Unlocking
Word Meanings
Read
the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
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 regularly.
Article
Read the text below.
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.
Viewpoint
Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
Do
you think people can be controlled by advertising and other marketing
strategies?
·
How
can people overcome the influence of advertising?
Discussion B
·
Should
parents control what their children eat? Why or why not?
·
How
can parents encourage their children to eat healthier food?
