IS

SUGARY DRINKS TAX THE FUTURE?

Everyone likes sugar, but…

Task
We have investigated how sugar can be harvested Select key words from the preceding passage and
from a sugar beet. Even though this process has search the Internet for examples of countries that
been known for centuries it really took flight have introduced such a sugar tax. You should look
halfway through the 20th century. Sugary products for resources that give details on the effect of this
became more available and more and more tax. Make sure you search for information about
popular. the actual change in sugar consumption after the
tax was introduced.
Sugar enriches taste and texture of foods and
drinks. It adds flavour and enjoyment to the Organize the information you have found.
product consumed. However, when consumed in Evaluate the effect of the sugar tax. Discuss
large amounts, too much sugar can become a whether you think the Netherlands should also
problem. introduce this sugar tax and if not whether other
steps need to be taken.
Scientific research has connected sugar
consumption to obesity, heart disease Present the information you have found in the
(cardiovascular disease), diabetes and dental form of an article on a news website or a podcast.
cavities. Some people think sugar consumption is
also related to certain behavioural problems
although there is no scientific research so far to What information should you present?
support this theory. • You need to describe the problems that
arise with large sugar consumption.
Because of these problems some countries, like • You need to discuss and analyse whether
Mexico and Hungary, have decided to introduce a you think the Netherlands should
sugar tax. This means that products that contain a introduce a sugar tax. State at least one
lot of sugar, like soft drinks, became more moral, ethical, social, economic, political or
expensive. cultural factor that needs to be taken into
consideration.
Some people think we should also introduce such
tax in the Netherlands. What do you think?
What should you keep in mind?
• You should use scientific language in your
article or podcast to communicate you
The ATL skills involved are: understanding clearly and precisely.
§ Communication skills: Use appropriate forms of • You must document your sources
writing for different purposes and audiences; completely using Harvard referencing.
paraphrase accurately and concisely
§ Information literacy skills: Make connections
between various sources of information.

This activity will be assessed using Criterion D: Reflecting on the impacts of science