Be sure to read all instructions. Historians estimate that the population of Eur

Be sure to read all instructions.
Historians estimate that the population of Europe in the year 1340 was about 79 million.* 90 percent of those people were poor.
The current world population is 7.8 billion people. Almost half of them live on less than $5.50 a day; a little over 2000 dollars per year.**
There are approximately 2100 billionaires in the world today.They have more wealth than 60 percent of the world’s population. In other words, 2100 people have more wealth than 4.6 billion people combined.**
The 22 richest men in the world have more wealth than all of the women in Africa (approximately 697 million women.)**
About 4.1 billion people (53 percent of the world population) have no access to any social protection benefits (such as food, housing, and education assistance, health care and disability insurance, low-income tax credits, unemployment and work-related injury compensation, pension funds for the elderly, etc.**
*Josiah C. Russell, “Population in Europe,” in Carlo M. Cipolla, ed., The Fontana Economic History of Europe, Vol. I: The Middle Ages.
** Statistics 1-4 from Oxfam International and the International Labour Organization. Think about these statistics as you answer the following in a 400 word essay:
A common belief about poverty is that it can be avoided (or escaped) if one is motivated and works hard. Do you think this is true? Why or why not? Can anyone end up living in poverty—including you, friends, family members? Why or why not?
Note: Please do not use billionaires such as Jeff Bezos or professional athletes as examples of those who escape poverty. Bezos and those like him were not born into poverty. Some athletes did grow up in poverty, but keep in mind that “the likelihood of a high school or even college athlete becoming a professional athlete is very low.*** Focus on the facts I’ve provided. Your essay should focus on your own opinion regarding the question. You do not need to do research for this. ***ncaa.org
Your essay will be graded on the following:
All parts of assignment are answered.
Ideas demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the topic.
Writing is clear and organized.
Essay is at least 400 words. (It can be longer if you want.) Word count is not arbitrary. It is meant to help you expand on your ideas.
You’ve provided your own opinion. No outside research is necessary.
How to save and submit your essay:
Write your essay in software such as Microsoft Word for PC or Mac.
Make sure your file is .doc, .docx, or .pdf.
Name your file with your last name and file type (example—Smith.doc)
Please note: if you use Pages, you must save your file as a PDF. File—Export to—PDF
If you use Google Docs, you must save your file as a PDF. File—Print—Destination—Save as PDF. Then click Save, and choose where you want to save it. Post your paper here by the date and time listed here and in the Course Schedule. You must submit your paper here. No essays will be accepted in class or by email. Be sure to save a copy of your work.