9th Spring Benchmark

Many countries have seen an increase in diseases and life threatening conditions due to the frequent consumption of unhealthy foods. To encourage healthier choices, some countries have started using food warning labels on the front of packaging (FOP) that clearly states if a food item is high in sugar, salt, or fat. Using the information from the following articles and video, write an argumentative essay addressing the following question: Should the United States require front-of-package warning labels on certain foods?

Your assignment is to use the research sources to write a multi-paragraph argumentative essay arguing whether or not the U.S. should require front-of-package warning labels on certain foods. Using more than one source, make sure you establish an argumentative claim, address potential counterarguments, and support your claim from the sources you have read. Develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the sources. Be sure to reference the sources by title or number when using details or facts directly from the sources.

Your argumentative essay will be scored on the following:
1. Organization/purpose: How well did you state your claim, address opposing claims, and maintain your claim with a logical progression of ideas from beginning to end? How well did your ideas thoughtfully flow from beginning to end using effective transitions? How effective was your introduction and your conclusion?

2. Evidence/Elaboration: How well did you integrate relevant and specific information from the sources? How well did you elaborate your ideas? How well did you clearly state ideas in your own words using precise language that is appropriate for your audience and purpose? How well did you reference the sources you used by title or number?

3. Conventions: How well did you follow the rules of grammar usage, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling? Now begin work on your argumentative essay. Manage your time carefully so that you can plan, write, and edit your essay.