Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is your favorite drink? Why do you like it?
- If you could create your own drink, what special ingredient would you use? Why?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- syrup /SUR-uhp/
- analyst /AN-l-ist/
- version /VUR-zhuhn/
- premium /PREE-mee-uhm/
- nutritionist /noo-TRISH-uh-nist/
[noun] – a thick, sweet liquid made from sugar or other sweeteners
The bakery uses chocolate syrup to decorate cakes.
[noun] – someone whose job is to study information carefully to understand a situation or make predictions
Analysts said the price of smartphones might go up next year.
[noun] – a form of something that is different from others but similar to the original
The company made a special version of the phone for children.
[adjective] – higher in quality or price compared to regular products
The store sells premium coffee that costs more than regular coffee.
[noun] – an expert on the subject of nutrition
Many nutritionists teach people how to plan healthy meals.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
On July 16, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that Coca-Cola agreed to replace high-fructose corn syrup with cane sugar in its regular soda products in the United States. However, Coca-Cola has not officially confirmed this decision. The company only said that more details about new products will be shared soon. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar has become more popular because it uses aspartame and stevia instead of sugar. In the first quarter of this year, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar sales rose by 14% globally. In comparison, Coca-Cola’s total sales increased by just 2%. PepsiCo reported that in the second quarter, 60% of its drink sales in major markets came from low- and no-sugar drinks. Experts believe these numbers show that more consumers are looking for healthier options.
Analysts say it is unlikely that Coca-Cola will completely stop using high-fructose corn syrup because of supply limits and transportation issues. Instead, Coca-Cola is expected to sell a cane sugar version alongside its regular sodas. Since 2005, Coca-Cola has also sold Mexican Coke, which contains cane sugar, as a premium product. The Corn Refiners Association warned that switching to cane sugar might put many American manufacturing jobs at risk. Nutritionists continue to advise people to reduce added sugar because it adds calories without providing nutrition.
Analysts say it is unlikely that Coca-Cola will completely stop using high-fructose corn syrup because of supply limits and transportation issues. Instead, Coca-Cola is expected to sell a cane sugar version alongside its regular sodas. Since 2005, Coca-Cola has also sold Mexican Coke, which contains cane sugar, as a premium product. The Corn Refiners Association warned that switching to cane sugar might put many American manufacturing jobs at risk. Nutritionists continue to advise people to reduce added sugar because it adds calories without providing nutrition.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What did Coca-Cola say about new products?
- Why is Coca-Cola Zero Sugar becoming more popular?
- How much did Coca-Cola’s total product sales increase in the same time period?
- Why is it difficult for Coca-Cola to completely stop using high-fructose corn syrup?
- Why do nutritionists tell people to reduce added sugar?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever tried a zero-sugar or low-sugar drink? If yes, did you like the taste? Why or why not? If not, would you like to try one? Why or why not?
- Do you read the labels on drinks or snacks before you buy them? If yes, what do you usually check? If not, why do you not check the label?
- Do you agree that companies should make more low-sugar drinks for people?
- Why do you think Coca-Cola did not say “yes” or “no” to the plan of using cane sugar?
- What can people do if they want to be healthier but still like sweet drinks?