Ejercicio Text 2 - Exercise 1 · Inglés PAU Extremadura Extraordinaria 2023

Reading comprehension: Text 2

Doctors call on NHS to ban meat from hospitals.

Scottish doctors and clinicians have written to National Health Service (NHS) executives urging them to ban meat from hospital meals. An open letter sent to Caroline Lamb, chief executive of NHS Scotland, claimed that serving only plant-based meals would save millions of pounds and improve the health of patients. It also claimed that giving patients meals containing red and processed meats was the equivalent of “distributing cigarettes in the pulmonary-care unit.”

It states: “At this time of health and climate crises, we urge NHS Scotland to switch to vegan menus for patients in hospitals. Replacing meat, eggs, and dairy with tasty vegan foods is vital if we are to protect the health of the Scottish people and the planet. It is a serious irresponsibility that meals offered in hospitals are often far from healthy and can even include red and processed meats, which are known to be responsible for some types of cancer.”

The letter claims that switching to vegan meals will help to make menus lighter, adding: “Obesity rates in Scotland are among the highest in the world, putting people at particular risk of developing severe illness or dying as a result of Covid-19.” The letter also mentions benefits to the environment and economic motivations. It’s been estimated that the NHS could save more than £30 billion per year if all meals served in the UK were vegan.

Rachael Hamilton, the Scottish Conservative’s rural affairs delegate, believes the demand is “deeply irresponsible.” Also, a spokesperson for the Scottish government said: “We expect all patients to be offered good, nutritious food in accordance with their ethical or religious requirements. The importance of balanced nutrition is emphasised in our choice of hospital food to ensure all patients get the best possible nourishment.”

The Times (April 2022. Adapted)

EXERCISE 1

Answer 3 of the following 4 questions, providing evidence from the text (maximum 1 point each, total 3 points):

a.

Does Caroline Lamb believe that vegan menus would be more expensive?

b.

Does the letter say that the current hospital meals may be harmful to patients?

c.

According to the text, are Scottish people comparatively overweight?

d.

Is the following statement true or false?

"The Scottish government believes that hospital meals are fine as they are."