Name:________________________________________________ Human Nutrition
Final Exam: (100 points)
Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion—convincing others that you have an interesting,
logical point of view on the subject you are studying. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in
your daily life. In this assessment, you are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This
form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a
brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one
sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you'll make
in the rest of your paper.
Your task for this final assessment, is to choose one of the current topics of debate in nutrition listed
below. If you would like to research another topic, please have it approved by your instructor. For this
topic, you must develop a thesis (point of which you are trying to persuade the reader) and write a 3-5
page research paper to defend this thesis. (i.e. (Example of a thesis statement) Although there has been
much debate on the value and effects of genetically modified foods, these genetically manipulated
products have a positive effect on both the economy and human nutritional well-being and so should
be encouraged in society.)
Your paper MUST have at least five (5) different sources. Of those five sources, at LEAST one (1)
should be a book. Sources must be cited as they are used throughout the work and a Work Cited Sheet
must be provided at the end of the paper. Works will be cited using MLA format. In addition, the
Works Cited Sheet does not count towards a page in your paper.
Point Break-Up
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Clear and Defined Thesis Statement (10 pts): Due for approval by Tuesday, January 8th
At least three (3) arguments to defend/support your thesis statement (45 pts)
o Each argument should be well supported by facts and documentation
Proper grammar used throughout the paper (10 pts)
Proper citations throughout the paper (5 pts)
Works Cited Sheet in proper MLA format (5 pts)
Five sources used (1 source a book or encyclopedia) (5 pts)
Research Notes with appropriate source listed (10 pts)
o Notes must be HANDWRITTEN on notecards or ½ sheets of paper
o They must include: source in proper MLA format, outline of information or direct quote
Title and Name on Cover Page (5 pts)
Turned in on time (5 pts)
Due Date: Friday, January 18th
Genetically Modified Organisms: A Blessing or a Curse?
Advances in the field of genetic engineering have brought genetically modified foods to our grocery stores.
Proponents of genetic engineering promise that it will deliver products of better quality, better variety, and
higher nutrient density which will benefit both the grower and the consumer. We have now accepted tangelos,
mango nectarines, dragon fruits, nectacotum, pluots, broccoflowers, and many other genetically engineered
foods as hybrid products of nature. Are these modified foods a good for society or are they a curse?
Eating Disorders in Men: Are They Different?
More than 5 million Americans suffer from eating disorders. In general, diagnosis, treatment, and management
of eating disorders are extremely complex because of the accompanying biological, social, and psychological
aspects of the disorder. Though food is an important part of the social fabric, it becomes a source of stress and
anxiety for anyone suffering from these disorders. Could you or anyone you know be suffering from an eating
disorder?
Will revising the USDA Food Guide Pyramid help us find the perfect diet?
In 2005, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) revised the Food Guide Pyramid (FGP) and
renamed it MyPyramid. The revision was much anticipated but its reception has been lukewarm. The new FGP
is being criticized because portion sizes are unrealistic, the most nutritious choices are not obvious, and the
graphic does not convey its messages clearly. Here are some issues for debate: Do you feel that the revised
MyPyramid has adequately addressed the flaws of the previous Food Guide Pyramid? Do you think MyPyramid
will help people to lose weight?
Probiotics—What are They, Can They Improve Gastrointestinal Health, and Should I Eat Them?
Functional foods promise to promote health beyond their basic nutritional function. Learn more about the
several plant and animal sources that could provide these health benefits.
Can Reducing Sugar Intake be the Answer to Obesity?
Obesity is quickly advancing to epidemic proportions among children today. One of the suspected culprits is the
high level of sugary foods, most notably soft drinks, in many youngsters’ diets. Should sugary drinks and snacks
should be distributed in schools?
High Protein Diets—Are They the Key to Weight Loss?
A balanced nutrient intake is important for preventing disease and promoting good health. Carbohydrates,
proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water are the key nutrients that ensure good health for all people. Several
diet programs promise effective weight loss by a careful selection of foods. While some of these diet plans
embrace balanced intakes, others emphasize selecting or omitting certain nutrients for faster weight loss. High
protein/low carbohydrate diets fit into that category. The benefits of reaching and maintaining a healthful weight
are clear. However, it is up to the individual to decide on the plan that will help reduce the health risks of being
overweight and obese and promote longevity and health at the same time. Is such a perfect diet plan available?
Is breastfeeding the optimal nutrition for infants over formula?
Breastfeeding is a matter of choice for the mother. Is breastfeeding the optimal choice of nutrition for infants
and who should be deciding where and when a mother can or cannot breastfeed her baby?
Can We Live Longer if we Eat a Low Energy Diet?
Unhealthy food choices, poor eating habits, increased alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise are
undoubtedly some of the key contributors to the rising morbidity and mortality rates in the U.S. If caloric
restriction promises a prolonged lifespan in the 21st century, where should one begin? Which foods must be
included and which must be eliminated? Does one plan work for all age groups?
Does the FDA Protect the Public?
"The FDA's mission is to promote and protect the public health by helping safe and effective products reach the
market in a timely way, and monitoring products for continued safety after they are in use. Our work is a
blending of law and science aimed at protecting consumers." This of course is according to the FDA. The FDA's
role has clearly changed since big pharmaceutical companies began manufacturing synthetic drugs which
Americans have shelled out over a trillion dollars for. Is the FDA still an effective department for monitoring
the food that Americans eat?
How Healthy is Soy Protein?
Soy protein: Does it cause health problems or is it healthy and may reduce risk of heart disease? Does it help
prevent bone loss? Or does it over stimulate the thyroid? Is soy milk safe to drink or not? What is the ongoing
debate about, and what are the issues and evidence? How much soy should or should not be consumed for what
types of health effects?
Should Cloned or Genetically Modified Foods be Labeled?
In 2008, the FDA approved the use of cloned beef for the American food industry. But Europe
remains divided about food that contains genetically modified plants and grains, while in the United
States genetically modified food is so common most people don't even realize they're eating it. In the
United States, determining which foods have been genetically modified can be difficult because they
don't have to be labeled as such. The FDA also doesn't plan to require the labels for cloned animal
products. Critics worry the cloned and genetically modified foods still may be unsafe for consumption.
Should genetically modified and cloned foods be labeled?