©U.S. FDA
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Which do you like more, sweet beverages or water? Why?
- What are some of your favorite sweet beverages?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- substance /SUHB-stuhns /
- review /ri-VYOO/
- potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/
- indicate /IN-di-keyt/
- committee /kuh-MIT-ee/
[noun] – material with particular physical characteristics
Water is a substance that is transparent and flows easily.
[verb] – to think or talk about something again, in order to make changes to it or to make a decision about it
I need to review my essay before submitting it to my teacher to make sure there are no mistakes.
[adjective] – possible when the necessary conditions exist
With hard work and determination, you have the potential to achieve great success in your studies.
[verb] – to show, point, or make clear in another way
The sign on the door indicates that the library is closed today.
[noun] – a small group of people chosen to represent a larger organization and either make decisions or collect information for it
The school committee met to discuss new ideas for improving the students’ learning experience.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Aspartame, the sweetener found in many foods and fizzy drinks, might soon be classified as “possibly carcinogenic” to humans. However, this label doesn’t provide a clear indication of the level of risk. Other substances, like aloe vera, diesel, and pickled Asian vegetables, also fall into this category. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) made this announcement on July 14.
Aspartame is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, making it a popular choice for calorie-free sweetness. It can be found in diet drinks, chewing gum, and some yogurts, as well as beverages like Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Pepsi Max, and 7 Up Free. Surprisingly, it’s present in around 6,000 different food products.
Despite being approved by food safety authorities, aspartame has sparked controversy. The IARC has reviewed approximately 1,300 studies on aspartame and its potential link to cancer. While it might be classified as “possibly carcinogenic,” this label doesn’t indicate the actual level of risk. The IARC and another expert committee on food additives made official announcements on July 14, along with a publication in the Lancet Oncology journal.
Aspartame is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, making it a popular choice for calorie-free sweetness. It can be found in diet drinks, chewing gum, and some yogurts, as well as beverages like Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Pepsi Max, and 7 Up Free. Surprisingly, it’s present in around 6,000 different food products.
Despite being approved by food safety authorities, aspartame has sparked controversy. The IARC has reviewed approximately 1,300 studies on aspartame and its potential link to cancer. While it might be classified as “possibly carcinogenic,” this label doesn’t indicate the actual level of risk. The IARC and another expert committee on food additives made official announcements on July 14, along with a publication in the Lancet Oncology journal.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is the potential classification of aspartame according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)?
- What does the term “possibly carcinogenic” mean in relation to substances like aspartame?
- Which other substances fall into the same classification category as aspartame?
- How does the sweetness of aspartame compare to sugar?
- Why has aspartame sparked controversy despite being approved by food safety authorities?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever tried sweet beverages that have artificial sweeteners like aspartame, such as diet sodas or sugar-free drinks? If yes, could you tell me about your experience? If not, are you familiar with sweet drinks that use artificial sweeteners like aspartame?
- Do you have a preference between sweet drinks that use natural sweeteners like sugar and those that use artificial sweeteners like aspartame? Can you explain your preference and the reasons behind it?
- Do you believe that labeling aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic” provides enough information about its potential health risks?
- In your opinion, should there be stricter regulations or clearer labeling requirements for products that contain aspartame as a sweetener? If so, what specific measures do you think would be appropriate? If not, what reasons support your belief that the current regulations are sufficient?
- How do you think the potential classification of aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic” could influence consumers’ perceptions and choices regarding sweet drinks and other products that contain this artificial sweetener?
Listening: