The powerful cyclone wreaked havoc in West Bengal and Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
  • Black Lives Matter Solidarity: The global movement sparked discussions in India about racism, discrimination, and social justice.
  • Rising Environmental Concerns: Environmental issues gained prominence, with discussions on air quality , water scarcity, deforestation, and sustainable development.
  • New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 : The policy aimed at revamping the education system, emphasizing holistic learning, skill development, and flexibility.
  • Rise of Digital Payments: The surge in digital payments, accelerated by the pandemic, showcased the potential of a cashless economy.
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Policies: RBI’s interventions to stabilize the economy, manage inflation, and promote financial inclusion were closely monitored.
  • New Labour Codes : The introduction of new labour codes aimed to modernize and simplify labour laws, impacting the rights and working conditions of employees.
  • National Education Technology Forum (NETF): The forum was launched to promote the integration of technology in education, facilitating e-learning and innovation.
  • One Nation One Ration Card Scheme: The initiative aimed to provide food security to beneficiaries across states by enabling ration card portability.
  • Pegasus Spyware Controversy: Allegations of surveillance using Pegasus spyware raised concerns about privacy, cybersecurity, and freedom of expression.

Note: Do you wish to cover a lot more current affairs topics in a short span of time? If yes, join the ClearIAS Current Affairs Course .

Some recent issues or events of international importance

The international events and issues mentioned below reflect the intricate web of interconnectedness that shapes our world, highlighting the importance of diplomacy , cooperation, and informed global citizenship.

  • Russia-Ukraine Tensions : The ongoing tensions and conflicts between Russia and Ukraine heightened concerns about territorial integrity, European security, and international law.
  • Israel-Palestine Conflict : Escalations in the Israel-Palestine conflict led to renewed violence, international mediation, and discussions on a two-state solution.
  • Global COVID-19 Response: The global effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic included vaccine distribution, travel restrictions, and collaborative research on treatments.
  • Climate Change and COP26: The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change through global cooperation.
  • Afghanistan Withdrawal: The withdrawal of US and NATO forces from Afghanistan led to a power vacuum, impacting regional security and stability.
  • Myanmar Coup: The military coup in Myanmar sparked international condemnation and raised concerns about human rights and democracy.
  • Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan: The rapid takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban raised questions about governance, women’s rights, and global security.
  • China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): China’s expansive infrastructure project continued to impact global trade, geopolitics, and economic dynamics.
  • Russia-Ukraine Tensions: Ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine raised concerns about territorial integrity and European security.
  • Brexit Implementation: The finalization of the UK’s exit from the European Union marked a significant shift in Europe’s political and economic landscape.
  • Global Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, impacting trade, manufacturing, and logistics.
  • Vaccine Diplomacy: Countries engaged in vaccine diplomacy by providing COVID-19 vaccines to other nations, influencing international relations.
  • Hong Kong National Security Law: China’s imposition of a national security law in Hong Kong raised concerns about autonomy and civil liberties.
  • Iran Nuclear Deal : Negotiations surrounding the Iran nuclear deal highlighted global efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation and regional stability.
  • Rise of Cyberattacks: High-profile cyberattacks targeted critical infrastructure, raising questions about cybersecurity, espionage, and digital warfare.
  • Migration Crisis: Ongoing migration challenges, including refugee movements and immigration policies, remained a global concern.
  • Emerging Technologies: Discussions around artificial intelligence, 5G technology, and biotechnology raised questions about ethics, regulation, and national security.
  • Ebola Outbreak: Ebola outbreaks in Africa prompted international efforts to contain the virus and support healthcare systems.
  • Humanitarian Crises: Humanitarian crises in Yemen, Syria, and Venezuela underscored the importance of international aid and conflict resolution.
  • Space Exploration: Advancements in space exploration, including Mars missions and private space travel, redefined possibilities beyond Earth.
  • Trade Disputes: Trade tensions between major economies, such as the US-China trade dispute, continued to impact global trade flows and economic relations.

How to learn about current affairs?

Aspirants often wonder about the best way to stay updated with the multitude of current affairs events occurring around the world.

Readers may note that this article on current events of national and international importance is just an overview of the topic. There is a lot more to learn about the current affairs.

We recommend the below sources to learn the current affairs.

  • Join ClearIAS Current Affairs Course .
  • If you wish to cover all subjects in the UPSC CSE syllabus including current affairs, join the ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains course .
  • Go through ClearIAS Current Affairs articles .
  • Download ClearIAS Current Affairs Capsule s (monthly MCQ PDF sets).
  • Reading reputable newspapers like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and The Business Line and magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, and Frontline can provide a deep insight into current affairs. If you wish to subscribe to The Hindu Epaper or The Hindu website , you can apply the discount code CLEARIAS to get extra OFF.

Online Sources to learn events of national and international importance

There are many websites and apps like ClearIAS that will help in your current affairs preparation.

ClearIAS Website: If you join ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains course , you will get information about all major events of national and international importance. If you are looking for a current affairs-specific course, also explore the ClearIAS Current Affairs Course . Also, don’t miss ClearIAS current affairs articles  which we create for free.

Government Websites: Websites like PIB (Press Information Bureau), RSTV (Rajya Sabha TV), and IDSA (Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses) offer valuable information.

News Apps and Podcasts: Utilize news apps and podcasts that offer daily or weekly summaries of current events, making it convenient to stay updated even on the go.

Television and Radio: News channels and radio broadcasts can provide a broader perspective on events and discussions.

Government Reports and International Organizations: Reports from government bodies like NITI Aayog and international organizations like the United Nations can provide data-driven insights into current issues.

What is the best strategy to learn current affairs for competitive exams like UPSC CSE?

ClearIAS Current Affairs Course

Hence the best strategy to learn about Current Affairs is to link it with respective static topics. That is the reason why when we started the ClearIAS Current Affairs Course – we provided subject-wise and topic-wise current affairs.

Click here to join the ClearIAS Current Affairs Course.

Conclusion:

In the grand scheme of the UPSC CSE preparation journey, staying updated with current affairs is not just a box to be checked, but a continuous process of learning and adapting. It’s about nurturing the ability to critically analyze, comprehend, and discuss the complex world we live in.

By integrating current events into the broader syllabus, aspirants can showcase their readiness to take on the challenges of governance in an ever-evolving world.

The Civil Services Exam aims to identify individuals who have the potential to become effective administrators and policymakers. In the modern era, administrators are required to make decisions that impact not only the nation but also the international community.

Therefore, being well-versed in current events is not just a syllabus requirement; it’s a necessity for responsible governance.

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Why teach current events?

Why bother teaching current events? The research indicates that a regular dose of current events has a multitude of benefits! Included: Activity ideas and Internet resources for teaching current events!

Editor's note: This story includes many activity ideas for teachers who teach "current events." If you're looking for additional ideas, be sure to check out the Education World Lesson Planning story, Twenty-five ideas for using current events across the curriculum .

"All I know is what I read in newspapers."

Indeed, TV news and the Internet aside, those famous words spoken by humorist Will Rogers ring truer today than ever. Rogers wouldn't recognize the newspaper of the 1990s, when this article was originally written - or of 2016. The variety of news offered; the abundance of photos; the text peppered with charts, graphs, and maps, in print and online. Today more than ever, the newspaper is a source for all one needs to know.

And, more than ever, teachers recognize the usefulness and importance of "using the news" -- and of developing students who have good newsreading skills and an awareness of current events. Among the benefits students often cite, "current events" programs

  • cover a wide range of subjects and connect to all areas of the curriculum.
  • build language, vocabulary, reading comprehension, critical thinking, problem solving, oral expression, and listening skills.
  • develop informed citizens and lifelong newsreaders. Studying current events helps students understand the importance of people, events, and issues in the news; it stimulates students to explore and learn more about the news, and to pay attention to the news they see and hear outside of school.
  • provide a "writing model." Students can learn by imitating the clear, concise style of news writing.
  • help teachers teach media literacy skills, as important today as any of the three Rs.
  • can open up communications between students and parents. Students are often eager to emulate their parents' newsreading behaviors, and talking about the news is one way for parents to engage students in adult conversation.
  • offer ideal opportunities for cooperative-group instruction, classroom discussions and debates, purposeful follow-up writing, and much more.

Indeed, the newspaper has been regarded as a useful tool for teaching students about current events for more than 200 years! The Portland Eastern Herald recorded on June 8, 1795, that

"Much has been said and written on the utility of newspapers; but one principal advantage which might be derived from these publications has been neglected; we mean that of reading them in schools."

Research supports the use of current events

For children to become competent lifelong learners, they must learn how to use nonfiction materials to expand their knowledge base, solve problems, and make decisions.

That point was made by Edward F. DeRoche, dean of the School of Education at the University of San Diego in his book The Newspaper: A Reference for Teachers and Librarians (ABC-CLIO, Inc., 1991).

A large body of research supports the use of newspapers and current events as teaching tools, says DeRoche. Among the research he sites:

  • Students who use newspapers tend to score higher on standardized achievement tests -- particularly in reading, math, and social studies -- than those who don't use them.
  • Newspapers help teach students to be effective readers.
  • Newspapers can help develop and improve student vocabulary, word recognition skills, and comprehension.
  • Newspapers are effective tools for teaching many math concepts, particularly fractions, decimals, currency, and averages.
  • In surveys, students overwhelmingly support the use of newspapers in the classroom and have a positive attitude toward reading newspapers.
  • Newpapers increase awareness of and interest in current events.
  • Students who read newspapers in school tend to continue reading them when they become adults.

Students who study news or watch TV news in school are more interested in current events than those who do not, according to a large body of research cited in a 1997 report ( Student Interest in National News and Its Relation to School Courses ) from the National Center for Education Statistics. Studies indicate that elementary and high school students are not intrinsically interested in current events, least of all in foreign news and U.S. politics. But evidence suggests that including current events in the school curriculum can increase interest. In a recent survey, 135 inner-city schoolteachers who used a program designed to incorporate current events into lesson plans said the program was effective in increasing student interest in current events. Another study of 798 students in grades 9 to 12 showed that students who study news or watch TV news in school "are more likely to engage in news-seeking behavior outside of school."

The NCES study also reported results of the 1996 National Household Education Survey (NHES), which revealed that students who take classes that require them to pay attention to government, politics, or national issues report increased interest in those issues outside of school. About two-thirds of students in grades 6 to 12 reported in the survey that they had taken such a course in one of the last two years; about half of the students surveyed had taken such a course in both of the last two years. Overall, 65 percent of students who took at least one course during the last two years reported their interest in politics and national issues increase "some" or "a good deal" as a result. Among students who had taken such a course in both of the last two years, 71 percent responded that their interest had increased.

In another NHES measure, students who reported taking a course that generated at least some increase in interest in politics or national issues also reported outside news-seeking behaviors. They were more likely than others to discuss the news or watch or listen to the national news with parents.

Active, participatory current events!

"Teaching about world, national, state, and local happenings needs to involve active, participative learning rather than passive learning," says Thomas N. Turner, professor of education at the University of Tennessee. "This means a lot of hands-on, multisensory activities rather than activities in which the teacher or one student reports while everyone else pretends to listen."

In "Riding the Rapids of Current Events" ( The Social Studies , May/June 1995), Turner suggests activities such as mock trials and using student-created questionnaires as ways to make current events learning more active. Thomas also suggests activities for comparing different news sources' treatments of the same news story and an activity that involves students in mapping developing news stories as they unfold.

"Students also love to go before the camera, and videotaping simulated reports of dramatic past and current news events often sparks their interest," adds Turner. "The students can role play news events or pantomime them while a reporter reads the event for the audience. Planning and creating the script or story board for these dramatic pieces can be a cooperative learning activity."

Another idea Turner suggest in his article in The Social Studies is one called a People Scavenge.

"In a People Scavenge, the students go around the class and find out what their peers know and have experienced," says Thomas. "The ground rule is that they can use the same individual for no more than two (or three) items but must collect the initials of someone for every question."

People scavenges can be superficial (see sample questions below) or they can have real depth and plunge into issues and opinions, adds Thomas.

Among the 20 items students seek in Thomas's "Newshound People Scavenge" are students who can initial the following statements:

  • Can name two TV anchor persons.
  • Watched the news on TV last night.
  • Can name three countries that were in the news last week.
  • Knows something about a natural disaster that was in the news in the last two years.
  • Can name at least three different sections of the newspaper.
  • Can name the governor and the mayor.
  • Can name at least two different jobs on a newspaper.
  • Can name two national news magazines.
  • Listened to the news on radio in the last day.
  • Can name three American cities that were in the national news last week.
  • Can name the leaders of three countries other than the United States.
  • Know what the five Ws of news reporting are.

This scavenger hunt might be a fun activity to do at the start of the school year. Record results, such as how long it took and how many questions could be answered. Then, at the end of a semester or school year during which you've emphasized current events in the classroom, repeat the scavenger hunt and compare results. Has your students' "news knowledge" improved as a result of your emphasis on current events?

Comparing media treatments

Today, students have a wide variety of information options -- including television, radio, the Internet, and print sources such as newspapers and magazines. One way to show students the differences between those media is to select a topic and compare how it is handled by each of them. That suggestion was made in Cruise the News, a lesson plan developed by educators responsible for the Newpapers in Education (NIE) program at The Detroit News .

Most Newspaper in Education programs are a great source for newspaper-related activities. Among the simple activities provided on The Detroit News Web site are the following from teacher Gloria Melnikoff from the Kelso (Washington) School District. Melnikoff frequently uses newspapers in her classroom to teach a variety of subjects. Modify these activities to suit your grade level and academic needs, she notes.

  • Distribute newspapers to the entire class. Have each student choose a partner and give them a set period of time, perhaps 15 minutes or so, to read anything they want in the paper. When the time is up, have each student tell what they've read with their partner.
  • Choose, as a group, one story from the newspaper. Read the story together. Find the main idea of the story. Write it down. Find four details in the story. Write them down. Be ready to explain the story to the class.
  • Direct your students to the classified section and have them read the employment section. Then have them choose a job they would like. Ask them to write a "commercial" about themselves telling the employer why they should be hired.
  • Choose a page at random from the paper and have your class use it to construct the week's spelling word list.
  • Have younger students find and cut out pictures to show these shapes: square, rectangle, triangle, circle, cone, hexagon, and pentagon.
  • Ask students to find the weather page. What was the temperature in New York City yesterday? What is the local weather forecast?
  • Tell your students they have $1,000 to spend. Tell them to use ads from the paper to determine how they will spend it on clothing, food, and housing.

Related resources

Additional "current events" Internet resources

Teaching current events via newspapers, magazines, and TV A thorough list of resources for teaching current events.

The Professional Cartoonists' Index: Teacher's guide "The largest collection of newspaper editorial cartoons on the Web," this site offers a guide and lesson plans that include games to encourage students to discuss current events and to explore and interpret the symbolism in cartoons.

Televison series companion materials Support materials for PBS Learningmedia.

Article by Gary Hopkins Education World® Editor-in-Chief Copyright © 2010, 2016 Education World

 

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130 + Best Current Event Essay Topics & Current Event Essay Example

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This article covers a list over 130 Current Event Essay Topics and a Current Event Essay Example. It also discusses the ho to choose a Current Event Essay Topic that best fits your interests.

Here's What You'll Learn

Current events essays are common assignments given by English professors which means learning to write them is a key to passing and succeeding in English class. Writing an essay may seem like a simple assignment, but when it is due tomorrow, a blank word document and piles of books can seem paralyzing.

Current Event Essay

A current events essay is a written description of a recent situation, issue, or happening. Current events essays are often assigned by English professors as a way to teach students about the research, writing, and editing process.

Properties of Current Events Essays

  • Are written in standard essay format
  • Include in-text citations and follow a specific citation format
  • Summarize a recent or upcoming event known to the public

You may also be interested to read about Argumentative business essay topics

How to choose your topic

Sometimes a current events essay assignment will provide specific instructions about what topic to write about.

Other times, students will have more flexibility in choosing a topic. Be sure to carefully review your assignment’s rubric and instructions.

If you will be choosing your own topic, make note of the following before you narrow down topic choices:

1. Do the instructions place any time constraints on your topic? In other words, does your current event have to be something that happened within the last year or can it be something that happened five years ago?

2. Does your topic need to relate to a specific industry or genre such as politics, sports, or business?

3. Are there any analytical components that are supposed to be addressed by your essay or are it purely descriptive?

How to Research Efficiently

Tackling the research process can, no doubt, feel a bit intimidating. Here are some basic steps for getting started:

1. Know how many sources you will need  so that you can allow enough time to research.

2. Choose credible sources.  This will depend on the instructions you are given. some professors allow business or media articles while others will only want scholarly sources.

3. Know exactly what you are looking for  before you start your research. Jot down three or four main bullet points of what you will be looking for while you are researching.

Think of these points like a road map. They will guide your reading so you know what passages will be relevant to your paper.

Usually, you will be looking for information that relates to the  What, Where, When, Who, Why,  and  How  aspects of your topic.

Best Current Event Essay Topics

Politics current event essay topics.

  • How will Black Lives Matter affect the 2020 elections?
  • Should the police be defunded?
  • How is the Trump presidency changing international relationships?
  • How should the U.S. respond to cyber hacking by Russia, China, and other countries?
  • Should the United States raise the minimum wage for workers?
  • How can cities in the U.S. be better designed to create a safer and more economically productive community?
  • Is the U.S. economy becoming stronger or weaker?
  • How will COVID-19 change working in America? Around the world?
  • Getting “off the grid” is a current trend. What is the benefit of becoming self-sufficient? Is it worth the cost?
  • Does better health care for everyone make a better and stronger economy in the U.S.?
  • Does it make sense to give U.S. citizenship to all babies born in the United States?
  • Gallup polls show that Americans view Unemployment and the economy as the top problem in the United States. Does evidence suggest they are right?
  • What are the different sides of the current debate over immigration reform in the U.S.?
  • Does the United States have a good or a poor educational system compared to the rest of the world?
  • How important is it to reduce the Federal budget deficit?
  • What will be the most important issues in the next Presidential election cycle?
  • What is causing the increasingly high cost of healthcare in the United States?
  • Should the U.S. continue using drone strikes against terrorists?
  • How is the current U.S. drought going to affect the fire season and food supply?
  • Should the death penalty be outlawed throughout the U.S.?
  • Should the U.S. aggressively work to change towards alternative energies like solar and wind power?
  • What is the best way to create new jobs in the United States to get people back to work?
  • Is the United States responsible for keeping peace around the world? What role should the U.S. play in preventing or intervening in wars and abusive governments?
  • Should the United States fund college education more for people? What should be the rules for the repayment of loans?
  • Should the United States make it easier for educated people or people with valuable skills to immigrate to the United States?
  • How can the Borders of the United States be made more secure? How important is border security?
  • Should it be easier for people to become United States citizens?
  • What infrastructure projects should be the top domestic priority in the United States?
  • How has the high incarceration rate in the United States affected the economy? What Federal and State policies have driven up this incarceration rate?
  • How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected the debate about racism in the United States?

You may also be interested to read about Argumentative Essay Topics about Social Media

Sports Current Event Essay Topics

  • Should sports teams play to empty stands rather than not play at all?
  • How will COVID-19 affect sports in the future?
  • Should college football players receive a salary or other compensation for their playing?
  • Should the owner of a professional team be held accountable for the comments he makes in a private conversation?
  • Is it worth it for a city to invest in building a bigger and better stadium for its professional sports team?
  • What is the value of a college sports team for a college? How does this help the college in terms of getting financial support from alumni? Attracting students? Supporting the economy of their community?
  • What is the difference between sports and entertainment?
  • How have new technologies made by watching sports different? Is the experience of watching sports better or worse than it was before?
  • Which is more interesting to watch, college or professional sports?
  • What sports should be taken out or added to the Olympic games?
  • Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports? What should be the rules about these drugs? Should athletes who used them in the past before they were outlawed be prevented from being entered into Hall of Fame?
  • Is racism in sports a problem?
  • Should athletes protest racism in America by not participating in the National Anthem or Pledge of Allegiance?
  • Is participating in organized sports a good or bad idea for young people?
  • Is it better for young people to specialize in one sport from a young age? Or should they try a variety of sports?
  • Choose your favorite sport. What is the best way for coaches to identify the best talent in their specific sport? Are there better ways to pick a team?
  • How much of a role do parents play in developing top talent in their children? What is the best way parents can help develop their children’s sports career? What are the worst mistakes parents make?
  • Can fan-owned teams solve sports problems?

World Issues Current Event Essay Topics

  • How will COVID-19 change the world economy?
  • Is WHO and organization that provides the information we can trust?
  • Is the International Space Station a good way to bridge differences between nations, or is it vulnerable to become a political tool?
  • Are we heading towards a 3rd World War?
  • Is N.A.T.O. and an effective organization?
  • How can the International Community prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons? How important is it that Iran not be allowed nuclear weaponry?
  • What is the effect on Africa on the fact that many children have been forced to be soldiers?
  • Is the EU going to survive the current economic problems countries have been having? Should the EU nations separate their economies?
  • Is violence along the border of Mexico getting better?
  • How can ethnic killings be stopped in Sudan?
  • Is China easing up in restrictions for Religion or not? Are human rights better or worse in China than in the past?
  • Should women’s issues be more important in international affairs?
  • Is China about to overtake the United States economically?
  • What is the effect of piracy on the stability of world commerce? How important is it to stop African pirates?
  • Is there a better way to fight the war against drugs internationally?
  • Is China starting to deal with their pollution problem?
  • How has social media helped positively influence the world?
  • Is India a poor nation or an emerging superpower?
  • How can we stop the world population from reaching 9 billion in 2050? Is it important to work to limit world population growth?
  • Should the world follow Bhutan’s development model?
  • How healthy is the Indian Judicial System?
  • Why do African nations have so many civil wars?
  • Has foreign aid hurt Africa more than helping it?
  • How has the influence of western media hurt underdeveloped nations?
  • Does Colonialism still affect the nations that were colonized? Pick a nation and explain the continuing problems in that nation due to the history of being colonized.

Health and Medicine Current Event EssayTopics

  • What can we do to better prepare ourselves for pandemics in the future?
  • What are the lessons the medical community will learn from COVID-19?
  • Are E-Cigarettes less harmful than smoking?
  • Why do people oppose the Affordable Care Act?
  • Does spending time on media cause children to have mental health problems?
  • How is the job of frontline health workers like pharmacists, nurses, and doctors going to change?
  • Is it possible to get AIDS infection rates to zero?
  • What is preventing the world from eradicating polio?
  • How are new technologies changing health care?
  • What are the current trends in research about helping people break out of addictive behaviors?
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine birth practices like eating the placenta (which in Western countries is usually encapsulated by being steamed dried and ground into pills) are becoming popular among some celebrities. What is the benefit of this practice? Is there any scientific evidence it works?
  • Does making a city a “no smoking zone” really benefit health? Does it stop people from smoking, or help them quit? Does it result in fewer smokers in that city?
  • What is the best diet for people with heart disease in their family history?
  • The length of the average life continues to increase. What does current research say about the best lifestyle for someone who wants to live to be 100?
  • Research is finding that what we think a medicine or food will do sometimes affects the way our body reacts. What is the evidence that our mind controls our body?
  • Current health food trends include eating “superfoods” or going “gluten-free.” Take a current food trend and investigate the scientific evidence that this helps people have better health.
  • What is the benefit of taking a daily low dose of Aspirin for older people?

As you continue, thestudycorp.com has the top and most qualified writers to help with any of your assignments. All you need to do is place an order with us. (Current Event Essay Topics )

Current Event Essay Topics

You can also check out Profile Essay Examples

Media and Entertainment Current Event Essay Topics

  • How has Twitter changed Entertainment news? What are the most recent scandals made bigger because of Tweets?
  • Is it inevitable that teenage stars eventually turn to drugs, alcohol, or other destructive behavior?
  • Are female stars fighting back effectively against being judged by their looks, and especially by their weight?
  • Which celebrity does the best job of seeming to be authentic? Is there a celebrity who seems to be as nice as they appear? How can fans know?
  • How have shows like “Project Runway” influenced fashion? Have they motivated people to become more creative and personal in what they wear?
  • In what way does the attention of the media on religious figures like The Pope affect the way they behave?
  • Are the recent Christian movies helping win the culture wars?
  • Why are cooking shows like “Chopped” popular?
  • What is the best recent film adapted from a novel?
  • What are the best movies in the current year? Do the Academy Awards winners reflect the very best movies?
  • Is recap culture hurting television?
  • Recently, scripts from pro-wrestling have been released showing that the storyline is written even though the wrestling is improved. Analyze how pro-wrestling is similar to other forms of live or taped entertainment.
  • Which current actors from Bollywood or other film industry outside of the U.S. seem most likely to make it big in Hollywood?
  • Does getting involved in a scandal hurt or help a celebrity’s career?
  • Does being on American Idol, The Voice or other singing contest help an artist’s career? Do winners do better than other contestants?
  • Pick one of the current Reality T.V. shows to investigate. How “Real” are these shows? What is done for entertainment value more than for depicting real life? Do these shows hurt or help the people on them?

Controversial Issues Current Event Essay Topics

  • Affirmative Action
  • Alternative medicine
  • America’s global influence
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Assisted suicide
  • Bilingual education
  • Capital punishment
  • Charter schools
  • Childhood obesity
  • Civil rights
  • Climate change
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Cyber bullying
  • Drug legalization
  • Eating disorders
  • Factory farming
  • Foreign aid
  • Freedom of speech
  • Genetic engineering
  • Health insurance
  • Immigration
  • Labor unions
  • Minimum wage
  • Nuclear energy
  • Organic food
  • Offshore drilling
  • Outsourcing
  • Racial profiling
  • Reparations
  • Screen addiction
  • Self-driving cars
  • Sex education
  • Smart speakers
  • Social security
  • Standardized testing
  • Urban agriculture
  • Violence in the media
  • Women’s rights
  • Zero tolerance policies

Current Event Essay Example

The negative social impacts of “tomorrowland music festival” essay.

“Tomorrowland” is among the biggest global music events that were first launched in 2005. Despite the benefits of this festival for the local community, such as increased economic activity and employment, “Tomorrowland” has also been criticized for the presence of drugs on-site, the issues with cleaning up the location after the festival, local community’s quality of life, and noise pollution.

According to Turner (2017), during events such as Tomorrowland, “police generally occupy a low-key role at festivals with a focus on the seizure of drugs, rather than arrests” (241). Hence, the youth attending this event is exposed to drugs and seeing people around them be under the influence.

Another issue with Tomorrowland is the effect that this festival has on the local community. According to Pavluković et al. (2018), the governments and organizers of festivals usually cite the economic benefits of these events but fail to acknowledge the discomfort the locals feel. An obvious environmental impact is trash left behind by the visitors, which requires the administration of the festival to invest in clearing the site after “Tomorrowland” is over.

Adbulredha et al. (2017) argue that major music festivals generate substantial quantities of solid waste, an estimated “0.89 kg per guest” (p. 388). This problem affects the environment negatively since this waste includes non-recyclable objects or items that need to be collected and send for recycling.

Finally, noise pollution due to the powerful sound systems used by “Tomorrowland’s” performers, which can affect the hearing of the people attending the festival and cause discomfort to the community members, is also a problem.

Overall, although “Tomorrowland” is an important cultural event that has multiple benefits, it also endangers the youth and the environment and causes discomfort for the locals.

Abdulredha, M., Al Khaddar, R., Jordan, D., Kot, P., Abdulridha, A., & Hashim, K. (2018). Estimating solid waste generation by hospitality industry during major festivals: A quantification model based on multiple regression.  Waste Management, 77 , 388-400. Web.

Pavluković V., Armenski T., Alcántara-Pilar J.M. (2019) The impact of music festivals on local communities and their quality of life: Comparation of Serbia and Hungary. In A. Campón-Cerro A., J. Hernández-Mogollón, & J. Folgado-Fernández (Eds.), Best practices in hospitality and tourism marketing and management. Applying quality of life research (pp. 217-237). Springer.

Turner, T. (2017). Space, drugs and Disneyfication. An Ethnography of British youth in Ibiza. [Doctoral dissertation, Coventry University]. CURVE.

You can also check out Best Classification Essay Topics 

Related FAQs

1. what are the components of a current events essay.

A well-written, “current events essay” has four main components: Research: Make sure that you’re getting your news from a reputable source. Online news sources like Google News and any national news syndication Web site are good, convenient sources from which to gather reputable information and compile research data.

2. How to write a narrative discussion analysis article about current events?

The eply a narrative discussion analysis article, Current Event, include: (1)’s significance, relevance, relationship PUBLIC ADMINISTATION, (2) student’s opinion article’s public administration issue / problem, (3) supported (4) -text reference citations pages text 300 words.

3. How to write an essay about a recent event?

Select a recent article. Your task is to write about a current event; therefore, you have to choose the material that is one or two days old, maximum, one week old. The topic must be appropriate.

4. How to write a summary for a current event assignment?

Choose an article that is fresh since the assignment is to write about a current event. In addition, choose an article on the correct topic and make sure that the article gives enough information. Prepare to write the summary by reading the entire article.

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Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > Why Is History Important And How Can It Benefit Your Future?

Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

Why Is History Important And How Can It Benefit Your Future?

importance of current events essay

Updated: July 8, 2024

Published: July 1, 2020

Why-Is-History-Important-And-How-Can-It-Benefit-Your-Future

History is a topic that many find boring to study or a waste of time. But there is more to studying history than meets the eye. So, why is history important? Let us explain.

Understanding history helps us develop critical decision-making skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to anticipate future trends based on historical patterns. By examining historical events, we can all learn valuable lessons, avoid past mistakes, and make informed decisions that can positively impact both our personal and professional development.

What Is History?

History is the knowledge of and study of the past. It is the story of the past and a form of collective memory. History is the story of who we are, where we come from, and can potentially reveal where we are headed.

Why Study History: The Importance

History is important to study because it is essential for all of us in understanding ourselves and the world around us. There is a history of every field and topic, from medicine, to music, to art. To know and understand history is absolutely necessary, even though the results of historical study are not as visible, and less immediate.

History Allows You to Comprehend More

Understanding and studying history enhances our grasp of the world, shedding light on cultural diversity, social dynamics, and geopolitical complexities. It helps us see how past events influence the present and guides us in making informed decisions. It also helps us grasp the following:

1. Our World

History gives us a very clear picture of how the various aspects of society — such as technology, governmental systems, and even society as a whole — worked in the past so we understand how it came to work the way it is now.

2. Society And Other People

Studying history allows us to observe and understand how people and societies behaved. For example, we are able to evaluate war, even when a nation is at peace, by looking back at previous events. History provides us with the data that is used to create laws, or theories about various aspects of society.

3. Identity

History can help provide us with a sense of identity. This is actually one of the main reasons that history is still taught in schools around the world. Historians have been able to learn about how countries, families, and groups were formed, and how they evolved and developed over time. When an individual takes it upon themselves to dive deep into their own family’s history, they can understand how their family interacted with larger historical change. Did family serve in major wars? Were they present for significant events?

4. Present-Day Issues

History helps us to understand present-day issues by asking deeper questions as to why things are the way they are. Why did wars in Europe in the 20th century matter to countries around the world? How did Hitler gain and maintain power for as long as he had? How has this had an effect on shaping our world and our global political system today?

5. The Process Of Change Over Time

If we want to truly understand why something happened — in any area or field, such as one political party winning the last election vs the other, or a major change in the number of smokers — you need to look for factors that took place earlier. Only through the study of history can people really see and grasp the reasons behind these changes, and only through history can we understand what elements of an institution or a society continue regardless of continual change.

Photo by Yusuf Dündar on Unsplash

You learn a clear lesson.

Delving into history provides clear lessons that inform present-day actions and decisions. We can identify enduring principles and cautionary tales relevant to contemporary issues by studying past events.

1. Political Intelligence

History can help us become better informed citizens. It shows us who we are as a collective group, and being informed of this is a key element in maintaining a democratic society. This knowledge helps people take an active role in the political forum through educated debates and by refining people’s core beliefs. Through knowledge of history, citizens can even change their old belief systems.

2. History Teaches Morals And Values

By looking at specific stories of individuals and situations, you can test your own morals and values. You can compare it to some real and difficult situations individuals have had to face in trying times. Looking to people who have faced and overcome adversity can be inspiring. You can study the great people of history who successfully worked through moral dilemmas, and also ordinary people who teach us lessons in courage, persistence and protest.

3. Builds Better Citizenship

The study of history is a non-negotiable aspect of better citizenship. This is one of the main reasons why it is taught as a part of school curricular. People that push for citizenship history (relationship between a citizen and the state) just want to promote a strong national identity and even national loyalty through the teaching of lessons of individual and collective success.

4. Learn From The Past And Notice Clear Warning Signs

We learn from past atrocities against groups of people; genocides, wars, and attacks. Through this collective suffering, we have learned to pay attention to the warning signs leading up to such atrocities. Society has been able to take these warning signs and fight against them when they see them in the present day. Knowing what events led up to these various wars helps us better influence our future.

5. Gaining A Career Through History

The skills that are acquired through learning about history, such as critical thinking, research, assessing information, etc, are all useful skills that are sought by employers. Many employers see these skills as being an asset in their employees and will hire those with history degrees in various roles and industries.

6. Personal Growth And Appreciation

Understanding past events and how they impact the world today can bring about empathy and understanding for groups of people whose history may be different from the mainstream. You will also understand the suffering, joy, and chaos that were necessary for the present day to happen and appreciate all that you are able to benefit from past efforts today.

Photo by Giammarco Boscaro on Unsplash

Develop and refine your skills through studying history.

Engaging with history hones your critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, which are essential for interpreting complex information. Writing about historical events helps you communicate effectively and build strong arguments.

1. Reading And Writing

You can refine your reading skills by reading texts from a wide array of time periods. Language has changed and evolved over time and so has the way people write and express themselves. You can also refine your writing skills through learning to not just repeat what someone else said, but to analyze information from multiple sources and come up with your own conclusions. It’s two birds with one stone — better writing and critical thinking!

2. Craft Your Own Opinions

There are so many sources of information out in the world. Finding a decisive truth for many topics just doesn’t exist. What was a victory for one group was a great loss for another — you get to create your own opinions of these events.

3. Decision-Making

History gives us the opportunity to learn from others’ past mistakes. It helps us understand the many reasons why people may behave the way they do. As a result, it helps us become more impartial as decision-makers.

4. How To Do Research

In the study of history you will need to conduct research . This gives you the opportunity to look at two kinds of sources — primary (written at the time) and secondary sources (written about a time period, after the fact). This practice can teach you how to decipher between reliable and unreliable sources.

5. Quantitative Analysis

There are numbers and data to be learned from history. In terms of patterns: patterns in population, desertions during times of war, and even in environmental factors. These patterns that are found help clarify why things happened as they did.

6. Qualitative Analysis

It’s incredibly important to learn to question the quality of the information and “history” you are learning. Keep these two questions in mind as you read through information: How do I know what I’m reading are facts and accurate information? Could they be the writer’s opinions?

Photo by Matteo Maretto on Unsplash

We are all living histories.

All people and cultures are living histories. The languages we speak are inherited from the past. Our cultures, traditions, and religions are all inherited from the past. We even inherit our genetic makeup from those that lived before us. Knowing these connections give you a basic understanding of the condition of being human.

History Is Fun

Learning about history can be a great deal of fun. We have the throngs of movies about our past to prove it. History is full of some of the most interesting and fascinating stories ever told, including pirates, treasure, mysteries, and adventures. On a regular basis new stories from the past keep emerging to the mainstream. Better yet, there is a history of every topic and field. Whatever you find fascinating there is a history to go along with it. Dive a bit deeper into any topic’s history and you will be surprised by what you might find in the process.

What are the Best History Degree Programs in 2024?

Looking for the best history degree programs in 2024? Consider universities known for their strong academic reputation, faculty expertise, resources, and opportunities for experiential learning, like the ones below:

  • Harvard University : Renowned for its comprehensive history programs and expert faculty, Harvard provides extensive resources and research opportunities.
  • Yale University : Offers robust history programs with a focus on diverse historical perspectives and hands-on learning experiences.
  • University of Pennsylvania : Known for its interdisciplinary approach and strong faculty, UPenn provides excellent research facilities and learning opportunities.
  • Princeton University : Offers a deep dive into historical analysis with a strong emphasis on research and academic excellence.
  • University of Chicago : Known for its rigorous curriculum and focus on critical thinking and research skills.

The subject of history can help you develop your skills and transform you to be a better version of yourself as a citizen, a student, and person overall.

If you are looking to develop more of yourself and skills for your future career, check out the degree programs that are offered by University of the People — a tuition-free, 100% online, U.S. accredited university.

Why should I care about studying history?

Studying history helps you understand how past events shape our present and future. It provides context for current events and helps you make sense of the world.

Can history help me make better decisions in life?

Yes, by learning from past successes and mistakes, you can make more informed decisions and avoid repeating errors.

How does history influence present-day societies and cultures?

History shapes societal norms, cultural practices, and national identities. It influences political decisions and social structures.

What are the practical benefits of learning about history?

Learning history enhances critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. It also improves your understanding of cultural diversity and global issues.

What lessons can we learn from historical mistakes and successes?

History teaches us the consequences of actions, helping us to understand the importance of ethical behavior and the impact of decisions on society.

Are there any specific careers or fields where history knowledge is valuable?

Yes, a strong understanding of history benefits careers in education, law, public policy, journalism, and museum curation.

What role does history play in preserving cultural heritage?

History preserves cultural heritage by documenting and interpreting past events, traditions, and values, ensuring they are remembered and respected.

What are some misconceptions about the relevance of history today?

Some believe history is irrelevant to modern life, but it actually provides critical insights into current issues and future challenges.

In this article

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More

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  1. Practical Guide on How to Format a Current Event Essay 2024

    Create an Outline. Develop a detailed outline with clear sections for the introduction, body, and conclusion. Each body paragraph should have a specific focus or argument related to the current event. This structure helps maintain a logical flow and ensures that you cover all essential aspects of your chosen topic. 5.

  2. Current Event Essay: A Guide, Tips, Examples, and Topic Ideas

    Use the following tips to perfect your current events essay. 1. Always read, understand, and analyze the essay question or the essay prompt. Check the limiting terms that define the scope of the topic, the content terms specific to the task, and the directive terms that define what your essay will be about.

  3. 100 Current Events Research Paper Topics With Research Links

    Helpful News Resources. BBC News: Reliable source for international news.At the bottom of the home page, you can search by country. You can also search by topic. New York Times: Excellent detailed articles that give interesting information and links to other sources.Particularly good for topics about the United States.

  4. Current Events Essay

    The Nature of a Current Events Essay. There are always trending issues around the world that find their way into news outlets. The current events essay tests the students' knowledge of such affairs. It provokes them to be critical and make judgments on important issues that are current. Current events essay needs to be relevant to the readers.

  5. Current Events Essay

    Unlike most papers, a current events essay focuses on clearly and effectively outlining a particular phenomenon, situation, or happening. The event has to be interesting enough to draw most people's attention and evoke different emotions from them. On rare occasions, this kind of writing could also describe an event that has yet to occur.

  6. Best Current Event Essay Topics & Current Event ...

    130 + Best Current Event Essay Topics & Current Event Essay Example. Bob Cardens. July 29, 2022. Nursing. This article covers a list over 130 Current Event Essay Topics and a Current Event Essay Example. It also discusses the ho to choose a Current Event Essay Topic that best fits your interests. Current events essays are common assignments ...

  7. How to Write a Current Events Essay

    A current events essay is a written description of a recent situation, issue, or happening. Current events essays area often assigned by English professors as a way to teach students about the research, writing, and editing process. Current events essays generally: Are brief. Are written in standard essay format.

  8. How to Write a Current Events Essay

    admin. A current event essay will address the historical context and long term effects of a given aspect of current happenings in the world. Usually, such a topic will stem from the realm of politics, law, international relations, or some other controversial issue. For instance, The United States presidential election of 2008.

  9. How to Write a Current Event Essay

    Current event essays are assigned to inform students about important occurrences around the world. Students will learn to reflect and form opinions about social justice while also learning how to look for publication bias. As an academic skill, current events essays enhance reading comprehension skills and allow ...

  10. Current Events

    Current Events. Resources for teaching about current events using New York Times content. Election 2024 Student Conversation Forum. Student News Quiz. Lesson Plans. Election 2024 Student ...

  11. Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion

    Here are all of our Student Opinion questions from the 2020-21 school year. Each question is based on a different New York Times article, interactive feature or video.

  12. 6 Reasons Why The News Is Important

    2. It Allows People To Adapt To Global Changes. A second reason why the news is important is because is allows people to adapt to changes that are happening globally. The news provides a regular update on what is happening. Almost all news outlets cover events that are local, national, and international.

  13. How to Write a Current Events Summary

    2. Choose an article that is less than one week old. Since the assignment is to write about a current event, select an article that is fresh. The article should only be one to two days old when you write the summary. It should definitely be less than one week old by the time you turn it in. 3.

  14. The Past Is Present: Strategies for Bringing Current Events Into the

    This will often bring up articles and essays that show how past events relate to present-day events, especially when one searches around the time of an important anniversary.

  15. Seven Ways to Bring Current Events Into the Classroom

    This two-part series will explore ways we connect those current events to what we're teaching in the classroom. Today, Suzie Boss, Kristen Koppers, Sarah Cooper, Mike Kaechele, Jessica Torres ...

  16. Current Events and Why We Need to Teach Them!

    Studying current events helps students understand the importance of people, events, and issues in the news; it stimulates students to explore and learn more about the news, and to pay attention to the news they see and hear outside of school. They provide a "writing model.". Students can learn by imitating the clear, concise style of news ...

  17. Current Event Essays (Examples)

    Current Event on December 14 2012 a. On December 14, 2012 a mass shooting occurred in Newton, Connecticut at Sandy Hook Elementary School resulting in the deaths of twenty children and six adults. The gun used at the elementary school was an AR-15 which was registered to the assailant's mother.

  18. Current events of national and international importance

    Understanding the relevance of Current events of national and international importance. Current events play a pivotal role in the UPSC CSE syllabus as they serve as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. This segment gauges an aspirant's awareness of global and national issues. It also checks aspirants ...

  19. Why teach current events?

    develop informed citizens and lifelong newsreaders. Studying current events helps students understand the importance of people, events, and issues in the news; it stimulates students to explore and learn more about the news, and to pay attention to the news they see and hear outside of school. provide a "writing model."

  20. 130 + Best Current Event Essay Topics & Current Event Essay Example

    Current Event Essay. A current events essay is a written description of a recent situation, issue, or happening. Current events essays are often assigned by English professors as a way to teach students about the research, writing, and editing process. Properties of Current Events Essays. Are brief; Are written in standard essay format

  21. Current Events Articles

    Current Events. These news articles are relevant to topics in U.S. History, Government, and Civics classrooms. Each week, the Bill of Rights Institute searches for contemporary news articles that explore relevant themes and connect them to BRI resources. Check out our collection of articles here.

  22. Why Is History Important And How Can It Benefit Your Future?

    Understanding and studying history enhances our grasp of the world, shedding light on cultural diversity, social dynamics, and geopolitical complexities. It helps us see how past events influence the present and guides us in making informed decisions. It also helps us grasp the following: 1. Our World.

  23. The Importance of Staying Up to Date With Current Events

    Altogether, staying up to date with current events is essential for personal development, informed decision-making, active citizenship, and a broader understanding of the world around us. It enables us to make better choices for ourselves and our societies while fostering empathy, global awareness, and intellectual curiosity.

  24. UNGA: UNESCO welcomes the importance placed on culture in the 'Pact for

    Meeting in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, the Heads of State and Government on Sunday adopted the 'Pact for the Future', a set of joint measures to tackle the major international challenges. This text gives unprecedented prominence to culture, recognizing its role in sustainable development, and the need for States to invest in this sector.