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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. Corn is also able to limit the ______ lost during the process of photosynthesis, according to the book.

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

3. Since they don't have to worry about nitrogen, farmers no longer have to ________ their crops to ensure soil fertility.

4. Hybrid corn is a __________ hog, according to this chapter, and is able to be grown without disruption of fertility issues.

5. Corn takes in more carbon _______ during the process of photosynthesis than other plants.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is corn starch broken down into after it has been processed in the wet milling process?

3. Why are the chicken pens slowly moved around the pasture during the day?

4. What does Pollan point out as being the ingredients that are in a common breakfast cereal?

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

6. Why do humans have the problem of the omnivore's dilemma, according to Pollan?

7. Why does most of the corn planting farming rely on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMO)?

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

9. What are some of the compounds that are derived from the various parts of the corn kernel?

10. What are the reasons why Pollan calls farms and humans imperfect natural systems?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Salatin's farming methods focus on efficiency and building up a system that helps maintain itself.

Part 1: How do you think industrial farms lack efficiency?

Part 2: Why do you think natural farming methods are more efficient?

Part 3: Do you think every farmer can be more efficient?

Essay Topic 2

The way that the cows are handled in industrial farms allows more chance of disease to the cow and to the human who eats the beef.

Part 1: How do you think animals should be treated when they are being raised as food?

Part 2: Do you think it's right to eat animals?

Part 3: Why do you think animals' health and well-being aren't always supported by those who raise them?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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