C1 Reading worksheet 6 (plus)
The plant-based revolution
Warmer
1 Work in pairs or small groups. Discuss the questions.
1 How do you think the three photos are connected?
2 Why do you think some people choose to avoid the consumption of animal products?
3 Explain the terms in the box:
vegetarian pescatarian vegan plant-based carnivorous omnivorous
Vocabulary
1 Read the sentences and match the words and phrases in bold to the definitions (a–l) on page 2.
1 Received wisdom says that children need dairy products to grow and develop strong bones.
2 Vegans tend to vilify the farmers, but it is the consumer that drives demand for the product.
3 Taking a hard-line stance sometimes makes it less likely that people will accept what you are saying.
4 Nagging children is often counterproductive. Making a chore into a game will get better results.
5 We have incontrovertible evidence that smoking can kill you; the same cannot be said of eating meat.
6 The website tries to debunk the myth that plant-based diets are necessarily deficient.
7 So, to give you an analogy, imagine what happens to your drain if you pour meat fat down it – that’s what
you are doing to your arteries when you eat fatty meat.
8 Extremists actually do a disservice to their cause by behaving in a way that puts people off.
9 Some vegans believe it is hypocrisy to say you love animals but pay to have them slaughtered.
10 There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that athletes do well on a plant-based diet but no large-scale research
has been done.
11 Some people make unwarranted assumptions about others based on where they come from.
12 All ruminants, such as cows, are herbivorous.
PHOTOCOPIABLE © Cambridge University Press and Cambridge Assessment 2021 Page 1
C1 Reading worksheet 6 (plus)
The plant-based revolution
a act in a way that harms someone or something
b support for a belief that relies on stories and personal testimony
c having the opposite of the desired effect
d to say or write negative things to cause others to have a bad opinion of someone or something
e a comparison between two things to explain or clarify something.
f common knowledge that is held to be true but may not be
g animals such as cattle, sheep and goats which have complex stomachs
h not having a good reason and therefore annoying or unfair
i acting in a way that is in conflict with stated beliefs
j extreme position which is unlikely to change.
k impossible to doubt because it is obviously true
l reveal that something people believe is untrue
Reading
1 Read the first prompt in the exam task on page 3 and answer the questions.
1 What do you think is meant by carries more weight?
2 Think of reasons for someone to go vegan.
3 Scan each of the texts and look for reasons for going vegan.
4 When you find a reason, read in detail. Does it convey the idea of carrying more weight these days?
2 Read the second statement in the part 8 exam task and answer the questions.
1 What challenges do you think adopting a plant-based diet might present for people?
2 Scan each of the texts to find the one that gives an opinion on the challenges that going vegan may
represent for people.
Tip
In part 8, you will either have one long text divided into sections or several shorter ones. You
have to match ten prompts to the correct text or section. All texts or sections will address the
same subjects and candidates have to read them carefully to identify detail, attitude or opinion
expressed in the prompts. Make sure you identify all texts / sections which mention the idea in the
prompt. Then carefully read each of the relevant parts several times to find which section matches
all parts of the prompt.
PHOTOCOPIABLE © Cambridge University Press and Cambridge Assessment 2021 Page 2
C1 Reading worksheet 6 (plus)
The plant-based revolution
3 Answer questions 3–10 in the exam task.
You are going to read four reviews of a documentary on plant-based diets called “Real men eat
plants”. For questions 3–10, choose from the people (A-D). The people may be chosen more than once.
Which person gives each of the opinions?
Going vegan carries more weight these days. 1
Adopting a plant-based diet may present some challenges. 2
The documentary made unwarranted assumptions about men. 3
The documentary made a false and misleading analogy. 4
The documentary may have done a disservice to veganism. 5
The film-makers are guilty of hypocrisy. 6
Research conducted by the film-makers lacks validity. 7
People shouldn’t generalise about diet based on their own lives. 8
Trying to reduce meat consumption is typical of health-conscious individuals. 9
Evidence linking veganism to improved fitness was intentionally overlooked. 10
A Matt
This film pushes the accepted fact that vegetables are good for you to a new extreme with the claim that meat
and indeed all animal protein is therefore bad. It challenged received wisdom about ‘healthy’ white meats,
classifying them alongside the already vilified processed and red meats. Cherry-picking research findings,
the producers conveniently ignored studies which show that healthy vegetarian and omnivorous diets can
also lead to optimal athletic performance. While it is clear that a plant-based diet has a beneficial effect on
cholesterol levels and heart health, it also lowers HDL (‘good’ cholesterol’). We can infer from this that allowing
some consumption of animal protein might raise HDL levels and actually lower the risk of heart disease. As
in many other areas of life, taking a hard-line stance can be counterproductive and I fear this is what has
happened here. I watched it with a male vegan friend, who cringed from start to finish, so obvious was the lack
of objectivity. We actually found the implication that men will ignore the green or compassionate arguments
for veganism quite insulting. Not all men are solely interested in building muscle, strength and stamina.
PHOTOCOPIABLE © Cambridge University Press and Cambridge Assessment 2021 Page 3
C1 Reading worksheet 6 (plus)
The plant-based revolution
B Vicky
As an ethical vegan, I felt this documentary represented a missed opportunity to present our belief
system in a holistic way. It was all too easy for overzealous carnivores to jump on the flaws in its
arguments. For example, that an ox is strong and a herbivore, therefore we can be stronger on a
plant-based diet. Cows can break down cellulose: we can’t. True herbivores have bacteria in their
gastrointestinal tract which degrade plant proteins, enabling them to use them for muscle building
and repair. It is disingenuous to compare humans with ruminants. Similarly, the film oversimplifies the
link between certain cancers and animal protein. It seems more likely that better health is associated
more generally with healthy lifestyles – which probably includes a limit on meat as well as sugar and
processed foods. In any case, evidence for direct causation is limited so we shouldn’t pretend it isn’t.
Small-scale studies and anecdotal evidence may have a role to play, but we should not overstate the
implications. Based on my own experience, I feel healthier on a vegan diet, but I accept there is no
incontrovertible proof that it’s right for everyone.
C Sonia
Real men eat plants sets out to debunk the myth that eating meat somehow makes a man more
‘masculine’. Veganism is definitely overcoming its image problem: it is no longer the preserve of hippies
and weirdos, but is a fashionable lifestyle choice. Nevertheless, there are some macho types who will
not succumb to the more robust arguments related to the environment and compassion for sentient
beings. The documentary presents persuasive arguments from doctors, scientists and academics, as
well as testimonials from elite athletes. While all of this was very powerful, what it convinced us of was
that plant-based diets are a viable alternative for athletes – that being vegetarian or vegan will not harm
your performance and it may even help in some aspects. What was less convincing was the argument
that vegan athletes will necessarily outperform omnivorous ones. The film showed an experiment in
which a small number of athletes were given a meat-based meal on one occasion and a plant-based
one on another. Tests revealed that animal protein thickened their blood and prevented arteries from
opening fully. However, the sample size was too small and the experiment was not repeated, making it
unreliable.
D Andrew
As a bodybuilder, I was fascinated when I heard about this documentary. I used to eat a high protein
diet, mostly steak, chicken and eggs, but I was always slightly worried about the effect it would have
on my health in the long run. I had bought into the myth that vegan diets were deficient and totally
unsuitable for an athlete like me. I was stunned to learn that plant-based diets can actually provide as
much protein as omnivorous diets, including all nine essential amino acids. Like the athletes featured,
I am used to putting time and money into getting my diet right so after watching, I did some more
research and began to plan a gradual transition to a plant-based lifestyle. The documentary does imply
that going vegan is not a major undertaking, but for the average person who doesn’t have a trainer,
dietician and personal chef on hand, it might be. Another thing that struck me was that the film accuses
the Meat Producers Association of funding research, the results of which can’t be trusted, yet pro-vegan
research is funded by the Soy Institute and others. Research has to be funded, but whoever funds it
must represent the findings honestly.
Writing
1 Complete the exam-style task in 220–260 words.
A health website is looking for reviews of documentaries relating to healthy lifestyle choices, including
exercise, diet, sleep and stress management. You decide to send in a review of a documentary you have
watched recently, explaining why you would recommend others to watch it. You should also mention at
least one limitation of the documentary. Write your review.
PHOTOCOPIABLE © Cambridge University Press and Cambridge Assessment 2021 Page 4
C1 Reading worksheet 6 (plus)
Teacher’s notes
Aims Vocabulary
This worksheet aims to practise the skills 1 This exercise presents the most challenging
needed for C1 Reading and Use of English part 8, vocabulary from the prompts and reading texts
particularly understanding and identifying in context. Encourage students to work out the
opinion. However, in terms of complexity and meaning of the highlighted word or phrase from
language level, the worksheet is more C1/C2 level. context before checking the definitions. Do the
• It pre-teaches vocabulary needed to understand first one as a class as an example. Have students
the prompts and texts. compare their answers with a partner and discuss
any differences, before checking as a class.
• Guided support is then provided for the
students to attempt the first two prompts before Answers
completing the rest of the part 8 task.
1 f 2 d 3 j 4 c
5 k 6 l
7 e 8 a
• The worksheet concludes with practice of a 9 i 10 b 11 h 12 g
writing task, in which students write a review of a
documentary related to the area of health.
Reading
Warmer 1 Explain that the exam task students are about to
1 Students discuss the photos and questions in small do will focus on opinions expressed in the texts,
groups. Help them clarify the terms, if necessary. and that they are going to practice exam technique
Encourage students to share their own ideas on the by looking at the first two prompts in the next
topic. two exercises. Have them read the exam tip. This
exercise supports students with the first prompt. It
Suggested answers teaches them to analyse the key words and phrases
1 The link between the photos is diet and in the prompts, and predict how they may be
health, what we eat ethically and in terms of represented in the texts. When checking answers,
health and exercise. explain the meaning of carries more weight and
2 Reasons for avoiding animal products: animal some non-health-related reasons people go vegan.
welfare, religious reasons, health concerns, Ask students to scan all the texts for possible
environmental concerns reasons. When checking answers, explain that
there is mention of green and compassionate
3 Vegetarian: doesn’t eat meat or fish, usually
arguments for veganism in Matt’s text, but in her
eats eggs and dairy products though this may
text, Sonia says Veganism is definitely overcoming
vary. May or may not use other animal ‘bi-
its image problem: it is no longer the preserve of
products’.
hippies and weirdos, but is a fashionable lifestyle
Pescatarian: eats fish but not meat choice, which corresponds to the idea of ‘carry more
Vegan: doesn’t eat or use any product of weight’ (literally here it is the idea that veganism
animal original including wool, silk, leather is no longer a niche thing for a limited few, but has
and honey. An ethical vegan makes this choice ‘weight’ as a fashionable lifestyle choice).
for animal welfare/environmental reasons
rather than health.
lant-based: refers only to diet. People
P
who eat a plant-based diet may or may not
consider themselves vegan.
Carnivorous: meat-eating
Omnivorous: eats both meat and plants
PHOTOCOPIABLE © Cambridge University Press and Cambridge Assessment 2021 Page 1
C1 Reading worksheet 6 (plus)
Teacher’s notes
Answers Answers
1 Carries more weight here means the 3 A (Matt: We actually found the implication that
arguments to support veganism are stronger men will ignore the green or compassionate
or that attitudes towards veganism in society arguments for veganism quite insulting. Not all
have become more positive. men are solely interested in building muscle,
2 Possible reasons to go vegan: health; religious strength and stamina.)
beliefs; the belief that killing animals for 4 B (Vicky: The analogy from the documentary
food is cruel and unnecessary; concern for she mentions implies that the herbivore
the environment impact of meat production; diet of an ox or cow can be associated with
taste/personal preference; a trend within developing strength, which she refutes, saying
society. It is disingenuous to compare humans with
3 C (Sonia: Veganism is definitely overcoming ruminants.)
its image problem: it is no longer the preserve 5 A (Matt: He says As in many other areas
of hippies and weirdos, but is a fashionable of life, taking a hard-line stance can be
lifestyle choice. and The documentary presents counterproductive and I fear this is what has
persuasive arguments from doctors, scientists happened here. He then gives the example of
and academics as well as testimonials from a vegan friend who cringed from start to finish,
elite athletes.) so obvious was the lack of objectivity.)
6 D (Andrew: Another thing that struck me
2 Have students read prompt 2. Ask them to suggest was that the film accuses the Meat Producers
some challenges that someone might face when Association of funding research, the results of
switching to a plant-based diet. They then scan the which can’t be trusted, yet pro-vegan research
texts for a reference to potential challenges. Check is funded by the Soy Institute and others.)
answers and have a volunteer student explain why 7 C (Sonia: She mentions a test of athletes
they chose the correct answer. performance on different diets and says
However, the sample size was too small and
Answers
the experiment was not repeated, making it
1 Potential challenges: changing eating and unreliable.)
shopping habits; being able to buy a good
8 B (Vicky: Small-scale studies and anecdotal
range of plant-based food locally; the cost of
evidence may have a role to play, but we
such a diet; ensuring a nutritious, balanced
should not overstate the implications. Based on
diet; difficulties in finding appropriate food
my own experience, I feel healthier on a vegan
when eating out; finding good advice to help
diet, but I accept there is no incontrovertible
them adapt to the diet, etc.
proof that it’s right for everyone.)
2 D (Andrew: The documentary does imply that
9 B (Vicky: It seems more likely that better health
going vegan is not a major undertaking, but
is associated more generally with healthy
for the average person who doesn’t have a
lifestyles- which probably includes a limit on
trainer, dietician and personal chef on hand,
meat as well as sugar and processed foods.)
it might be.)
10 A (Matt: the producers conveniently ignored
studies which show that healthy vegetarian
3 Students work alone to answer questions 3–10. You
and omnivorous diets can also lead to optimal
may want to ask students to highlight or underline
athletic performance.)
in each text where they found their answers with
the corresponding question / prompt number.
This is good exam technique as it makes it easier for
students to check their answers when they finish.
PHOTOCOPIABLE © Cambridge University Press and Cambridge Assessment 2021 Page 2
C1 Reading worksheet 6 (plus)
Teacher’s notes
Writing
1 Ask students to read through the task. Invite them
to share any documentaries they have seen which
might be suitable. If they haven’t seen any, tell
them they will have to invent one. They can base
it on the documentary the reading text is based
on. Elicit other ideas that relate to healthy lifestyle
choices that a documentary could cover, such as
health fads, the popularity of gyms, risky beauty
treatments, the rise of alternative medicine and
therapies, etc. Check with the students what they
have to include in their documentary reviews
(why you recommend it; one limitation of the
documentary).
It is probably best that students write their reviews
for homework. As a follow-up in class once you have
marked them, you could do a feedback session
where you select sentences from their reviews for
the class to identify mistakes in and correct.
PHOTOCOPIABLE © Cambridge University Press and Cambridge Assessment 2021 Page 3
