Hi Natalie: Current events do add a degree of validity to the topics. And it only takes being alert to the many resources that supply us (bombard us) with related information. When students get to discuss and add their opinions, I think that adds more too. They may be off target a bit, but a good teacher can provide corrected information while not calling attention to correcting the student. How? Just don't correct the student. Instead, just give your version of what you want the students to remember and remind students your version is what tests will come from. Regards, Barry