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LanguageCert Practice Reading: Part 3: Multi-Text Attribution ID: #60288 Medium Diets and the Production of Food
Instructions ›
Read the four texts below about Diets and Food Production.
A The roots of vegetarianism can be traced back to ancient civilisations such as Ancient India and Greece, where certain philosophical and religious beliefs promoted non-violence and compassion towards animals. Aristotle, for example, ate meat because he believed animals existed to serve humans, but he acknowledged the merits of arguments against meat-eating. In the modern era, vegetarianism became more prominent in Europe and North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, driven by the same issues as in ancient cultures. The Vegetarian Society, established in 1847 in the United Kingdom, played a key role in promoting vegetarianism as a distinct movement. Over time, vegetarianism expanded globally, with individuals adopting plant-based diets for various reasons, including concerns about animal welfare. Today, vegetarianism continues to grow in popularity, with a greater emphasis on plant-based diets for personal health, animal rights and environmental sustainability.
B Veganism for me is a lifestyle choice that rejects the use and consumption of animal products. As I understand it, its origins can be traced back to the mid-20th century. The term ‘vegan’ was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson from the letters at the beginning and ending of the word ‘vegetarian’. The group he formed wanted to distinguish themselves from vegetarians who, self-evidently, did not eat meat but were happy to consume milk, butter, cheese and eggs. The rationale behind veganism stems principally from concerns for animal welfare. Even if an animal is not reared for food, farmed animals may well be ill-treated or killed unnecessarily in order to sustain food production. Although the majority group of meat-eaters have often claimed that vegetarian and vegan diets lack essential nutrients, there is evidence now that these dietary regimes actually lower the risk of contracting certain diseases.
C Cows are induced to keep producing milk through a process known as lactation. It is naturally stimulated in cows after giving birth, as it is a biological mechanism to nourish their calves. Inevitably, this means that dairy cows need to become pregnant repeatedly. This is typically achieved artificially within a few months of a cow giving birth. In addition to ensuring this natural process is continuously in motion, milk production is maximised through various methods. Dairy cows are milked multiple times a day, usually two to three times, to stimulate milk production. This frequent milking signals to the cow’s body that the milk needs to be replenished. Some dairy farmers may administer hormones to improve growth or to increase milk production. However, the use of these hormones is controversial and regulated differently in various countries. Finally, dairy cows are provided with a high-energy diet consisting of grains, grass and supplements to meet their nutritional needs and maintain high milk yields. The beautiful white liquid which so many people enjoy is won at the expense of submitting animals to a completely unnatural life.
D Selective breeding has played a significant role in shaping the plants and animals aimed for consumption today. Over centuries, humans have deliberately chosen individuals with desirable traits to breed and propagate. In the case of plants, selective breeding has led to the creation of high-yielding crop varieties with increased natural resistance to pests and diseases. Crops like wheat, corn and rice have undergone extensive breeding programmes to enhance their productivity and adaptability to different climates. Similarly, fruits and vegetables have been selectively bred to improve taste, appearance and nutritional content. Animals raised for food have also been selectively bred for traits like faster growth, larger size, increased milk production and enhanced meat quality. The main issue that societies need to resolve now is whether it's ethically and morally right, or even scientifically dangerous, to move from selective breeding, as the principal means of improving food production, to direct DNA modification of not only plants, but also farm animals.
In which text does the writer compare two similar dietary systems?
In which text does the writer link attitudes to meat-eating in different periods of history?
In which text does the writer contradict a widely held belief?
In which text does the writer detail ways in which yield is improved for one animal product?
In which text does the writer explain the derivation of a term?
In which text does the writer imply criticism of one specific farming practice?
In which text does the writer raise a controversial issue for the future?
AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.

Question Focus: Asks which text sets one diet against a very similar one.

Why this is correct: Text B compares vegans and vegetarians, two close diets. It shows vegans avoid all animal products while vegetarians still eat eggs and dairy. That is comparing two similar systems.

Question Focus: Asks which text connects how people felt about eating meat in different times.

Why this is correct: Text A links old and new times, showing that ancient and modern people avoided meat for the same reasons. That connects attitudes across different periods of history.

Question Focus: Asks which text proves a common belief wrong.

Why this is correct: Text B disagrees with a common belief. Many think plant diets miss key nutrients, but the writer says evidence shows they can even cut disease risk. That contradicts the popular idea.

Question Focus: Asks which text lists methods used to get more of one animal product.

Why this is correct: Text C lists the methods used to get more milk: frequent milking, hormones and rich feed. That is detailing how the yield of one animal product is boosted.

Question Focus: Asks which text explains where a word came from.

Why this is correct: Text B tells you exactly where the word 'vegan' came from - the start and end letters of 'vegetarian'. That is explaining the origin of a term.

Question Focus: Asks which text raises a disputed, controversial practice - here about how one product is made.

Why this is correct: Text C points to a controversial practice: giving cows hormones. The writer says it is disputed and controlled differently from country to country. That is a debated issue.

Question Focus: Asks which text raises a controversial issue about the future of food production.

Why this is correct: Text D raises a big future question: is it right or dangerous to move from breeding to changing food's DNA? That is a controversial issue about what comes next.

General Tips:

  • Read all four texts first and give each a quick label so you can find answers faster.
  • For 'compare' questions, look for a text that puts two things side by side.
  • When two questions look alike, use the exact detail to tell the right texts apart.
  • History questions need words like 'ancient', 'centuries' or dates - scan for them.

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