レッスンを予約する
Step 1
Read the Article
Read the article to understand the main idea.
記事を読んで、おおよその内容をつかみましょう。
Britain to end exemption for milk-based drinks from sugar tax
Britain will scrap a sugar-tax exemption for prepackaged milk-based drinks, including bottled milkshakes and milky coffees, the health department said on Nov. 25, as part of efforts to curb an “obesity epidemic.”
The sugar tax, also known as the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL), targets prepackaged drinks such as those sold in cans and cartons in supermarkets.
It was introduced in 2016 by the then-Conservative government to help drive down obesity, particularly among children, offering a tax incentive for drinks producers to reduce sugar in their recipes.
The health department said the exemption will end in January 2028, giving the soft drinks industry two years for reformulation.
It said “open-cup” milkshakes prepared in cafes, bars and restaurants will remain out of the scope of the tax, as will plain cow’s milk, and other milk drinks without added sugar.
However, the government will reduce the current lower threshold at which SDIL applies from 5 grams of total sugar per 100 ml to 4.5 g of total sugar per 100 ml.
It said the changes are expected to raise up to £45 million (¥9.1 billion) a year in additional tax receipts from 2028.
(Reuters)
Step 2
Check the Vocabulary and Phrases
Check the following vocabulary and phrases.
以下の単語やフレーズの発音、意味、使い方を確認しましょう。
exemption
免除
permission not to do something that you would normally have to do, especially because of a special situation
She was given an exemption from the training requirement.
彼女は研修受講義務の免除を受けました。
curb
抑制する
to control or limit something in order to prevent it from having a harmful effect
The campaign aims to curb dangerous driving habits.
そのキャンペーンは危険な運転習慣を抑制することを目的としています。
obesity
肥満
the condition of being extremely fat in a way that is dangerous to health
The study focuses on the causes of obesity.
その研究は肥満の原因に焦点を当てています。
epidemic
蔓延、流行
a situation in which something harmful or unwanted spreads very quickly and affects many people
The region experienced an epidemic of seasonal flu.
その地域では季節性インフルエンザが流行しました。
open-cup
その場で作る
products are prepared on site, one by one, rather than being pre-made or mass-produced elsewhere
The café uses an open-cup system instead of using pre-made products.
そのカフェは出来合いの製品ではなく、その場で作る方式を採用しています。
Step 3
Comprehension Questions
Answer the following questions based on the article.
理解度問題に挑戦しましょう。
What change will the British government make to the sugar tax on prepackaged milk-based drinks, and when will it take effect?
Which types of drinks will remain outside the scope of the sugar tax after the changes?
Step 4
Discussion
Share your opinions on the following questions.
以下の質問について、自分の考えを述べてみましょう。
Have you ever tried to reduce sugar in your diet?
When you choose a drink at a convenience store or cafe, what usually influences your decision most (taste, price, health, or something else)? Why?
Do you think taxing sugary drinks is an effective way to reduce obesity? Why or why not?
If a similar sugar tax were introduced in your country, what reactions do you think it would receive from the public?
Can you think of a situation where a small change in rules or prices affected people’s daily habits?