Daily News Lesson Roundup: Food Stories 🍽️
Although this list of Daily News lessons focuses on food, it's not only about dishes and flavors — these lessons cover everything from the social and mental effects of food to places you can go to find world-class dining experiences.
As always, there's plenty here for discussion with students, so let's dig in!
How Sharing Meals Promotes Well-Being
Level 7: Advanced
Eating a delicious meal is a sure-fire way to boost your spirits. But according to some insightful research, having that same meal with others brings benefits that go beyond a full belly. How often do your students share meals?
Japanese Cafe Helps Dementia Patients Keep Cooking
Level 6: Intermediate
While eating a home-cooked meal can make us feel pretty great, the feeling often goes both ways, with the chef feeling just as gratified.
One company in Japan is aiming to tap into that dynamic while also helping to tackle the country's aging population issue.
Eating Foreign Foods Can Make Us More Open-Minded
Level 7: Advanced
Here's some good news: Although it seems like the world is becoming more and more hostile each day, the key to more peace and understanding may be to simply eat another nation's food.
Wouldn't that be a delicious way to achieve world peace?
This topic can naturally lead to a discussion of different world cuisines your students have tried or would like to try one day.
Study: Food Tastes Better When Made by a Loved One
Level 6: Intermediate
Food from a world-famous restaurant or even from your favorite neighborhood burger stand may be delicious, but there's nothing quite like food made by someone you love.
While many people may have felt that to be true, a test looked for hard evidence to back up those feelings.
Tokyo Has More Top Restaurants Than Any Other City
Level 6: Intermediate
Japan has been enjoying a moment for a little while now, with its popularity among travelers growing steadily in recent years.
But aside from the unique culture, busy cities and beautiful nature, Tokyo in particular has another draw that is especially attractive for the world's foodies. 🥢
This 200-Year-Old Cottage Has a Michelin Star
Level 7: Advanced
Despite the previous lesson, you don't need to have a fancy restaurant in cities like Tokyo or Paris to be awarded a famous Michelin star. In fact, as this lesson explains, you can receive the honor even with a small, humble place far from big urban centers.
UK May Allow Sale of Lab-Grown Food in Two Years
Level 7: Advanced
This lesson can make for a lively discussion about scientific advancements, safety and personal tastes around lab-grown food.
As most of the countries mentioned in this lesson are in the West, it may be interesting to hear opinions about the issue from students who live in East Asian countries for a more balanced perspective.
England Plans to Ban Energy Drinks for Under 16s
Level 7: Advanced
Energy drinks have become common in stores around the world. However, their promised benefits also come with a downside. And lawmakers in the UK feel that those downsides are too great to not be addressed.
This lesson deals with health and law as well as the ethics of marketing, so there's plenty to talk about with interested students.
Europe's Shoppers Queue Up for 'Dubai Chocolate'
Level 7: Advanced
Belgian chocolate is quite famous, and of course there's the delicious German chocolate cake. But Dubai hasn't been well-known for chocolate …at least until recently.
This lesson presents an opportunity to discuss the influence of social media in people's buying decisions. And it's also great for students with a sweet tooth! 🍫
Vienna’s Sausage Stands Recognized by UNESCO
Level 8: Advanced
Many people are familiar with UNESCO's famous World Heritage sites. But perhaps less well-known is UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, a listing of important and unique aspects of a culture rather than specific spots.
This lesson explains why the sausage stands of Vienna are worthy of joining this special list.
Wrap-up
Your students may or may not be a big fan of music, films, sports or any number of topics. But everyone enjoys a good meal — making food one of the best topics of conversation.
We hope this list of Daily News lessons comes in handy when either you or your student needs some tasty recommendations!
