With compelling selections by some of the world's most respected and critically acclaimed writers, THE NEW WORLD READER, 5th Edition, encourages your exploration of the significant global issues of the 21st century. You will gain a deeper understanding of the topics that affect your life, such as the challenges and consequences of globalization, global warming, bilingual education, and redefined gender roles. Challenged by such notable contemporary thinkers and writers as Jhumpa Lahiri, Atul Gawande, Niall Ferguson, Edwidge Danticat, and Jane Goodall, you will develop your reading and critical-thinking skills. Each chapter includes brief introductions, author notes, and pre-reading questions that will offer you a preview of the central theme in each section. Exercise sets that follow each essay provide you with opportunities for deeper writing, reading, and discussion. Each student text is packaged with a free Cengage Essential Reference Card to the MLA HANDBOOK, Eighth Edition.