Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is your understanding of the term “cultured meat”? How do you think it is produced?
- Do you believe that cultured meat could become a widely accepted alternative to traditional meat in the future? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- pop up /pop uhp/
- alternative /awl-TUR-nuh-tiv/
- legal /LEE-guhl/
- hesitant /HEZ-i-tuhnt/
- welfare /WEL-fair /
[phrasal verb] – to appear or emerge suddenly or unexpectedly
During our road trip, several roadside cafes popped up, offering fresh snacks and drinks.
[noun] – a choice or option that is different from what is usual or expected
Instead of driving, taking the bus is a great alternative for reducing your carbon footprint.
[adjective] – related to the law or allowed by law
It’s important to ensure that all our business practices are legal and compliant with local regulations.
[adjective] – If you are hesitant, you do not do something immediately or quickly because you are nervous or not certain
She was hesitant to speak up during the meeting, unsure of how her ideas would be received.
[noun] – well-being of something or someone
The welfare of the community depends on effective allocation of resources and support systems.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A new industry is popping up, with over 150 fresh companies aiming to create meat alternatives that taste, feel, and cost like real meat but without the need to raise or kill animals. They are using science to solve the problems linked to traditional meat production and to meet the increasing demand for protein worldwide. Places like Israel, California, and Singapore are leading the charge in this field.
Despite the long history of enjoying meat, more people are realizing the importance of finding greener options. These companies, often known as “cultivated,” “cultured,” or “lab-grown” meat producers, are growing fast. They are collaborating with traditional meat companies, securing investments, and constructing new facilities to produce their products. However, there are significant hurdles to making these alternatives widely available. Lab-grown meat is still costly to produce, and there are scientific challenges, like replicating the appearance and texture of traditional meat cuts. Legal restrictions in many places also pose obstacles to selling these products. Additionally, not everyone is sold on the idea of eating lab-grown meat. Some are curious, but others are not interested. Research suggests that many people in regions where meat is popular are hesitant to try lab-grown meat, citing unfamiliarity or discomfort with the concept. Even within families, some members may prefer traditional meat, regardless of concerns for animal welfare.
Despite the long history of enjoying meat, more people are realizing the importance of finding greener options. These companies, often known as “cultivated,” “cultured,” or “lab-grown” meat producers, are growing fast. They are collaborating with traditional meat companies, securing investments, and constructing new facilities to produce their products. However, there are significant hurdles to making these alternatives widely available. Lab-grown meat is still costly to produce, and there are scientific challenges, like replicating the appearance and texture of traditional meat cuts. Legal restrictions in many places also pose obstacles to selling these products. Additionally, not everyone is sold on the idea of eating lab-grown meat. Some are curious, but others are not interested. Research suggests that many people in regions where meat is popular are hesitant to try lab-grown meat, citing unfamiliarity or discomfort with the concept. Even within families, some members may prefer traditional meat, regardless of concerns for animal welfare.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- According to the article, what are some terms used to describe companies producing meat alternatives?
- What are some challenges mentioned in the article regarding the widespread availability of lab-grown meat?
- Why might some people be hesitant to try lab-grown meat, according to the research mentioned in the article?
- How are traditional meat companies mentioned in the article involved in the development of meat alternatives?
- Which regions are highlighted as leading the charge in the field of cultured meat production?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever tried any meat alternatives, such as plant-based burgers or lab-grown meat? If so, what was your experience like? If not, would you be interested in trying them in the future?
- Do you know anyone who has strong opinions about meat consumption, either for or against it? How do their views influence your own choices about what to eat?
- Do you agree that the increasing demand for eco-friendly food options is driving the growth of the meat alternatives industry?
- What ethical considerations do you think should be taken into account when deciding whether to support the development and consumption of lab-grown meat?
- How do you think governments and regulatory bodies should approach the approval and regulation of lab-grown meat products to ensure safety and consumer trust?