Teacher's Note

Why read this: This short story is about food rules in America. It is a good way for new readers to learn about a real news topic. The story tells you what the rules say. It also tells you what doctors think. You will see simple ideas about meat, butter, and your heart. The story uses easy words and short sentences. It is a good first step before you read longer news stories.

What to notice: Look for two ideas in the story. First, what do the new American food rules say? They say to eat more meat and butter. Second, what do many doctors say? They say too much animal fat is bad for your heart. Notice how the story uses the word "but." The word "but" shows that two groups of people do not agree. Try to find this word in the story.

Skills practised: You will read for the main idea. You will look for facts in a short news story. You will see new food words like "meat," "butter," "oil," and "vegetable." Two phrases use a side note: "dietary guidelines" and "balanced diet." Click them to see what they mean. After reading, try the questions. They will help you check what you understood.

Level: A2 · Length: ~290 words · Reading time: ~2 min
Graded Reading"A2"

"New American Food Rules: More Meat, More Butter?"

"The new rules say to eat more meat and butter, but many health experts do not agree."

~2 min read·

Tap any green word in the article to see its meaning.

On January 7th, the American shared new . These are the rules about food. They tell people what is good to eat. They also tell people what to eat less of. Some doctors like the new rules. But many health are not happy with them.

The new rules say to eat more meat. They also say to eat more butter and fat. The rules call these foods "healthy fats." There is a picture with the new rules. The picture shows a big at the . It also shows cheese, milk, and a piece of butter. Bread and rice are at the . This means the rules want people to eat less bread and rice.

Many health experts do not agree with this idea. They say too much animal fat is bad for your . Animal fat puts more fat in your . This blood fat can your blood . Then a person can have a heart attack. Doctors have said this for many years.

Experts say a is better for you. People should eat more fresh vegetables and fruit. They should also use plant for cooking. These oils come from , , and other seeds. Plant oils are kinder to your heart than butter is. This advice is not new at all.

Robert F. Kennedy is the new American health . He says that seed oils are not . But most scientists do not agree with him. There is no strong that seed oils people. The simple advice from doctors is still the same. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables every day. Do not eat too much butter or red meat.

Questions

Check your understanding

  1. 01

    What do the new American food rules tell people to eat more of?

  2. 02

    Why do many health experts not agree with the new rules?

  3. 03

    What do experts say is better than butter for cooking?

  4. 04

    Describe what the new American food rules tell people to eat.

    Suggested length: ~50 words

  5. 05

    List three things health experts say people should eat or use instead of lots of butter.

    Suggested length: ~50 words