Post date: Apr 30, 2013 4:56:50 PM
1. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has delivered communications for more than two centuries. During the
nineteenth century, the USPS helped to expand the boundaries of the United States by providing efficient and
reliable communication across the country. Between 1790 and 1860 alone, the number of post offices in the
United States grew from 75 to over 28,000. With this growth came job opportunities for postal workers and a boom
in the cross-country rail system. The twentieth century brought substantial growth to the USPS, including large
package delivery and airmail. Over the past decade, however, total mail volume has decreased considerably as
competition from electronic mail and various package delivery companies has taken business away from the USPS.
The loss of revenue has prompted the USPS to consider cutting back on delivery days and other services.
Carefully read the following seven sources, including the introductory information for each source. Then synthesize
information from at least three of the sources and incorporate it into a coherent, well-developed essay that argues a
clear position on whether the USPS should be restructured to meet the needs of a changing world, and if so, how.
Make sure your argument is central; use the sources to illustrate and support your reasoning. Avoid merely
summarizing the sources. Indicate clearly which sources you are drawing from, whether through direct quotation,
paraphrase, or summary. You may cite the sources as Source A, Source B, etc., or by using the descriptions in
parentheses.
To see the documents for this essay, click the following link: 2012 FRQ
To see a packet of graded essays for this topic, click the following link: 2012 FRQ 1 Graded Packet