NC BOOK 4 UNIT 2

New Connection—Book 4

1


UNIT 2

Eating Properly
Starting Off:
What you eat doesn’t just impact
your waistline—it can affect every
part of you, from your complexion to
your emotions. These days,
choosing what to eat is even harder
because of the amount of unnatural
ingredients used in the production of
food. What kind of
food do you eat? Do you strictly follow certain
diets or focus on finding things that taste good?
How can what you eat now affect your life in the
future?
2


GETTING READY
Task I
Fill in the blanks in Tom’s journal with the words provided from the
audio. Change the forms of the words if necessary.

TV Diet Experiment Journal

Day 1

Health experts always say that the foods sold by big
companies are not  wholesome
__________. To discover if this is true,
I have decided to  __________
myself exclusively with
sustain
items that I see advertised on TV. I kicked off my experiment
with a decent meal: salad, a  __________ of juice, and
carton
some KFC. So far, I think this diet is great!

Day 4

The  __________
novelty of eating junk food is quickly
disappearing. It’s only been four days, but I already feel
 __________
of energy from lack of proper nutrition.
drained
3


GETTING READY

Day 10

This diet is the worst! I am getting fatter now, and my skin
looks horrible. My face is covered in  __________.

I
pimples
hope my body gets used to eating like this soon.

Day 15

Subway is my new favorite restaurant. Their veggie
sandwich has become the  __________
of my diet. It’s
staple
the only meal I get where I’m guaranteed to have some
vegetables!

Day 24

I don’t know if I can make it to the end of this stupid diet. I
am exhausted. My mind feels like it is wrapped in
 __________—nothing
can get in or out!
insulation

LAST
This is the worst idea I have ever had. I am definitely ready
DAY!!!! to return to my healthy way of life.
4


GETTING READY
Task II
Listen again. Check whether Tom would agree or disagree with each

of the following statements.

Statement

Agree

1 Eating fruits and vegetables every day is
. important for good health.
2 Junk food contains ingredients that harm your
. skin.




3 It is acceptable to enjoy fast food several
. times per week.
4 Subway is a relatively healthy fast food
. restaurant.
5 Food companies factor the public’s health into
. their advertising.

5

Disagree





GETTING READY
Audio Transcripts:

Tom Lamont is a journalist in England. He tries to lead a fairly healthy life,
which includes eating plenty of fruit and vegetables. One day, he wondered what
would happen if he only consumed1 food that he saw advertised on television.
To find out, he tried a month-long experiment of sustaining2 himself only with
items spotted on TV. At first, Tom thought it was fun. His first dinner was a bag of
salad, a carton3 of orange juice, and some Kentucky Fried Chicken. But the
novelty4 quickly wore off5. After three days, Tom noticed that he wasn’t able to
think or act as fast. It became harder to work through the afternoon. By the time
the first week was over, sandwiches from Subway had become a staple6 of his
diet just because they had lettuce! After the second week, he was fatter around
the middle, and he had pimples7 on his face. He was miserable during the third
and fourth weeks. Not only did he feel tired physically, but he was also mentally8
drained9. He said his brain felt like it was “wrapped in a layer of insulation10
foam.” It was all because the food most often advertised on TV isn’t natural or
wholesome11. The next time you see a juicy McDonald’s burger on your screen,
remember: you could regret eating it later.
6


WORD POWER
A. Listen Up
Complete the blog post with words from the audio.

acne
contradict
carbohydrates
fiber

7

servings


WORD POWER
Audio Transcripts:

Host:
These days, we have plenty of information on healthy
eating, but studies often contradict1 each other. That makes it
hard to distinguish food fact from fiction. Here to clear up the
confusion is nutritionist2 Kathy Helms.
Kathy: Thanks for having me on the show, Nick.
Host:
I’m going to read a series of statements about food that
are generally accepted as true. You say whether they’re fact or
fiction.
Kathy: Sounds good.
Host:
Chocolate causes acne3.
Kathy: Fiction.
Host:
Yes! I know what my afternoon snack will be.
Kathy: Not so fast. Unsweetened chocolate is OK, but chocolate bars are
packed with sugar and calories4, so you should still resist5 them.
Host:
That’s unfortunate. Here’s another: eggs are bad for
your heart.

8


WORD POWER
Audio Transcripts:

Kathy: That’s half fact, half fiction. Egg yolks are high in cholesterol6
and fat, but egg whites are not. Regardless, eating four servings7
or less a week won’t increase your risk of heart disease, and
eggs have lots of protein8.
Host:
What about this one? Salt causes high blood pressure.
Kathy: It depends. People who already have high blood pressure should
avoid salt, but for everyone else, it’s a healthy source of sodium9,
which your body needs. Just don’t use too much.
Host:
Our last one: carbohydrates10 make you fat.
Kathy: Fiction. This is probably the most widely-believed lie about food.
Healthy carbohydrates, like whole-grain bread, provide fiber11
and protein for your body. But of course you shouldn’t pig out12
on donuts!

9


WORD POWER
B. Word Focus: Nutrition Labels
Match the words with their definitions.

d 1. Cholesterol

_____
f 2. Protein
_____
_____
a 3. Calorie
_____
c 4. Fiber
_____
b 5. Sodium
_____ 6. Carbohydrate

e

a. a unit of measurement for how much
energy food will produce in the body
b. a soft, silver-white element found in salt
and other substances
c. plant material that helps the body digest
food
d. a type of fat found in foods like meat,
fish, and dairy
e. a substance found in foods such as
potatoes and rice that provides the body
with energy
f. a substance in foods like meat and dairy
that provides the body with energy and
builds muscle
10

WORD POWER
C. Speak Out Loud

According to MyPlate, the most recent
nutrition guide from the United States
Department of Agriculture, a healthy
plate of food should be 30 percent
grains, 30 percent vegetables, 20
percent fruits, and 20 percent protein.
A meal should be accompanied by
some dairy, such as a glass of milk or
cup of yogurt. How well do you follow
these recommendations? How could
you improve? Discuss with a partner.

11


CONVERSATION ZONE

（（（（（（（

12


CONVERSATION ZONE

Changing Your Diet
Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of the choices given. Listen to check
your answers.

Jeremy comes into the lunch room and is surprised by the smell of Kayla’s lunch.
Jeremy: Eww! It stinks to high heaven in here! What are you eating?
Kayla: It’s not that bad. Had you been listening to me yesterday, you
would have known I recently embarked1 on a raw food diet.
presume 2 it’s going well.
Jeremy: Now I remember. I ① _________
Kayla: Yeah! You should give it a try.
excluding 3 cooked food from my
Jeremy: In no way would I ever consider ② _________
meals. I think most raw food dishes are an acquired taste. I admire
your conviction4, though.
Kayla: I think you’re turning up your nose at it because you aren’t
familiar with its benefits.
Jeremy: What’s so great about raw food?
13


CONVERSATION ZONE

Kayla: Well, it’s the best way to avoid ingesting5 the nasty chemicals
added to items by food manufacturers. Modern food is chock substances
full of ③
_________ that cause cancer.
Jeremy: People think everything causes cancer! I don’t believe in those absurd6
conspiracies7.
skeptical
Kayla: Listen, I was
④ _________8 at first, too. However, no sooner had I
made the switch than I began noticing big changes in my health. You have

to concede9 that fruits and vegetables are better for you than meats and
sugars.
Jeremy: Sure. But I don’t have a problem with having junk food in ⑤moderation
_________10.
I’m glad you think a lot of the raw food diet, but it’s just not for me.
pamphlet
Kayla: I’m not giving up yet! Here is
a ⑥ _________11 explaining everything
more. Only by attempting it yourself will you truly understand how
miraculous12 it is.
Jeremy: Thanks, but don’t hold your breath13 waiting for me to make an ⑦
adjustment
_________14 to my diet.
14


CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
A. Word Groups
Select the choice that has a different meaning from the word in bold.

(d) 1. conviction
a. belief
b. principle
c. opinion
d. doubt

(a) 3. adjustment
a. status quo
b. change
c. difference

d. revision

(c) 2. conspiracy
a. plot
b. scheme
c. evidence
d. invention

(a) 4. skeptical
a. convinced
b. uncertain
c. suspicious
d. questioning

15

(b) 5. presume
a. infer
b. verify
c. guess
d. suppose


CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
B. Complete the Sentences
Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of words from the
conversation. Use the hints to help you.
1. Red wine can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 25 percent, but it’s
still important to drink in moderation
___________. (with self-control)

ingest
2. Cleaning products are not safe for your baby or toddler to ___________,
so please store them in an out-of-reach cabinet. (eat; consume)
absurd
3. The man’s claim that he was kidnapped by aliens is ___________.
I don’t
know how anyone can believe him. (ridiculous)
conceded “but I still think we
4. “Your proposal could work,” my boss ___________,
should use mine.” (admit)
embarked on a sailing trip
5. Today, 15-year-old Rebecca Simpson ___________
around the world, making her the youngest person to do so. (begin)

16


CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
C. Multiple Choice
Circle the answers.

(b) 1. What is Jeremy’s opinion of the raw food diet?
a. He thinks it is disgusting and no one should try it.
b. He thinks it has merit, but he doesn’t want to try it himself.
c. He thinks it is ridiculous at first but agrees to try it in the end.
d. He thinks it sounds sensible and decides to try it for a week.
(a) 2. Which of the following meals could NOT be Kayla’s lunch?
a. A bowl of roasted beans with a slice of bread
b. Celery with organic almond butter and raisins
c. Blended oats with strawberries and blueberries

d. A walnut apple salad and orange juice

17


CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW

(a)

(c)

3. What happened when Kayla switched to the raw food diet?
a. She felt healthier and more energetic.
b. She had less energy because she was no longer eating
meat.
c. She became somewhat depressed because she had
eliminated sugar from her diet.
d. She lost most of her muscle mass from the lack of
protein.
4. Why is Kayla following the raw food diet?
a. She has always found fruit and vegetables preferable to
meat and sugar.
b. She is susceptible to conspiracy theories.
c. She wants to avoid consuming the chemicals found in
modern food.
d. She read a convincing pamphlet about it.
18


EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT

A. Describing Negative Qualities
Smells Bad

• smell/stink to high heaven
• smell/stink up (a place)

Looks Bad

• not much to look at
• as ugly as sin

Tastes Bad

• be an acquired taste
• lack for flavor

Rewrite the parts in bold using the expressions above.
A. I finally finished the cake! I burnt the first one, and it caused the kitchen to
smell.
→ stunk up the kitchen
B. Yeah, it did. Well, let me see your creation. Um, it doesn’t look very nice,
does it?
→ isn’t much to look at, is it
A. How a cake looks isn’t as important as how it tastes. Just ignore the fact
that it isn’t attractive looking and try it.
→ is as ugly as sin
B. I hate to break it to you, but the cake tastes pretty bad, too.
→ lacks for flavor
19

EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT
B. Talking About Regard
Regard Highly

Regard Poorly

• think a lot of (something/someone)
• be wild/crazy about
(something/someone)
• hold (something/someone) in high
regard

• turn up (one’s) nose at (something)
• look down (one’s) nose at
(something/someone)
• think little of (something/someone)

Pair up with a classmate and discuss the following topics using the
expressions above.

1. reality television
2. exclusive clubs
3. Michael Jackson

Example:
A: I just got cable television installed. Would
you like to come over and watch the
Oscars with me?
B: Thanks for the offer, but I think little of

those ceremonies.

20


EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT
C. Containing Lots of Something
• chock full (of something)
• filled to the brim (with something)
• overflow with (something)
• have a load of (something)
• have (something) coming out of (one’s) ears
Fill in the blanks below.

1. I would prefer to work with Martin on this project. He always
has a load of ideas, so I think we’ll come up with something
___________

spectacular together.
2. Once the singer’s album went to number one on the charts, her voice
filled to the brim

mailbox was ___________ with requests to perform around the
country.
21


EXPRESSION PRACTICE
A. Complete the Letter
Fill in the blanks with words or expressions from the audio.

Dear Will,
Thanks for your note. Taiwan is great! I am obsessed with the culture here. Well,
acquired taste Stinky
except for the food. Taiwanese cuisine is definitely  an
_______________.
up a place fast. They
tofu is just what its name says it is: stinky. It can  stink
______________
eat a lot of seafood here, like oyster pancakes and sushi, and those dishes
to high heaven too. Potstickers, which are fried pork dumplings, taste
 stink
__________________,
much to look at They are always  burnt
good enough, but they  aren’t
___________________.
______
on the edges. But the worst dish is chicken’s feet. Not only are they
as ugly as sin but they also  ____________.
lack for flavor I mean, you are chewing on
 _____________,
bones and muscle when you eat chicken’s feet. Gross!
picky but I don’t know that I can get
My friend Heather says I’m being too  ______,
accustomed to the food here. I just love burgers and pizza too much!
Later,
Jack
22


EXPRESSION PRACTICE

Audio Transcripts:
Heather: Hey, do you want to go to Shilin Night Market with me tonight?
Jack: No way.
Heather: What? Why not?
Jack: To be honest, I think night market food is an acquired taste.
My foreign taste buds are still adjusting.
Heather: I understand that you feel that way about some dishes, like stinky tofu.
That dish can really stink up a place. But what about some of the
other foods, like chicken’s feet?
Jack: Those are terrible! First of all, they are as ugly as sin. And
secondly, they lack for flavor.
Heather: OK, OK. Have you tried oyster pancakes or sushi?
Jack: Seafood smells terrible, so those stink to high heaven, too.
Heather: You must like potstickers.
Jack: Those aren’t much to look at. The ones I see are always a
little burnt around the edges.
Heather: My goodness! I take my invitation back. I don’t want to eat with
someone as picky as you!
23


EXPRESSION PRACTICE
B. Fill out the Class List
Write down whether Melissa and Derrick are excited to take each class
or not and why you think so. Use the expressions you’ve learned.
Class
Physiology of
Exercise II

Excited? Why or why not?

Yes

Derrick

He was crazy about
Physiology of Exercise
I.

Shakespeare

Yes

Shakespeare is the only
author he holds in high
regard.

Life Science

No

24

He looks down his
nose at the professor’s
grading criteria.


EXPRESSION PRACTICE

Class
American
Literature

Excited? Why or why not?

Yes

Melissa
Introduction
to
Psychology

Yes

Biology
No

25

She is wild about
those writers.
Everyone seems to
think a lot of the
professor teaching the
class.
She turns up her
nose at all science
classes.