Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- If you could change something about the water in your area, what would it be and why?
- Why do you think people might disagree about adding things like fluoride to water?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- prohibit /pruh-HIB-it/
- strengthen /STRENGK-thuhn/
- decay /dih-KAY/
- sponsor /SPON-ser/
- ban /ban/
[verb] – to officially forbid something
The law prohibits smoking inside restaurants to protect public health.
[verb] – to make something stronger or more effective
Exercise strengthens muscles and keeps the body healthy.
[noun] – the process of becoming damaged or destroyed over time
Too much sugar can cause tooth decay.
[noun] – a person or organization that supports something financially or officially
The company became the main sponsor of the sports event.
[noun] – an official rule that prevents something from happening
The government announced a ban on plastic bags.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Utah will be the first state to prohibit fluoride in public drinking water. Governor Spencer Cox has confirmed plans to sign the bill, preventing local governments from deciding on fluoridation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asserts that fluoride strengthens teeth and prevents cavities. Research suggests that community water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by 25 percent. However, Utah lawmakers argue that fluoridation is costly and should not be mandatory. Representative Stephanie Gricius, the bill’s sponsor, recognizes fluoride’s benefits but insists it should remain a personal choice. This decision aligns with a wider national debate, as some U.S. municipalities have already ended fluoridation.
The decision has provoked strong reactions from both supporters and critics. Dental professionals, including the American Dental Association (ADA), warn of increased cavities, especially among children. Experts predict higher dental issues in fluoride-free communities. According to CDC data, Utah ranks 44th in fluoridation, with only 66 out of 484 water systems using fluoride in 2024. Public health officials caution that the ban may disproportionately impact low-income individuals. While some raise fluoride-related health concerns, the National Institutes of Health states that standard fluoridation poses minimal risk. Utah’s decision may set a precedent for other states considering similar legislation.
The decision has provoked strong reactions from both supporters and critics. Dental professionals, including the American Dental Association (ADA), warn of increased cavities, especially among children. Experts predict higher dental issues in fluoride-free communities. According to CDC data, Utah ranks 44th in fluoridation, with only 66 out of 484 water systems using fluoride in 2024. Public health officials caution that the ban may disproportionately impact low-income individuals. While some raise fluoride-related health concerns, the National Institutes of Health states that standard fluoridation poses minimal risk. Utah’s decision may set a precedent for other states considering similar legislation.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Why do Utah lawmakers argue against fluoridation?
- How many water systems in Utah used fluoride in 2024?
- Who may be disproportionately affected by the fluoride ban?
- What might Utah’s decision influence in other states?
- By what percentage does community water fluoridation reduce tooth decay?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever used products like toothpaste or mouthwash with fluoride? If so, did you notice any benefits? If not, what do you use to keep your teeth healthy?
- Have you ever learned about how your local water is treated? If so, what did you find out? If not, how do you think water is made safe to drink?
- Do you agree that people should have the choice to use fluoride instead of having it added to public water?
- How do you think the fluoride ban might affect children compared to adults?
- What are the possible long-term effects of removing fluoride from drinking water?