B2 – Upper Intermediate
It is a real eyesore seeing cigarette butts scattered everywhere. Not only is it an unpleasant sight, but is also toxic. Cigarette butts release toxic chemicals such as arsenic and lead.
The Spanish government’s recent ruling states that tobacco companies will shoulder the clean up costs of cigarette butts.
Read the article and find out more details about this new environmental regulation in Spain.
Vocabulary Questions:
- Define the verb “toss“. Give two synonyms and use each in a sentence. “Millions of cigarette ends are tossed onto Spain’s streets and beaches by smokers each year.”
- What does the phrase “foot the bill” mean? “Spain’s new environmental regulations have ruled that tobacco companies will have to foot the bills for removing discarded cigarettes from the country’s streets.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
- What does “come into force” mean? The measure comes into force this Friday. Give one synonym and use this expression in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion on tobacco companies being held responsible for discarded cigarette butts?
- Do you agree with the likely consequences of this regulation to tobacco consumers mentioned in the article? Why or why not?
- What might be some effects of this ruling on tobacco companies?
- What are the harmful effects of these discarded cigarette butts?