Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Green Lifestyle & Sustainable Consumerism 9

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four teenagers discussing how documentaries exposing the horrific conditions of factory farming pushed them to adopt a “flexitarian” diet.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   mentions compromising their diet to avoid inconveniencing a host?

2   originally attempted a stricter dietary change before settling on their current one?

3   was primarily swayed by the ecological consequences rather than just animal welfare?

4   gradually decreased their meat consumption rather than stopping suddenly?

5   experienced teasing or negative reactions from their peers regarding their new habits?

6   states that their dietary choices have positively influenced their family’s meals?

7   mentions that a particular film completely altered their perception of a familiar food item?

8   adopted their new eating habits to prevent conflicts at home?

9   was exposed to the informative material in an educational setting?

10   had to carefully consider their nutritional intake due to physical activities?

Rethinking the Plate: The Teenage Flexitarian Movement

A Liam

I’ll never forget the evening I stumbled across that undercover investigation into industrial slaughterhouses. I had just come home from school, and honestly, the footage was so harrowing that I completely lost my appetite. Disgusted by what I had witnessed, I swore I would go vegan right then and there. However, making such a drastic transition overnight proved virtually impossible. Not only did I struggle with the restrictive nature of the diet, but it also caused endless friction at the dinner table. My parents, who work long hours, were understandably exasperated by the prospect of preparing separate meals just for me. To prevent further arguments, we reached a sensible compromise. I now identify as a flexitarian, meaning my diet is predominantly plant-based, but I won’t turn down a roast dinner on a Sunday. Had I not taken a more flexible approach, I probably would have given up on the idea entirely.

B Chloe

While the appalling treatment of livestock is undeniably distressing, what truly opened my eyes was a documentary detailing the devastating environmental impact of meat production. It was absolutely staggering to learn how much deforestation and water pollution can be directly attributed to our dietary habits. Realising that my choices were contributing to global warming, I felt compelled to take action. I knew some friends were trying a gradual reduction, but I immediately took over my own meal prep. Rather than demanding my parents change their shopping habits, I started cooking my own vegetarian dishes most evenings. Surprisingly, this has had a positive knock-on effect. The mouth-watering aromas of my lentil curries and bean burgers have tempted my family into trying them, and they now frequently opt for my meat-free creations instead of their usual meals. By cutting back on animal products during the week, I feel much better about my personal carbon footprint.

C Noah

We were actually shown a highly controversial documentary during a biology lesson, which sparked a heated debate about food ethics. Seeing chickens and pigs crammed into incredibly tight, filthy cages left a lasting impression on me. Consequently, I announced my intention to drastically cut down on meat. Unfortunately, a few of my closest mates thought it was hilarious and constantly poked fun at my new lifestyle, claiming I was just trying to be trendy. Despite the relentless teasing, I stuck to my guns and refused to let their narrow-mindedness dictate my choices. That being said, I am not excessively strict about it. If I am invited to someone’s house or attending a special celebration at a restaurant, I will politely eat whatever is served to avoid coming across as a demanding or awkward guest. This flexitarian balance allows me to stand up for animal welfare without alienating myself in social situations.

D Maya

As an aspiring athlete, I’ve always been taught to view meat as an indispensable source of protein, essential for building muscle and recovering from intense training sessions. However, my mindset shifted completely after viewing a hard-hitting film exposing the brutal reality of factory farms. Watching the sheer suffering those creatures endure made my stomach churn; I simply couldn’t look at a standard beef burger the same way again without feeling overwhelmed by guilt. Nevertheless, because I was genuinely worried about my nutritional requirements dropping, I decided against giving it up abruptly. Instead, I opted to phase it out gradually. By meticulously researching plant-based proteins like tofu and chickpeas, I’ve been able to progressively replace animal products in my diet. It’s been a steady transition, but adopting a flexitarian lifestyle has proved that you can maintain peak physical fitness while still making far more compassionate and ethical food choices.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four young adults sharing their commitment to buying only locally sourced, seasonal produce.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   mentions having to sacrifice a personal favourite food due to their new lifestyle?

2   initially underestimated how much effort would be required to change their shopping habits?

3   highlights the shocking distance standard supermarket items travel before reaching the consumer?

4   appreciates the social interactions that have developed from their purchasing choices?

5   points out that buying locally has inadvertently broadened their culinary skills?

6   was prompted to alter their behaviour after watching an informative documentary?

7   expresses a sense of disconnect they previously had regarding the origins of their food?

8   acknowledges that their current shopping method is less economically advantageous?

9   feels satisfied knowing their purchases directly sustain the livelihoods of regional workers?

10   states that their commitment relies heavily on being flexible with meal planning?

Staying Close to Home: The Seasonal Food Revolution

A Liam

For years, I took the convenience of modern supermarkets entirely for granted. If I hadn’t stumbled upon an eye-opening investigative broadcast about global supply chains, I might never have altered my habits. It absolutely blew my mind to discover that a standard basket of imported fruit will often have been flown across multiple continents before reaching our plates, leaving a massive trail of carbon emissions in its wake. Consequently, I made a strict pledge to buy exclusively within a fifty-mile radius. I won’t pretend this transition has been entirely beneficial for my wallet; inevitably, sourcing niche, organically grown items means my weekly expenses have crept up. Nevertheless, absorbing that financial hit feels entirely justified when I consider the ecological impact. Some friends complain about the extra time required to visit independent grocers, but establishing this routine has given me a profound sense of purpose. It is deeply satisfying to know that my choices are helping to protect the environment for future generations.

B Maya

Transitioning to a purely seasonal, community-based diet wasn’t motivated by carbon footprints for me, but rather by a deep desire to reshape my community. Previously, my weekly shop consisted of rushing through soulless aisles, completely isolated from the people who actually cultivated the ingredients. Now, I dedicate my Saturday mornings to wandering around the local farmers’ market. I’ve built genuine rapport with the vendors, and those engaging weekend conversations have become the highlight of my week. Moreover, it is incredibly rewarding to know that every penny I spend goes towards keeping independent, family-run farms afloat, rather than padding the pockets of distant corporate executives. I did have to sacrifice the convenience of finding everything under one roof, but I quickly bounced back. While some people might find the limited winter selection slightly frustrating, I view it as an exciting opportunity to appreciate nature’s rhythm. I now understand that our purchasing power is a vital tool for positive societal change.

C Tariq

Embracing a hyper-local diet has completely transformed my relationship with cooking, although it hasn’t always been a smooth ride. The hardest pill to swallow was coming to terms with the fact that I couldn’t simply purchase fresh strawberries or my beloved cherry tomatoes in the dead of winter. It felt like a significant loss initially. However, this restriction has inadvertently worked wonders for my imagination. Because I can no longer rely on a fixed, predictable grocery list, my weekly menu has to be entirely dictated by whatever the earth yields that specific week. Consequently, I’ve been compelled to experiment with obscure root vegetables and unfamiliar greens, rustling up elaborate stews I would never have otherwise attempted. Paradoxically, sticking to seasonal produce has actually caused my food bills to drop, proving that eating ethically doesn’t always have to be a luxury reserved for the wealthy. It has been a remarkably educational process, one that has made me far more adaptable and resourceful as a home chef.

D Chloe

Looking back, I was somewhat naive when I first embarked on my local-only journey. I honestly assumed that switching my purchasing habits would be an absolute breeze, merely a case of swapping one shop for another. In reality, figuring out exactly what was in season, deciphering complex harvest charts, and tracking down reliable farm shops required a surprisingly steep learning curve. I quickly realised how profoundly disconnected I had been from the origins of my meals; I had spent my entire life foolishly expecting things like asparagus to magically appear on shelves year-round, entirely oblivious to natural agricultural cycles. Overcoming that ignorance has been crucial. Now, I frequently cycle out to a nearby agricultural cooperative to pick up my supplies. It takes a bit more effort than ordering online, but it has fundamentally healed my disconnect with the natural world. I would strongly recommend this lifestyle to anyone, provided they are willing to put in the initial groundwork to educate themselves.

Exercises:   123456