Yum! Horse Lasagne
This is a conversation class for adults or mature teens based around the horse meat scandal currently rocking Europe. To download the handout click here:
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=79CFF252BEEA0A7D!333&authkey=!ADTef9TDO926cuw
For higher levels here is a section of an article from the Guardian about how the scandal has changed people’s shopping habits:
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=79CFF252BEEA0A7D!341&authkey=!ACFKTje39yjAdBg
Split the class into small groups (3-4) and give out the handout. Students discuss the questions and then feed back to the rest of the class. Some vocabulary might need to be pre-taught, for example “a nanny-state”. Here are the questions from the handout.
What do you know about the horse meat scandal? Share your knowledge with your group.
Do you think it has affected you? Have you eaten any ready meals recently? Or Ikea meat balls?
Does the story surprise you?
How long do you think it has been going on?
“In France horse is a delicacy, I don’t understand all the fuss.” What do you think of this statement?
Are there any types of food you avoid because you are worried about the quality of the ingredients? Sausages, hamburgers, kebabs etc.
How closely do you monitor the food you eat? Do you read the ingredients on the packets? Do you count calories?
Do you think ingredients should be displayed in a different way? A traffic light system for example.
Whose responsibility is it to ensure that scandals like this don’t happen?
“I don’t care what’s in it as long as it tastes good.” How far do you agree with this statement? Do you think most people agree or disagree with this statement?
Do you think that your country has a “nanny state”? (a government that interferes too much in the way you live your life)
What elements of people’s lifestyle should be controlled by the state? If any.
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