Hollywood Comedians Named Sexiest Vegetarians

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. poll (n.) [pohl] – a survey of the public or of a sample of public opinion to get informationExample: A poll is being conducted to distinguish which material is best for each lesson.

2. welfare (n.) [wel-fair] – refers to health, happiness and good fortune; well-being

Example: He is part of an organization that focuses on children-welfare.

3. cruelty (n.) [kroo-uhl-tee] – intentional infliction of pain or suffering

Example: Most vegetarians are against animal cruelty.  

4. inside out (idiom) [in-sahyd-out] – from every perspective (in people, inside refers to the character or personality while out (side) refers to the physical attributes)

Example: She is a beautiful person inside out.

5. feast (v.) [feest] – (usually followed by on) means to greatly enjoy eating a lot of something

Example: She feasts on sweets if she feels depressed.

Article

Read the text below.

Hollywood comedians Russell Brand and Kristen Wiig won the top spot as sexiest vegetarians in a recent poll conducted by the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). 

Both actors enjoy vegetables and refuse to include animal meat in their diet. The animal welfare organization PETA said that both comedians take animal cruelty seriously. For instance, Russell Brand thinks people should not eat animals because it’s mean.

Further, PETA thinks people find the actors charming not only for their humor but also for their concern to animals. Being vegetarians make Russell and Kristen beautiful from the inside out, PETA added.

Both Russell and Kristen stick to a strict diet consisting purely of vegetables. Russell, who has been a vegetarian since age 14, even refuses to consume fish oil as a means to stay alert because he thinks fishes are too adorable to kill. On the other hand, Kristen feasts on soy and tofu, and drinks lots of water and juices to stay healthy. Once in a while, she confessed, she also eats food she wants like chocolates and cakes. 

  

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of being a vegetarian?

·         Do you think only vegetarians can be healthy?

Discussion B

·         What are your favorite foods?

What are the usual foods that people eat in your country?