1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. (In this article, 1st and 2nd paragraphs). List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. What is known about the Chinese diplomats?

3. What did the pair do at the base?

4. a) What excuse did the two give when they were caught?
b) What do U.S. officials believe was the actual motive of the two?
c) Think about the excuse the Chinese used. For what obvious reason would no one believe this?

5. For what reason did the Times’ reporters suggest China did not retaliate as expected?

6. How do you know the U.S. is taking this incident very seriously?