1. By how much has the price of corn increased in the past 6 months?

2. What types of groceries sold in supermarkets will be affected by the price of corn - why?

3. When will the price increases begin for various types of food? Be specific.

4. American consumers will be hurt by the increase in corn prices. Who benefits from the increase?

5. What is causing such a dramatic increase in corn prices?

6. Ask a parent if he/she supports the government mandate (order/requirement) requiring the use of ethanol in our gasoline.

CHALLENGE QUESTIONS: Read the points from a commentary on the use of corn for ethanol under "Background" below. Considering this information, answer the following questions:

• Do you think the government should continue to require gasoline and car manufacturers to produce gas and cars that require the use of ethanol? 
• Do you think your opinion about government mandated ethanol would change if you believe that ethanol will help us to become less dependent on oil from foreign countries?
• Do you think your opinion about government mandated ethanol would change if your family budget was hurt by higher cost of groceries?
• Do you think your opinion about government mandated ethanol would change if you believe that the use of ethanol in our gas will be good for the environment?

Explain your answers.

NOTE: The Energy Policy Act of 2005 mandates that increasing amounts of ethanol (which is made from corn) be used in the United States to dilute gasoline. The law called for 4 billion gallons of ethanol to be used in 2006, 6.1 billion gallons in 2009, and 7.5 billion gallons by 2012.