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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 farm and the human are two ________ natural systems that the food industry relies on.

3. Where does Pollan take his family at the end of this section of the book?

4. What is the name of the once trash strewn park that was turned into a community garden?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What does a person need to know in order to succeed with grass farming?

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

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

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

5. What happened as a result of corn having mutated early on in its use?

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

7. What are three of the benefits to grass farming, as outlined by Pollan?

8. What is another impact of the push for corn in farming, related to another type of industrialized food supply?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Salatin talks to Pollan about the ways in which a farm can grow in line with the Earth to be more productive and healthy.

Part 1: Do you think that organic growing is the best way to grow for food supplies?

Part 2: Why do you think organic growing methods aren't always the best choice?

Part 3: Do you think that organic growing is more of a trend than a way of life?

Essay Topic 2

The supersizing of foods and drinks has led to more sales for the soda drink companies.

Part 1: What do you think about the idea of supersizing your meals?

Part 2: Do you think that the idea of supersizing may have contributed to the growing obesity problem?

Part 3: Why do you think people tend to enjoy the idea of supersizing their meals and drinks?

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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