NativeUK Logo NATIVEUK.COM LESSONS
September 13th • Food & Ethics

International Chocolate Day

honouring the birthday of Milton S. Hershey, this day celebrates the world's most popular sweet. From its origins as a bitter, spicy drink in ancient Mesoamerica to the multi-billion dollar luxury industry of today, chocolate has a rich and complex history. Today, we debate the ethics of the cocoa trade, the science of sugar addiction, and why chocolate remains the ultimate symbol of comfort and luxury.

Rich dark chocolate being prepared

Speaking Discussion

  • What is your absolute favourite type of chocolate? Do you prefer it dark, milky, or white?
  • In your opinion, is it possible to be literally addicted to chocolate and sugar? Should they be regulated like other substances?
  • Why has chocolate become the universal gift for love, apologies, and celebrations?
  • Should we pay more for chocolate to ensure that cocoa farmers in developing countries receive a fair wage?
  • How has the chocolate industry changed over the last 50 years? Is the quality better or worse now?
  • If you were to invent a new, radical chocolate flavour, what strange ingredients would you include?

Activity 1: The fair-Trade Rebrand

The Task: You are the Marketing Director for a massive chocolate company. People are complaining that your cocoa is not ethically sourced.

How will you change your brand to prove you care about the planet and the farmers?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The best time to eat chocolate is..."
  • "I think cheap chocolate is..."
  • "In my opinion, the world would be sadder without..."