Answer — Exercise 5
9A - Pet haters·English File Advanced - Student's Book
Question
- Look at the words from the list. With a partner, say what each of these people eats or doesn't eat.
- -
- -
- -
- Listen again and make notes about the reasons for each speaker's opinion. Then compare with a partner and explain the reasons. Whose side are you on for each argument, Jimmy's or Simone's?
Answer
a)
- an omnivore = sb who eats anything
- a flexitarian = sb who has a mainly vegetarian diet, but occasionally eats meat or fish
- a pescatarian = sb who doesn't eat meat, but does eat fish
- a vegetarian = sb who doesn't eat meat or fish
- a vegan = sb who doesn't eat or use any animal products
e)
- Jimmy says it's immoral to kill animals and eat them. Simone says it isn't immoral; it's a personal decision.
- Jimmy says it reduces your carbon footprint much more than flying less or getting an electric car. Simone says it can reduce your carbon footprint, but many vegan-friendly foods, e.g. quinoa and avocados, come from very far away; also, growing food crops can be as damaging to the environment as farming animals.
- Jimmy says you need to take a bit of care, but there's nothing wrong with taking vitamin supplements, and many nonvegans do it. Simone says it's harder to maintain a balanced diet if you're vegan, especially with vitamin B12.
- Jimmy says overall, being vegan is hugely positive for your health: less risk of diseases, and vegans are not overweight. Simone says it may be partially true, but basically, a vegan diet doesn't give your body what it needs to be healthy.
- Jimmy says most restaurants now offer vegetarian and vegan food. Simone says this is only true in big cities and in some countries.
- Jimmy says most of his friends are vegan and all his friends enjoy cooking vegan food. Simone says it's inconsiderate to expect people to cook vegan food just for you.