English test- Letter to uncle on conservation of whales (1)

Dear Uncle Toro,

How is life in Japan so far? It has been a long since we last met. I still remember during your last visit, you told us that you love eating whale meat but sadly, you couldn’t find them in Singapore. I just read an article regarding the conservation of whales and that made me wonder if you are still consuming a lot of whale meat. I think you should reconsider whale meat as your daily diet. Here are the reasons why.

Firstly, over the centuries, whale hunting has reduced whale populations close to the point of extinction. It is measured that the world’s whale population had decreased by up to 50 percent. This means that half of the whale species have already been killed because of man’s demands on whale meat and other whale products.

Next, alternatives can also be found for whale meat that is part of the traditional diet of some nations. Numerous other forms of protein, including plant protein are able to replace whale meat. I have read that some of the communities in your country have already turned to other sources of alternative protein like chicken, fish and beef. You can try replacing your diet with chicken, fish or beef too!

Lastly, do you know whalers around the world are using inhumane methods to kill whales? They use harpoons containing poison arrows, acid, electric charges and grenades to kill whales. When the harpoon digs deep into the flesh of the whales, it takes approximately 20 minutes to an hour for the whale to die. It is a long suffering death for the whales.

In view of the above, don’t you feel sympathy for the whales? If people like you keep consuming whale meat as part of their daily diets, the whale species will soon be extinct and if this happens, your grandchildren won’t be able to have a chance to see a real whale at all. How sad would that be if the beautiful sight of the whale gliding over the surface of the expansive ocean can no longer be passed down to future generations! Extinction of the whale also means that scientists would not be able to study the whale for its intelligence and social interaction- an aspect of the whales that has always fascinated researchers.

I hope you would think about what I have said and reconsider whale meat as your diet alright? I am looking forward to seeing you soon. Please take care uncle!

Yours sincerely,
xxxxxxx