News Mash-up: Controversial Foods

Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. confiscate / ˈkɒn fəˌskeɪt / (v.) – to take something away from someone, usually as punishment
    Example:

    My parents confiscated my phone! Now I can’t chat with my friends.


  2. traffic / ˈtræf ɪk / (v.) – to buy or sell something illegally
    Example:

    The man was accused of trafficking drugs.


  3. municipality / myuˌnɪs əˈpæl ɪ ti / (n.) – a city or town with its own local government
    Example:

    In our municipality, people aren’t allowed to go outside after 10 p.m.


  4. prohibit / proʊˈhɪb ɪt / (v.) – to not allow something by a rule or law
    Example:

    Cars are prohibited from parking in that area.


  5. brief / brif / (v.) – to give information or instructions about something
    Example:

    My supervisor briefed me about my tasks on my first day at work.


Article

Read the text below.

Colombia confiscates shark fins bound for HK


Colombian authorities said Sept. 24 they have confiscated a shipment of 3,493 shark fins that were to be illegally trafficked to Hong Kong from Bogota’s airport.


Environmental authorities in the capital said the quantity of fins meant around 900 to 1,000 sharks between 1 and 5 meters in length would have had to be killed.


In some countries, shark fins are believed to have health benefits.


The shipment, the product of illegal fishing, came from Colombia’s southwestern municipality of Roldanillo, Bogota’s environment secretary said. (Reuters)


S Korea: Moon hints at ban on eating dog meat


South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in said Sept. 27 there might be a need to prohibit dog meat consumption amid debate over the controversial practice and growing awareness of animal rights.


Eating dog meat is mainly done by older people, though it is not as common as before. Dog meat is served in some restaurants and can be bought at specific markets.


Moon made the remarks after being briefed by Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum on efforts to improve the handling of abandoned animals and a mandatory registration system for dogs. (Reuters)


These articles were provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • In some countries, shark fins are believed to have health benefits. Do people in your country eat any unique foods for health benefits? In your opinion, are those health benefits real? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Authorities confiscated the fins of around 900 to 1,000 sharks. What do you think they should do with all those fins? Why? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • In your opinion, what (if anything) is the difference between an animal that’s a pet and an animal that’s raised for meat? Why? Discuss.
  • Are there any foods in your country that are more popular with older people? Why do you think younger people don’t like to eat them as much? Do you ever eat them? Why or why not? Discuss.