A current event is a topic, issue, or phenomenon that is in the news or happening around us now. It may be controversial, arousing interest, shocking, or interesting. It may also be a story about an event that has already happened or something that is expected to happen.
A common assignment in junior high, middle school, high school, college, and university is a current events essay or summary. Writing one requires good research and writing skills. It is a great way for students to learn about current issues in our society and to practice researching, writing, and analytical thinking. However, it can be challenging to write a well-written current event essay. It can be even more difficult to select a topic, develop an argument, organize ideas, and write a short essay within a tight deadline.
Some instructors or professors give specific instructions on what topic you should choose and write about for your current event essay. Other instructors allow you to pick your own topic. When allowed to choose your own topic, you should check whether there are any limiting terms or directives that define the scope of the essay. For example, a teacher may only want you to focus on an event that has happened in the past year or five years, whereas another instructor may want you to address a particular area or field of study, such as sports, education, business, social issues, religion, or politics. Articles from newspapers, such as The New York Times or the Washington Post, are good sources for information on current events. Magazine articles can also be helpful for background or additional information on a certain event, but they should be selected carefully because they often contain opinions and subjective positions rather than factual data.