The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, assessing your ability to understand and interpret complex texts. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years: the effects of sedentary lifestyle on health. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and remains highly relevant in our increasingly digital world. Given its importance and prevalence in modern society, there’s a strong possibility that you may encounter a similar theme in future IELTS Reading tests.
Let’s dive into a practice passage and questions to help you prepare for this type of content in your IELTS Reading exam.
Reading Passage: The Hidden Dangers of Sitting
The Sedentary Epidemic
In recent decades, technological advancements have dramatically altered our daily routines, leading to a significant increase in sedentary behavior. From office workers spending hours at their desks to children engrossed in video games, prolonged sitting has become an integral part of modern life. However, this seemingly innocuous habit is far from harmless. Researchers have uncovered a multitude of health risks associated with excessive sitting, prompting some experts to declare sitting as “the new smoking.”
Physical Consequences
The human body is designed for movement, and a sedentary lifestyle disrupts its natural functioning. One of the most immediate effects of prolonged sitting is poor posture, which can lead to chronic back pain and musculoskeletal disorders. Moreover, sitting for extended periods reduces the activity of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme crucial for breaking down fats in the bloodstream. This reduction can result in increased levels of triglycerides and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, contributing to an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Perhaps most alarmingly, a sedentary lifestyle is strongly linked to an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. When we sit for long periods, our muscles become less efficient at absorbing glucose from the bloodstream, leading to insulin resistance. This metabolic dysfunction can eventually progress to full-blown diabetes if left unchecked.
Mental Health Impact
The effects of a sedentary lifestyle extend beyond physical health, significantly impacting mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that individuals who spend more time sitting are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. The lack of physical activity can lead to reduced production of endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, resulting in decreased mental clarity and emotional stability.
Furthermore, excessive sitting has been associated with cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia in older adults. Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining brain health, as it promotes neuroplasticity and the growth of new neural connections.
Breaking the Cycle
Fortunately, the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle can be mitigated through conscious effort and lifestyle changes. Experts recommend incorporating regular breaks and movement into daily routines, even for those with desk-bound jobs. Simple activities like standing up every hour, taking short walks, or using a standing desk can make a significant difference.
More comprehensive strategies involve increasing overall physical activity levels through regular exercise routines. Engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week can counteract many of the harmful effects of prolonged sitting. Additionally, mindful movement practices like yoga or tai chi can improve flexibility, balance, and mental wellbeing.
A Call to Action
As awareness of the dangers of sedentary behavior grows, it’s crucial for individuals, employers, and policymakers to take action. Workplace wellness programs that encourage movement, urban planning that prioritizes walkable communities, and public health campaigns highlighting the importance of physical activity are all vital steps in combating the sedentary epidemic.
By understanding the profound impact of our daily habits on our health, we can make informed choices to lead more active, healthier lives. The human body thrives on movement, and by honoring this fundamental need, we can unlock numerous benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing.
Effects of sedentary lifestyle on health
Questions
True/False/Not Given
For questions 1-5, read the following statements and decide if they are True, False, or Not Given based on the information in the passage.
- Sedentary behavior has increased due to technological advancements.
- Sitting for long periods affects the body’s ability to break down fats.
- A sedentary lifestyle always leads to type 2 diabetes.
- Regular physical activity can help maintain brain health.
- Standing desks are more effective than regular exercise in combating the effects of prolonged sitting.
Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D for questions 6-10.
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a consequence of prolonged sitting?
A) Poor posture
B) Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
C) Improved mental clarity
D) Higher risk of obesityThe term “lipoprotein lipase” is mentioned in the passage as:
A) A type of cholesterol
B) An enzyme that breaks down fats
C) A cause of back pain
D) A hormone produced during exerciseThe passage suggests that sitting for long periods can lead to:
A) Increased production of endorphins
B) Better glucose absorption by muscles
C) Higher risk of depression and anxiety
D) Improved insulin sensitivityWhat does the passage recommend to counteract the effects of a sedentary lifestyle?
A) Completely avoiding sitting
B) Taking regular breaks and incorporating movement into daily routines
C) Only using standing desks
D) Engaging in high-intensity exercise for several hours dailyThe phrase “the new smoking” is used in the passage to:
A) Promote cigarette alternatives
B) Highlight the addictive nature of sitting
C) Emphasize the health risks associated with sedentary behavior
D) Suggest that sitting is more dangerous than smoking
Matching Headings
Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage. Write the correct number (i-viii) next to questions 11-14.
i. Reversing the Negative Effects
ii. The Rise of Inactivity in Modern Society
iii. Physical Health Risks of Sedentary Behavior
iv. Societal Solutions to Encourage Movement
v. Psychological Consequences of Sitting Too Much
vi. The Importance of Workplace Ergonomics
vii. Comparing Sitting to Other Health Hazards
viii. The Role of Technology in Promoting Activity
- Paragraph 2 (Physical Consequences)
- Paragraph 3 (Mental Health Impact)
- Paragraph 4 (Breaking the Cycle)
- Paragraph 5 (A Call to Action)
Answer Key and Explanations
True/False/Not Given
True – The passage states, “In recent decades, technological advancements have dramatically altered our daily routines, leading to a significant increase in sedentary behavior.”
True – The text mentions that “sitting for extended periods reduces the activity of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme crucial for breaking down fats in the bloodstream.”
Not Given – While the passage indicates a strong link between sedentary lifestyle and increased risk of type 2 diabetes, it doesn’t state that it always leads to diabetes.
True – The passage states, “Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining brain health, as it promotes neuroplasticity and the growth of new neural connections.”
Not Given – The passage doesn’t compare the effectiveness of standing desks to regular exercise.
Multiple Choice
C – The passage does not mention improved mental clarity as a consequence of prolonged sitting. In fact, it suggests the opposite.
B – The passage defines lipoprotein lipase as “an enzyme crucial for breaking down fats in the bloodstream.”
C – The text states, “Studies have shown that individuals who spend more time sitting are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety.”
B – The passage recommends “incorporating regular breaks and movement into daily routines” and mentions several strategies including standing up every hour and taking short walks.
C – The phrase is used to emphasize the severe health risks associated with sedentary behavior, similar to how smoking is known to be harmful.
Matching Headings
iii – This paragraph discusses the physical health risks associated with sedentary behavior, including poor posture, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
v – This section focuses on the mental health impacts of a sedentary lifestyle, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
i – This paragraph discusses ways to mitigate the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle through conscious effort and lifestyle changes.
iv – The final paragraph discusses societal-level solutions to encourage movement, including workplace wellness programs and urban planning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overlooking key phrases: Pay attention to qualifiers like “some,” “may,” or “can lead to.” These can change the meaning of a statement significantly.
Making assumptions: Stick to the information provided in the text. Don’t bring in outside knowledge or make inferences beyond what’s stated.
Misinterpreting “Not Given”: Remember, “Not Given” means the information isn’t in the text, not that it’s false.
Rushing through the passage: Take time to understand the main ideas and structure of each paragraph.
Ignoring context: Consider how each sentence relates to the overall paragraph and passage.
Key Vocabulary
- Sedentary: characterized by much sitting and little physical activity
- Lipoprotein lipase: an enzyme that breaks down fats in the bloodstream
- Triglycerides: a type of fat found in your blood
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): often referred to as “good” cholesterol
- Insulin resistance: when cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don’t respond well to insulin
- Neuroplasticity: the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections
Grammar Focus
Pay attention to the use of conditional sentences in the passage. For example:
“If left unchecked, this metabolic dysfunction can eventually progress to full-blown diabetes.”
This is an example of a first conditional sentence, used to talk about a possible future result of a present situation. The structure is:
If + present simple, will/can/may + infinitive
Practice creating similar sentences related to the effects of sedentary lifestyle:
- If people sit for long hours, they may develop back problems.
- If we incorporate more movement into our daily routines, we can improve our overall health.
Tips for IELTS Reading Success
Practice active reading: Underline key information and make brief notes as you read.
Improve your time management: Allocate your time wisely between reading the passage and answering questions.
Expand your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words related to health, lifestyle, and current affairs.
Familiarize yourself with different question types: Practice with various formats like True/False/Not Given, multiple choice, and matching headings.
Read widely: Expose yourself to a variety of academic texts to improve your reading speed and comprehension.
Remember, success in the IELTS Reading section comes with consistent practice and a strategic approach. By focusing on understanding the main ideas and key details of passages like this one on the effects of sedentary lifestyle on health, you’ll be well-prepared for your IELTS exam.
For more practice on health-related topics, you might find our articles on urbanization’s effect on public health and describing public health issues helpful. These will provide additional context and vocabulary that could be valuable in your IELTS preparation.