CNN Student News: Ten Questions

(CNN Student News) -- November 18, 2008

1. What is a recession? According to the report, how is the U.S. contributing to Japan's current recession?

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2. In your view, what problems might Japanese people face if their nation's recession continues? Do you think that Japan's recession will impact the international community? If so, how? If not, why not?

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3. According to the report, what changes are some companies making to the packaging of popular food products, and why? What are your thoughts and feelings regarding this practice?

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4. Are there brand-name products that you eat or drink on a regular basis? If so, what are they? If the packaging of these products got smaller while the prices remained the same, would still buy them? Would you switch to cheaper brands? Explain.

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5. According to experts, what should consumers do to make sure that they're getting the best value when shopping for food?

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6. What issues did President-elect Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain discuss during their recent meeting? What message, if any, do you think that their meeting sends to the public? In your opinion, is it important for Obama and McCain to work together? Why or why not?

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7. What are some of the items that the space shuttle Endeavour brought to the international space station? What are your thoughts regarding the space station's new water recycling system? Can you think of other groups of people, besides astronauts, who might benefit from this technology? Would you drink this type of recycled water? Why or why not?

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8. According to the report: What conflict is currently taking place in Congo? How is this fighting impacting local residents? What action has the United Nations taken to instill peace in this nation? What challenges is the U.N. facing there?

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9. According to the segment, what may be the largest obstacle to peace in Congo? Do you think that curtailing the illegal mining and trade of Congo's minerals will stop the conflict? Why or why not?

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10. What action, if any, do you think that the international community should take to stop the conflict and humanitarian crisis that is taking place in Congo?

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