MAIN IDEA, CENTRAL IDEA, & SUMMARY
What is the definition of a GMO?
Plants or animals that have had their genes altered with DNA from different species to get certain traits.
Which sentence provides evidence that GMOs are very common in the U.S. food supply?
"GMOs are found in about three-quarters of America's processed foods" (or "GMOs are ingredients in 70 to 80 percent of America's processed foods.").
The term used for "fast-growing fish" that are genetically modified.
Frankenfish.
How does the article support the claim that humans have been modifying crops for thousands of years?
By discussing how farmers used to cross and select plants with desirable traits.
What claim does the article make about the scientific consensus on GMO safety?
Scientists broadly agree that GMOs are not dangerous.
Which industry is a major supporter of labeling laws?
The organic (or pesticide-free) food industry.
What is the central idea of the article regarding the safety and acceptance of GMO foods?
Scientists broadly agree they are no more dangerous than other foods, but a global battle rages over their future.
Which sentence explains why critics say the new U.S. labeling law is unfair to the elderly and poor?
"Critics have said this is unfair to the elderly and poor, who are less likely to have such a phone."
The effect the phrase "genetic engineering is a walk on the weird side" has on the article's tone.
It sets a playful, slightly strange, or acknowledging tone of the unusual nature of the topic.
What two options do manufacturers have for reporting GMOs under President Obama's law?
Write it on the package or print a code/QR code to scan.
What counterclaim does the article present regarding the environmental impact of bug-killing corn?
That pests are becoming resistant, so farmers now have to use more pesticides.
Why does the author include the story of the FlavrSavr tomato?
To show an example of an early GMO that failed because it tasted bad.
What are the two main agricultural benefits of using GMOs for farmers?
Making farmers more productive and reducing the need for chemicals to control bugs (insecticide use).
Which sentence supports the claim that pests are developing resistance to GMO crops?
"Monsanto's bug-killing corn is so widely used that the worms that feed on it are developing resistance."
What does "insecticide" mean in the context of the article?
A substance used to kill insects that destroy crops.
What is the author's point of view regarding the safety of GMOs?
That GMOs pose no more risk than other crops (supported by the National Academy of Sciences).
Which specific crop is used as an example of a GMO success story?
Hawaiian papayas (saved from a virus).
Why does the author contrast the Grocery Manufacturers Association with the organic food industry?
To show that the food business is divided on the issue of labeling.
What is the "latest debate" or global fight regarding the future of GMOs?
Labeling.
Which sentence provides evidence that Monsanto dominates the seed market?
"They are led by Monsanto, which controls 27 percent of the market" (or "Monsanto, which sells about 1 in 4 of the world's seeds.").
What is a mutation, as explained in the article's background section?
A change in a crop's genes that may be passed down to later generations.
How is the text structured to present the controversy?
It is divided into three sections: The Situation, The Background, and The Argument.
Besides safety concerns, what other reason does the article give for why shoppers are cautious?
Anti-corporate feelings / worry about big companies controlling agriculture.
Which countries/regions does the text mention as already having GMO labeling laws?
Japan, Brazil, China, and the European Union.
Which crop does the article mention was the first GMO approved for sale in 1994?
The FlavrSavr tomato.
Which sentence provides evidence that the FlavrSavr tomato was a failure?
"It was weak tasting and was pulled from the market."
What the phrase "global battle rages" suggests about the discussion over GMOs.
A fierce, intense, or ongoing disagreement.
What is the author's point of view about why consumers are cautious of Monsanto specifically?
The company has become a "bogeyman" in popular culture (anti-corporate feelings).
What specific example is used to prove that weeds and insects are adapting to GMOs?
The corn rootworm developing resistance to bug-killing corn.
What is the financial reason why the organic industry supports GMO labeling?
They believe more people will buy organic food if they are frightened by GMO labels.