Question

Below are eight sentences connected to food and drink. Decide if you agree or disagree with each one – and why. Think about what the results of each could be.

Example:
If they banned the sale of chocolate,…
… shops would lose a lot of money.
… it might damage the economy.
… people might lose their jobs.
1) If they want to improve public health, they should ban the sale of chocolate and ice cream.
2) School students should be given two free pieces of fruit a day at school.
3) The legal age for drinking should be raised to 21.
4) All the extra food produced in rich countries should be donated to developing countries.
5) Children should discuss issues connected to nutrition more in school.
6) Fast food restaurants should be taxed more – and the money should go towards health care.
7) The government should stop telling me what to eat and how to live. It’s not their job!
8) People who get ill because they eat or drink too much should pay more for health care.

Answer 1

As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions, but I can provide you with some arguments for and against each of these statements:

1) If they want to improve public health, they should ban the sale of chocolate and ice cream.
- Agreement: Some argue that banning certain unhealthy foods could lead to better public health outcomes by reducing the consumption of high-sugar and high-fat items.
- Disagreement: Others believe in personal choice and education rather than outright bans, arguing that individuals should be free to make their own dietary decisions.

2) School students should be given two free pieces of fruit a day at school.
- Agreement: Providing free fruit in schools can encourage healthier eating habits among students and reduce childhood obesity rates.
- Disagreement: Some may argue about the cost of such a program or believe that it's the responsibility of parents to provide healthy snacks for their children.

3) The legal age for drinking should be raised to 21.
- Agreement: Raising the drinking age can reduce alcohol-related accidents among young adults and promote responsible drinking.
- Disagreement: Some may argue that if a person can vote or serve in the military at 18, they should also be allowed to make decisions about alcohol consumption.

4) All the extra food produced in rich countries should be donated to developing countries.
- Agreement: Donating excess food to developing countries could help address hunger and food scarcity issues.
- Disagreement: Critics may argue that this approach oversimplifies the complex issue of food distribution and sustainability.

5) Children should discuss issues connected to nutrition more in school.
- Agreement: Nutrition education in schools can empower children to make healthier choices and combat childhood obesity.
- Disagreement: Some may argue that schools have limited time and resources for non-academic subjects and that nutrition education should primarily be the responsibility of parents.

6) Fast food restaurants should be taxed more – and the money should go towards health care.
- Agreement: Increased taxes on fast food can discourage unhealthy eating habits and provide funding for healthcare programs.
- Disagreement: Critics may argue that it unfairly targets certain industries or that individuals should have the freedom to choose their own diets.

7) The government should stop telling me what to eat and how to live. It’s not their job!
- Agreement: Some people believe that personal choices regarding diet and lifestyle should remain a matter of individual responsibility.
- Disagreement: Others argue that government interventions are necessary to address public health concerns and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

8) People who get ill because they eat or drink too much should pay more for health care.
- Agreement: Some argue that individuals should take responsibility for the consequences of their choices and contribute more to their healthcare costs.
- Disagreement: Critics may argue that this approach could lead to unequal access to healthcare or deter individuals from seeking medical help when needed.