In the year 2039, Earth's resources are nearly depleted by overpopulation, and global warming leaves less land for the world population to live. The United Nations declares that all nations must cut their population by 5% each year. While some countries kill their elderly, others enforce a one-child policy, the United States implements a policy known as 10-241 or the "Thinning", a standardized test taken from first grade to twelfth grade. Those who pass continue to the next grade, while those who fail are executed.