IELTS Reading Practice: How to Promote Mental Health Through Exercise

The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, assessing your ability to comprehend complex texts and answer various question types. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years: promoting mental health through exercise. This subject has appeared in several past IELTS exams and, given its relevance in our modern world, is likely to resurface in future tests.

Let’s dive into a practice passage and questions that mirror the format and difficulty level you might encounter in the actual IELTS exam. This exercise will not only help you prepare for the Reading section but also provide valuable insights into maintaining good mental health through physical activity.

Mental health and exercise

Reading Passage

The Mind-Body Connection: Exercise as a Tool for Mental Well-being

A. In recent years, the link between physical exercise and mental health has become increasingly clear. While the benefits of regular physical activity on our bodies have long been recognized, research now shows that exercise can be a powerful tool in promoting mental well-being. From reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety to improving cognitive function and self-esteem, the positive effects of exercise on mental health are both wide-ranging and significant.

B. One of the primary ways exercise benefits mental health is through its impact on brain chemistry. Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. These natural chemicals in the brain act as mood elevators and pain relievers, leading to feelings of happiness and euphoria. This is why many people experience what’s known as a “runner’s high” after intense exercise. Additionally, regular exercise has been shown to increase the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, which play crucial roles in regulating mood and reducing symptoms of depression.

C. Beyond its chemical effects, exercise provides a valuable opportunity for social interaction and community building. Participating in team sports, group fitness classes, or even just going for a walk with a friend can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are significant risk factors for mental health issues. These social connections fostered through exercise can provide emotional support, increase self-confidence, and create a sense of belonging – all essential components of good mental health.

D. Exercise also serves as a healthy coping mechanism for stress and anxiety. When faced with challenging situations, many people turn to unhealthy habits like overeating or substance abuse. Physical activity offers a constructive alternative, allowing individuals to channel their energy and emotions into something positive. The act of exercising itself can be meditative, providing a mental break from daily worries and promoting mindfulness. This can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with anxiety disorders, as it helps break the cycle of negative thoughts and provides a sense of control.

E. The cognitive benefits of exercise should not be overlooked. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve memory, increase concentration, and enhance overall cognitive function. This is particularly important as we age, with studies suggesting that exercise can help protect against cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia. For students and professionals alike, incorporating exercise into daily routines can lead to improved academic and work performance, as well as increased creativity and problem-solving abilities.

F. It’s important to note that the mental health benefits of exercise are not limited to intense workouts or structured sports. Even moderate activities like brisk walking, gardening, or dancing can have significant positive effects. The key is consistency and finding activities that are enjoyable and sustainable in the long term. Health professionals recommend aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week for optimal physical and mental health benefits.

G. While exercise is a powerful tool for promoting mental health, it should not be seen as a replacement for professional mental health care when needed. For individuals dealing with clinical depression, anxiety disorders, or other mental health conditions, exercise can be an excellent complement to therapy and medication but should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan developed in consultation with mental health professionals.

H. As our understanding of the mind-body connection continues to grow, the importance of integrating physical activity into mental health strategies becomes increasingly evident. By recognizing exercise not just as a means to physical fitness but as a vital component of mental well-being, we can take a more holistic approach to health. Whether it’s through structured workouts, team sports, or simply incorporating more movement into daily life, embracing regular physical activity can lead to significant improvements in mental health, contributing to a happier, more balanced life.

Questions

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

1. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of exercise on mental health?
   A) Reduced symptoms of depression
   B) Improved cognitive function
   C) Enhanced physical appearance
   D) Increased self-esteem

2. The term “runner’s high” refers to:
   A) The increased heart rate during running
   B) The feeling of euphoria after intense exercise
   C) The physical exhaustion after a long run
   D) The competitive spirit among runners

3. How does exercise help in coping with stress and anxiety?
   A) By providing a distraction from daily worries
   B) By increasing stress hormones in the body
   C) By promoting isolation and self-reflection
   D) By encouraging reliance on external factors

True/False/Not Given

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?

Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

4. Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, which act as natural mood elevators.
5. Team sports are the only form of exercise that provides social benefits.
6. The cognitive benefits of exercise are more pronounced in younger individuals than in older adults.
7. Health professionals recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

Matching Headings

Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage. Write the correct letter, A-H, next to the numbers 8-12.

8. The chemical impact of exercise on the brain
9. Exercise as an alternative to harmful stress-coping mechanisms
10. The importance of consistency in physical activity
11. Exercise’s role in improving mental functions
12. The social aspects of physical activity

Summary Completion

Complete the summary below using words from the box.

Exercise is a powerful tool for promoting mental health, offering benefits ranging from reduced depression symptoms to improved cognitive function. While it’s an important part of maintaining mental well-being, exercise should not replace professional mental health care when needed. Instead, it should be seen as a (13)____ approach to treatment, used alongside therapy and (14)____ when appropriate.

Health (15)____ recommend engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of (16)____ exercise weekly for optimal benefits. The key is to find activities that are enjoyable and sustainable, focusing on consistency rather than (17)____. By integrating regular physical activity into our lives, we can take a more (18)____ approach to health, addressing both our physical and mental well-being.

Answer Key and Explanations

1. C
   Explanation: The passage mentions reduced depression symptoms, improved cognitive function, and increased self-esteem as benefits of exercise on mental health. Enhanced physical appearance is not discussed in the context of mental health benefits.

2. B
   Explanation: Paragraph B states, “This is why many people experience what’s known as a ‘runner’s high’ after intense exercise,” referring to the feelings of happiness and euphoria caused by endorphins.

3. A
   Explanation: Paragraph D mentions that exercise “can be meditative, providing a mental break from daily worries,” indicating that it serves as a distraction from stress and anxiety.

4. TRUE
   Explanation: Paragraph B states, “Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, often referred to as ‘feel-good’ hormones. These natural chemicals in the brain act as mood elevators…”

5. FALSE
   Explanation: Paragraph C mentions various forms of exercise that provide social benefits, including “team sports, group fitness classes, or even just going for a walk with a friend.”

6. NOT GIVEN
   Explanation: While the passage discusses cognitive benefits for both younger and older individuals, it does not compare the extent of these benefits between age groups.

7. TRUE
   Explanation: Paragraph F states, “Health professionals recommend aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.”

8. B

9. D

10. F

11. E

12. C

13. complementary

14. medication

15. professionals

16. vigorous

17. intensity

18. holistic

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When tackling IELTS Reading passages like this one, be aware of these common pitfalls:

1. Overlooking key words: Pay close attention to qualifiers like “not,” “only,” or “always” in both the passage and questions.
2. Making assumptions: Base your answers solely on the information provided in the text, not on your personal knowledge of the topic.
3. Time management: Don’t spend too much time on one question or section. If you’re unsure, make an educated guess and move on.
4. Misinterpreting True/False/Not Given questions: Remember, “Not Given” means the information is neither confirmed nor contradicted in the passage.
5. Ignoring context: For vocabulary questions, consider the context in which the word is used, not just its most common meaning.

Key Vocabulary

• Endorphins: Natural chemicals in the brain that act as mood elevators and pain relievers.
• Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals between neurons.
• Cognitive function: Mental abilities including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
• Mindfulness: The practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment.
• Holistic: Addressing the whole person, including mental and social factors, rather than just physical symptoms.

Grammar Focus

Pay attention to the use of conditional sentences in academic writing. For example:

“While exercise is a powerful tool for promoting mental health, it should not be seen as a replacement for professional mental health care when needed.”

This sentence uses a first conditional structure to express a real possibility or general truth. The structure is: If/When + present simple, will/should/can + base verb.

Tips for IELTS Reading Success

1. Practice active reading: Engage with the text by underlining key points and making mental summaries as you read.
2. Improve your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words in context to expand your academic vocabulary.
3. Develop your skimming and scanning skills: These are crucial for quickly locating specific information in the text.
4. Read a variety of texts: Expose yourself to different topics and writing styles to prepare for the diverse subjects in IELTS Reading.
5. Time yourself: Practice under timed conditions to improve your speed and efficiency.

Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes with consistent practice and a strategic approach. By understanding the various question types and developing effective reading techniques, you can significantly improve your performance in this section of the test.

For more insights on maintaining mental health in our digital age, you might find our article on how to support mental health in the digital age helpful. Additionally, exploring the role of education in promoting healthy communities can provide a broader perspective on health and well-being in society.