SUMMARY
The annual United Nations General Assembly met Tuesday as the world and many nations are facing myriad issues. During a speech Tuesday morning, President Joe Biden sought to reassure underdeveloped countries that the U.S. will help them through these tough times. But his most forceful words were reserved for Russia, and its war against Ukraine.
For a transcript of this story, click here (this is an abbreviated transcript; we are going to upload full transcript shortly).
News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM UP QUESTIONS
- What is the United Nations General Assembly?
- Where and When does the General Assembly meet?
- Who gave speeches to the Assembly that were described in this story?
- How defending Ukraine help benefit the U.S., according to Biden?
- Why should the world help defend Ukraine against Russia, according to Biden? Do you agree? Explain.
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What reasons did Biden give for supporting Ukraine that you found persuasive?
What do you think are some benefits or costs that weren't brought up in the speech?
Media literacy: What else would you want to know about the UN General Assembly meeting? Why do you think the NewsHour chose to highlight these parts of Biden's speech?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?
FOR MORE
What students can do: In addition to Biden's speech, watch the story on the speech given by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Then as a class, discuss: What were some similarities in the two speeches? What were some areas of difference? How do you think these differences might represent differences in goals between the U.S. and Ukraine?
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