Going Vegan - Unit 12

B2 First · Multiple Matching · Ready for B2 First 4th Edition, Macmillan Education Limited

You are going to read an article in which five people share their experiences of becoming vegan. For questions 1–10, choose from the people (A-E). The people may be chosen more than once.

Jack

I first wanted to go vegan a few years ago, when I was about thirteen, and learnt about the effects of the meat industry on the environment. But my mum told me to wait until I was older and better informed about what being vegan meant. It was probably sound advice, though I now know it was partly because she couldn't face cooking special meals for me. I totally get that, though, and don't hold it against her. Now that I am a vegan, I'm very much aware of the extra effort involved for non-vegans who invite me round for a meal. I always offer to take a dessert, and the other dinner guests are invariably amazed at how delicious it is.

Sarah

I went vegan when I left home and went away to university. My parents were worried I was missing out on essential nutrients and that this could have serious consequences for me. My dad had the biggest problem with it, and he kept sending me articles warning of the pitfalls of a plant-based diet. I tried to put his mind at rest by telling him I was taking supplements, but that just served to reinforce his idea that I wasn't eating properly. Over time, though, they've both gradually come to accept my change to veganism, and that's really important to me, because it's a major part of who I am. My dad even cooks some of the vegan recipes I send him.

Maya

My sister went vegan after she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which causes pain in the joints and tiredness. Her doctors encouraged her to follow a raw plant-based diet to help manage her symptoms, and I decided to support her by going vegan as well. My sister has kept at it faithfully for over five years and shown amazing willpower. I just wish I could say the same for myself. There were too many types of food I missed, and I threw in the towel after a few months. On the plus side I learnt a surprising amount about nutrition and the health benefits of certain foods. I still eat loads of fruit, nuts, pulses and vegetables, and feel much healthier than I used to.

Justine

I started off by swapping one product at a time; soya milk for cow's milk, coconut oil for butter, maple syrup for honey. Many people try to make the switch overnight and it can prove too much, so they give up and go back to their vegetarian or meat-based diet. The key is to do it in stages. It gives you time to work out what works for you and what doesn't. While I was going vegan, I got loads of useful tips from a social media group I joined. If I had any questions or concerns, like which health supplements to take, how to reassure my parents I knew what I was doing, or where to buy vegan products, there was always someone who could give me the benefit of their knowledge and experience.

Rhona

I've only recently changed to a plant-based diet. I wish I'd done it ages ago. I'd become increasingly aware of the suffering we cause to animals by what we eat, and I felt it was high time I took a stand against the way we treat them. It's not easy, though. My friends only ever want to meet up in burger restaurants, and my parents seem determined not to try vegan food, let alone cook it, which is disappointing – it's not asking much for them to show a little interest. So, anyway, I just cook all my meals for myself now. I'm gradually getting the hang of it, and I like the independence it brings.

Going Vegan

Five people share their experiences of becoming vegan.

received a great deal of help and advice from other vegans

says that their attempts to reassure someone had the opposite effect

regrets not having become a vegan before

understands someone's resistance to them going vegan

feels that some people are not as supportive as they could be

lacked the necessary determination to be a vegan

says there were concerns that they were putting their health at risk

believes it is important to make the change to a vegan diet gradually

says people are always surprised by how tasty vegan food can be

considers being vegan a defining feature of their identity

Available as a free printable PDF worksheet with an optional answer key.

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