B1 – Intermediate
Amsterdam has banned public advertisements for meat and fossil fuel products, including burgers, chicken, petrol cars, and airline travel.
The Dutch Meat Association and Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators disagree with the prohibition. On the other hand, environmental activists support the decision.
Read the article about Amsterdam’s public advertisements ban for meat and fossil fuel products.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2605/260507-public-advertisement-ban.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “carbon neutral” mean? “The ban is to help move Amsterdam towards its target of being carbon neutral by 2050.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “consumer behaviour” mean? “The Dutch Meat Association says ban is an undesirable way to influence consumer behaviour.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “to set a global standard” mean? “By becoming the first capital to legally ban fossil fuels and meat advertising, Amsterdam is setting a global standard.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion about the ban on public ads for meat and fossil fuel products in Amsterdam?
- What might be the pros and cons of this ban?
- The Dutch Meat Association says that the ban is an undesirable way to influence consumer behaviour. What is your opinion on this?
- Should other cities or countries follow Amsterdam’s example? Why or why not?
- Should governments have the power to restrict ads for products they consider harmful? Explain your view.
- How do you think advertising influences people’s food choices and travel habits?
2 replies on “Amsterdam Bans Public Ads for Meat and Fossil Fuels”
Vocabulary Questions:
1. Carbon neutral means not adding extra carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
2. Consumer behaviour means the way people choose, buy, and use products or services.
3. To set a global standard means to become an example that other countries or cities may follow.
Discussion Questions:
1. In my opinion this is not the way to encourage people to make more sustainable choices and reduce of meat and fossile fuel comsuption.
Also, meat is not the real problem. The real problem is the way farms are “producing meat”. Even if people stop eating meat, farms will continue producing cows and meat in the same way.
2. The main advantage is that it can help reduce pollution. The disadvantage is that some companies may lose customers. Also, people may feel that the government is trying to control their personal choices.
3. I think that the ban does not stop people from eating meat; it only limits public advertising.
4. I think each city should study the situation carefully because is important to find a balance between protecting the environment and respecting businesses or people.
5.
6. Advertising influences people a lot because it creates needs they did not have before.
Great effort in your writing. Your sentences were expressed clearly.
Here are some edits that can be done to this sentence:
Keep going — your hard work is leading to real improvement!