Article: Read the text below. (5 minutes)
McDonald’s refused to have their food assessed in terms of its impact in the increasing number of obese children in the US. McDonald’s Chief Executive Jim Skinner says they cannot be responsible for this problem because people are free to choose what they eat. Skinner made this statement during the shareholder’s meeting of the multinational fast food company.
Critics of McDonald’s point out that the company’s marketing strategy aimed towards children is partly the reason why 17% of children in US are obese. Concerned groups placed ads in newspaper asking McDonald’s to stop using toys and clowns to trick children into eating unhealthy food.
As a response to constant criticism, McDonald’s now offers healthy choices in their menu. Customers can choose to replace French fries with chicken nuggets or apple slices with caramel sauce. Sodas can be replaced with milk or juice for children.
McDonald’s strategy seems to work because in four months their shares have increased by 12 % this year.
However, critics claim that these alternatives still have too much fat, salt and sugar which make children overweight. Obesity in children can lead to diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Medical experts worry that when obese children grow up, health problems will likewise increase.
Ironically, Miles White, the chairperson of Abbott Laboratories that markets drugs and equipment for treating illnesses connected to obesity, is one of the board directors of McDonald’s.
Words Difficult to Pronounce
obese – [oh-bees]
multinational – [muhl-tee-nash-uh-nl]
caramel – [kar-uh-muh l]
diabetes – [dahy-uh-bee-tis]
obesity - [oh-bee-si-ti]
Vocabulary Review: Read the following words/expressions used in the article and make sample sentences using them. (5 minutes)
1. obese (adj.) – having too much weight
Example: Obese people need to exercise to lose weight.
2. shareholder (n.) – a person who own a part of the shares of a company
Example: Shareholders have a right to decide for the company.
3. constant (adj.) – something that continues without pause or stop
Example: Constant exercise strengthens the body.
4. alternative (n.) – choices that can be used to replace something already present or existing
Example: Taking the stairs can be an alternative exercise rather than going to the gym.
5. hypertension (n.) – a medical condition in which the blood pressure is higher than normal
Example: Hypertension can be prevented by eating vegetables.
Comprehension Questions: Basing it from the article, answer the following questions. Answer using your own words. (5 minutes)
1. Why does McDonald’s refuse to get their food be assessed on its impact to obesity?
2. How did McDonald’s respond to constant criticism about their unhealthy food?
3. According to medical experts, what could be the problem if obesity in children continues?
Viewpoint Discussion: Read the following statements and determine whether you AGREE or DISAGREE. Discuss the reasons with your tutor. (5 minutes)
1. In our world filled with advertising, people are not free to choose what they eat.
2. Parents should be blamed for overweight children.
