Story: Ethanol Fueling Higher Food Prices, 09/17/07
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec07/ethanol_9-17.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What is ethanol? Why is it becoming more popular?

2. How is most ethanol in the United States made?

3. What role has the federal government played in the increased production of ethanol?

4. What percentage of the U.S. corn harvest is dedicated to ethanol production? How does this compare to 2000?

5. What has happened to the price of basic foods like cereal, bread, milk or beef?

6. What are some potential sources of ethanol production, other than corn?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. Make a list of ethanol advantages and disadvantages. Do you think ethanol production should be subsidized by the government? Why or why not.

2. Research corn production in your state. Do farmers grow corn? What is it used for? Talk to a local farmer, has the demand for ethanol affected his or her work?

3. Write down everything you've eaten in the last 2 days. How much was made from corn, wheat, meat or milk? Have you or the person who purchased the food you ate noticed prices going up? If you haven't noticed prices going up, what would be a noticeable increase?

4. What happens when families pay more for food? How might this affect the economy?

Write a 300-500 word essay on any of the topics in this exercise providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.