Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- advocate /AD-vuh-keyt/
- sustainable /suh-STEY-nuh-buhl/
- cricket /KRIK-it/
- momentum /moh-MEN-tuhm/
- surge /surj/
[verb] – to publicly support or suggest an idea, development, or way of doing something
The organization advocates for equal access to education for children from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
[adjective] – able to continue over a period of time
The company implemented sustainable practices to reduce its environmental impact and promote long-term ecological balance.
[noun] – a brown or black insect that makes short, loud noises by rubbing its wings together
In the summer, the backyard was often alive with the sounds of crickets, creating a peaceful background symphony.
[noun] – the quality that keeps an event developing or making progress after it has started
After the successful product launch, the company gained momentum in the market and saw a significant increase in sales.
[verb] – to increase rapidly or suddenly
Consumer spending tends to surge during holiday seasons, boosting retail sales.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Chef Joseph Yoon, based in New York City, is on a mission to change the way we see insects as a food source. Leading the Brooklyn Bugs initiative, Yoon advocates for edible insects, promoting them as tasty, nutritious, and eco-friendly alternatives.
With over 2,100 edible insect species globally, they offer a range of flavors from nutty to citrusy. Yoon aims to introduce people to this diverse culinary world and inspire creative insect-based dishes. Around 2 billion people globally consume insects, yet Western countries often hesitate due to cultural reservations. However, as we face the challenge of feeding a projected 9 billion people by 2050, traditional food production methods strain the environment. Insects provide a sustainable protein source with a significantly lower ecological footprint. For example, crickets require much less feed compared to livestock. Yoon’s goal is to normalize insect consumption worldwide, especially in Western nations like the United States, where a shift from “ew” to “yum” is needed. To make this shift easier, Yoon suggests incorporating insects into familiar dishes. For instance, crickets can be added to fried rice or turned into cricket powder for mac and cheese sauce. He joins a growing community advocating for insects to become a regular part of our diets. With products like the Chapul Cricket energy bar and the rise of edible insect farms, this culinary movement is gaining momentum. In Europe, around 9 million people embraced insect-based products in 2019, a number expected to surge to 390 million by 2030. Yoon emphasizes that every individual can make a significant impact by integrating edible insects into their diet, even if it’s just once a week, contributing to a more sustainable future.
With over 2,100 edible insect species globally, they offer a range of flavors from nutty to citrusy. Yoon aims to introduce people to this diverse culinary world and inspire creative insect-based dishes. Around 2 billion people globally consume insects, yet Western countries often hesitate due to cultural reservations. However, as we face the challenge of feeding a projected 9 billion people by 2050, traditional food production methods strain the environment. Insects provide a sustainable protein source with a significantly lower ecological footprint. For example, crickets require much less feed compared to livestock. Yoon’s goal is to normalize insect consumption worldwide, especially in Western nations like the United States, where a shift from “ew” to “yum” is needed. To make this shift easier, Yoon suggests incorporating insects into familiar dishes. For instance, crickets can be added to fried rice or turned into cricket powder for mac and cheese sauce. He joins a growing community advocating for insects to become a regular part of our diets. With products like the Chapul Cricket energy bar and the rise of edible insect farms, this culinary movement is gaining momentum. In Europe, around 9 million people embraced insect-based products in 2019, a number expected to surge to 390 million by 2030. Yoon emphasizes that every individual can make a significant impact by integrating edible insects into their diet, even if it’s just once a week, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever tried any dishes or products made with edible insects? If so, what was your experience like, and did it change your perspective on incorporating insects into your diet? If not, would you be open to trying them? Why or why not?
- Reflect on your own cultural background and its influence on your perception of edible insects as a food source. How do cultural reservations or preferences shape your dietary choices, and how might this impact the acceptance of insects as a food option in different regions in your country?
- Do you think that Western countries like the United States will see a significant shift in attitudes towards insect consumption in the coming years?
- Consider the environmental impact of traditional livestock farming compared to insect farming. What are the key advantages of using insects as a protein source in terms of sustainability and ecological footprint? How might this contribute to addressing global food security challenges?
- Reflect on the idea of individual impact. How do small changes in our dietary choices, like incorporating insects once a week, contribute to a more sustainable future? What are some other small changes individuals can make to support broader sustainability efforts?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- edible
- consumption
- protein
- nutritious
- embrace