The Library of Congress

Figuring Somepin 'Bout the Great Depression How to Analyze a News Article

When reading and analyzing a news article, whether on the topic of the Great Depression or any other topic, you must answer certain questions, for which you may use the space provided below:

1. What is at issue? In other words, in most news articles there is some type of conflict. Identify this issue/conflict in your own words.
2. Who are the participants on different sides of the issue/conflict? In other words, what are their names and/or organizations, and what are their different proposals in attempting to resolve the issue/conflict?
3. Where is the issue/conflict taking place?
4. When was and/or is this an issue? In other words, for how long has this been an issue?
5. Why is there an issue/conflict? In other words, why do the different sides have different ways of solving the issue/conflict? Do the different sides want to use different means of arriving at the same result, or are their goals different?

After answering these questions, you should begin to evaluate the different sides' arguments. Which side is more correct, and why? If you cannot yet give an educated response, explain what additional information you need to know, or what questions you need answered before you are able to give an educated response. Supply your answers in the space provided below and on the opposite side of this worksheet.