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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. As the food companies produced more corn, they create more _________ as it is cheaper than sugar.

2. The push for corn has also led to the industrialization of _______ farms, according to Naylor.

3. What helps to reduce evaporation in the fields, and help to produce more carbon for the plants in the farm?

4. Pollan points out that the industrial method of farming has led to increased ________ and polluted groundwater.

5. The _________ is one of the specialized animals that Pollan points out as having no issues with eating.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the hybrid corn that is described in this section of the book?

2. Describe the Salatin farm as Pollan views it in the book from his experiences visiting there.

3. What is the history of Polyface Farm, according to the book?

4. What did Pollan feel about the meal that he had that was made from all organic foods?

5. What does Naylor admit that he and most other growers grow in their corn fields?

6. What happens to the cows that produce organic milk for places like Whole Foods, according to Pollan?

7. What does Pollan note as being a problem with organic foods being labeled as organic, as shown in the example of the lettuce?

8. What does Pollan point out is the start of any of the foods in the food chain, which came as a surprise to him?

9. What does the lack of a good culture in America cause among people?

10. What indicates a higher ratio of corn being eaten in a human's diet?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea behind grass farming is to begin and end with a highly renewable resource - grass.

Part 1: Why do you think Salatin decided to be a grass farmer?

Part 2: Does the idea of being a grass farmer seem like a lot of work?

Part 3: How do you think an industrial farmer could implement the ideas of grass farming. Or couldn't they?

Essay Topic 2

The main theme of the book is the omnivore's dilemma and it's one that Pollan returns to again and again.

Part 1: Do you think you face a dilemma when you sit down to eat?

Part 2: Why do you think Pollan believes that the dilemma is important?

Part 3: Should people think about where their food comes from or why they choose certain foods?

Essay Topic 3

Farmers continue to have to grow more and more corn to keep up with the supply and demand, but it's harming their farms.

Part 1: What are some of the problems of only growing corn in a field?

Part 2: Do you think that farmers should be pushed to grow so much corn?

Part 3: Why do you think farmers aren't trying to grow more diverse crops?

(see the answer keys)

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