Question

A slice of fast-food pizza accompanied by a soft drink while we stream the latest episode of our favorite TV series; what is more gratifying than that? Not many things and that's the problem! A recent study has confirmed what we all knew; our modern eating habits aren't always good for us. According to the study, today's children could be the first generation to live shorter lives than their parents. Not surprisingly, the news has set alarm bells ringing around the world.

The average UK teenager drinks equivilent to a bath full of sugary soft drinks a year. A connection between high sugar levels and ill health was established some time ago, so governments have targeted soft drinks in their fight to improve our diets. A sugar tax was first put on soft drink in Mexico in 2014 and since then France, Norway and the UK have followed the example with some positive effects. Manufacturers have promised that sugar levels in some drinks will be cut and in Mexico sales of soft drinks have already fallen by 12%.

The authorities are also introducing other measures. In London adverts for processed food and drink high in calories, fat and salt are going to be banned from public transport. Education authorities around the world are also trying to provide healthier school meals. Until recently, 30% of school lunches in America were served by fast-food franchises. Many schools have now replaced these lunches with more varied meals that contain fibre and essential nutrients such as vitamins but no additives or preservatives.

However, some experts feel governments should also promote balanced diets. Fortunately, some teenagers are doing the job for them. A group in Minneapolis, Appetite for Change, has recorded a hip-hop song that encourages young people to eat less fast-food and grow their own vegetables; their video "Grow Food" went viral. Other teenagers are promoting healthy eating through blogs such as The Foodie Teen, Top with Cinnamon and Naturally Sassy. All of them offer delicious recipes that are made from fresh ingredients and are easy to follow.

It is claimed that eating processed food is the new smoking and that governments have to take action. No doubt that is true, but food is essential and tobacco isn't, so perhaps the best way to encourage us to eat better is by offering mouth-watering alternatives. Maybe the rappers and the bloggers have got the right idea.

2. Read the article. Answer the questions in your own words.

1. What the problem does the writer refer to in the first paragraph?
2. Why do you think the writer chooses to refer to a 'bath full of sugary soft drinks' instead of measurements like litres?
3. Why do you think governments decided to put a tax on soft drinks?
4. What other measures are different authorities introducing apart from taxes?
5. What are some teenagers doing that some experts think governments should do?
6. What does the hip-hop sing encourage people to do?

Answer 1

1.

The writer is referring to a problem about the modern day diets. Nowadays our diets are unhealthy and could lead to children having a shorter lifespan than their parents.

2.

because of the extremely high amounts of soft drinks we consume. its more accurately compared to bigger measurements using objects than with litres.

3.

i think they raised the price on sugary drinks so people are less likely to purchase them therefore less people consume them.

4.

sugary drink advertisements have been banned in some public places and schools have been trying to improve their meals.

5.

They're advertising healthy diets and encouraging people to start eating and growing vegetables with hip hop songs. Other teenagers are also posting their healthy diets on blogs, including recipes so other people can make healthier food.

6.

it encourages people to eat more vegetables, start growing vegetables and improve their diets.