Listen to News with Tara Benwell - Instructions:
1. Preview the vocabulary and read the gapfill text.
2. Play the news report and try to fill in the blanks.
3. Answer the comprehension questions by writing full sentences.
4. Use the discussion question to write an essay or discuss the story with other students.
5. Click "show Answers" to see the full text.
6. Pretend to be a news anchor by reading each story out loud.
dateline: 29 October 2013
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Mexico Considers Soda Pop Tax
Pre-Listening Vocabulary
- soft drink: a sugary beverage made with carbonated water and syrup
- federal: related to the whole nation
- obesity: the state of being overweight
- carbonated: containing carbon dioxide
- UN: United Nations
Comprehension Questions
- What is currently being debated in Mexico?
- According to this report, how do many Mexicans feel about this proposed tax?
- Why does the report mention milk?
Discussion Question: Is taxing unhealthy food or substances a good way to improve the health of citizens? Why or why not?
show Answershide Answers
Mexico Considers Soda Pop Tax
A tax on soft drinks is being considered in Mexico’s Congress as the government plans the 2014 federal budget. Mexicans are the highest consumers of soda pop, and according to recent health surveys, a third of Mexicans are overweight. The Mexican government thinks the tax will reduce soft drink consumption, and have a direct effect on the health of its people. Those who support the tax believe it will reduce childhood obesity and lower the nation’s rate of diabetes. Many Mexicans disagree, saying the tax will not prevent them from buying carbonated beverages. The UN estimates that poor families in Mexico spend about three times as much on carbonated beverages as on milk.
- A proposed tax on soda pop is being debated in Mexico.
- According to this report, how do many Mexicans feel that this proposed tax will not stop them from buying soda pop.
- The UN has reported that poor families spend much more money on carbonated beverages than on milk.
Written and recorded by Tara Benwell for EnglishClub
Tara Benwell is a Canadian freelance writer and editor who specializes in materials and articles for the ELT industry.
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