Pre-reading questions:
- How does tobacco affect the environment?
- Are there strict regulations on smoking in your country?
Vocabulary:
- consumption – the use of something by drinking, eating, etc
This city has a high alcohol consumption rate. - claim – cause the loss of someone’s life
The typhoon last month claimed a lot of lives. - arise – happen; emerge
A lot of problems may arise from not taking proper care of your health. - dispose of – to get rid of by throwing away or giving or selling to someone else
If you don’t dispose of your garbage properly, the government will give you a fine. - action plan – a proposed strategy
I want to hear the government’s action plan on this city’s problem with cleanliness. - premature – too early; untimely
It is premature to comment on the government’s project when it has not even started yet.
Tobacco is a deadly product. The consumption of tobacco claims the lives of around 7million people around the world every year. Consequently, households and governments spend a lot of money on healthcare due to diseases that arise from tobacco use. Some of the serious diseases that are caused by tabacco use are heart and lung diseases, cancer and diabetes, among many others. Tobacco use also affects our environment. The smoke produced from tobacco use is destroying our clean air. Many people also tend to dispose of their cigarette butts everywhere.
The World Health Organization, has laid out a serious action plan to combat the serious effects of tobacco use to our health and our environment. WHO wants to form a strong coordination with governments worldwide. With the help of governments, there would be a stronger implementation on the control of tobacco use among citizens. Governments can use marketing control and heavy taxes as means to achieving this goal. What WHO ultimately wants is to reduce premature deaths and secure a beautiful world for the next generations.
Comprehension Questions:
- Why is tobacco a deadly product?
- Why do governments and households spend money from tobacco use?
- How does tobacco use destroy our environment?
- What is WHO’s action plan to combat the serious effects of tobacco use?
- What is the ultimate goal of WHO in relation to achieving a tobacco-free world?
Express Your Opinion:
- Tobacco is deadly.
- It is possible to achieve a tobacco-free world.
- It is very difficult and almost impossible to quit smoking.
- It is more profitable for your government to support the tobacco industry than to control it.
- Smoking calms me down. It’s enjoyable. I don’t want politicians deciding what is exciting in my life.