Beyoncé and Jay-Z Inspire Fans to Follow New Lifestyle

Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. exclude / ɪkˈskluːd / (v) – to not include or to leave out something
    Example:

    He excludes meat from his diet because he wants to be healthier.


  2. mechanics / məˈkænɪks / (n) – the information about how something is done
    Example:

    The mechanics of the game only allow players who are 18 years old and above to join.


  3. incorporate / ɪnˈkoɚpəˌreɪt / (v) – to include something in something else
    Example:

    He incorporated more fruits and vegetables in his diet, so he could be healthier.


  4. advocate / ˈædvəˌkeɪt / (v) – to support something, such as an idea
    Example:

    Ever since gaining the health benefits of a low-fat diet, he has advocated it.


  5. embrace / ɪmˈbreɪs / (v) – to accept something readily and enthusiastically
    Example:

    He embraced a more active lifestyle after he realized how unhealthy his old lifestyle was.


Article

Read the text below.

Hollywood entertainers Beyoncé and Jay-Z launched a contest encouraging fans to follow veganism, a lifestyle that excludes the consumption of animal products.


Beyoncé announced the contest, called the Greenprint Project Sweepstakes, to her and her husband Jay-Z’s fans via Instagram. It is open to US citizens aged 18 years old and above. Individuals who wish to join must enter their name and e-mail address on The Greenprint Project website. As part of the mechanics, contestants must incorporate even just a few vegan meals in their diet for about a month. The winner will get two free Beyoncé and Jay-Z concert tickets for a maximum of 30 years.


The celebrity couple explained why they started advocating veganism and how they came up with the contest. The pair wrote that a plant-based diet can positively impact people’s health as well as the environment. Through this contest, Beyoncé and Jay-Z hope that many fans will have fun while embracing veganism.


Jay-Z also previously talked about how he came to adopt this lifestyle. A friend challenged him to try eating vegan breakfast for 22 days, which Jay-Z found easy to do. After this, the rapper announced that he was going to continue including plant-based meals in his diet.


Since the contest began, many fans have shared their attempts to switch to veganism on social media. Some claimed to immediately embrace the lifestyle, while many others openly said that they are doing it to win the free tickets. Some also expressed difficulty in adhering to a vegan lifestyle.


The contest is ongoing, and the winner will be selected on May 22.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think the contest will work in promoting veganism? Why or why not?
• In what other ways do you think veganism can be promoted?

Discussion B

• Do you think celebrities can effectively advocate lifestyle changes? Why or why not?
• Who is one celebrity or famous person you would want to follow? Explain.