STEP 5 Practise for your oral test! The food of the future
Complete the dialogue with the words in brackets. If there are two words, choose the correct one. If there is a verb, use the gerund or the infinitive. Then think about the text. Are you in favour or against introducing insects into our diet? Do some research and write your own arguments in favour or against. Make any changes you need and use it for your oral production
Are insects the food of the future?
Omar: Hey, Nadia, I had time yesterday, so I ________ (could / was able to) complete my project on insects. Did you know that ________ (eat) insects could become a new trend? Apparently, they're good for your health and, unlike factory farming, their breeding avoids ________ (deforestation / harmful emissions)!
Nadia: Ugh, insects? I don't know, Omar. The idea is a bit ... disgusting. Sure, they might be nutritious, but wouldn't they be difficult ________ (digest)? And what about ________ (the / –) allergies? I wouldn't want ________ (have) a reaction to something so unfamiliar.
Omar: Those are good points. But researchers say they're generally safe for consumption, and ________ (the / –) easiest source of protein to digest!
Nadia: Okay, but even if they're safe, wouldn't the taste be... well, funny? There's no point in ________ (argue) that crickets taste delicious!
Omar: Besides ________ (come) in a variety of species, each with its own taste, it really depends on how they're prepared. Stop ________ (think) about it for a minute: you can season or flavour them just like any other dish.
Nadia: Still, the thought of ________ (eat) a cricket is gross! Anyway, isn't ________ (breed) insects on a massive scale dangerous?
Omar: Well, obviously there would be rules and regulations. But honestly, raising insects takes up less space than raising ________ (the / –) cows or sheep. Imagine all ________ (the / –) land we could ________ (reduce / save) for other uses! It'll benefit the ________ (environment / greenhouse effect).
Nadia: Is there enough protein in insects to ________ (stay) healthy?
Omar: You will be surprised ________ (know) that insects contain more protein than animals!