Welcome to our IELTS Reading practice session focused on the topic “How to Promote Mental Health through Outdoor Activities.” This subject has gained significant attention in recent years, reflecting a growing awareness of the connection between nature, physical activity, and mental well-being. Based on trends and the increasing emphasis on holistic health approaches, it’s highly likely that similar themes will continue to appear in future IELTS exams.
The IELTS Reading section requires you to demonstrate your ability to understand complex texts, identify key information, and answer various question types within a limited time frame. Today, we’ll explore this important topic while honing your reading skills for the IELTS exam.
Outdoor activities promoting mental health
Reading Passage
The Green Path to Mental Wellness
A. In an era dominated by digital screens and urban living, the importance of outdoor activities for mental health has never been more pronounced. Researchers and health professionals are increasingly advocating for “green exercise” – physical activities performed in natural environments – as a powerful tool for promoting psychological well-being. This approach combines the well-established benefits of exercise with the restorative effects of nature exposure, creating a synergistic impact on mental health.
B. The concept of using nature to improve mental health is not new. Historical figures like Henry David Thoreau extolled the virtues of nature immersion for spiritual and mental rejuvenation. However, modern scientific research is now providing empirical evidence to support these long-held beliefs. Studies have shown that spending time in natural settings can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while improving mood, self-esteem, and cognitive function.
C. One of the key mechanisms behind the mental health benefits of outdoor activities is the reduction in rumination – the tendency to dwell on negative thoughts. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that participants who walked for 90 minutes in a natural area, as opposed to an urban setting, showed decreased activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex, a brain region associated with rumination. This reduction in negative self-reflection was accompanied by self-reported decreases in rumination.
D. Moreover, outdoor activities often involve physical exercise, which is itself a potent mood enhancer. Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones, which can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. When combined with the calming effects of nature, this creates a powerful cocktail for mental wellness. Activities like hiking, cycling, or even gardening can serve as effective interventions for improving mental health.
E. The benefits of outdoor activities extend beyond mood enhancement. Exposure to natural light helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythms, improving sleep patterns which are crucial for mental health. Additionally, many outdoor activities are social in nature, providing opportunities for community engagement and social connection – factors that are vital for psychological well-being.
F. Interestingly, the type of environment in which outdoor activities take place can influence their mental health benefits. While any green space can be beneficial, studies have shown that environments with water features, known as “blue spaces,” may have even greater positive effects on mental well-being. Coastal and lakeside environments, for instance, have been associated with lower levels of psychological distress.
G. The accessibility of outdoor activities makes them a particularly appealing option for mental health promotion. Unlike many other interventions, spending time in nature is often free and available to most people. Urban planners and policymakers are increasingly recognizing this, leading to efforts to increase green spaces in cities and improve access to natural areas.
H. However, it’s important to note that while outdoor activities can be highly beneficial for mental health, they should not be seen as a replacement for professional mental health care when needed. Rather, they should be viewed as a complementary approach that can be integrated into broader mental health strategies.
I. As we continue to grapple with rising rates of mental health issues globally, the promotion of outdoor activities offers a promising avenue for intervention. By encouraging people to engage with nature through physical activity, we can tap into a powerful, accessible, and enjoyable means of supporting mental well-being. The challenge now lies in translating this knowledge into widespread practice, ensuring that the mental health benefits of outdoor activities are recognized and utilized to their full potential.
Questions
Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
According to the passage, what is “green exercise”?
A) Exercising while wearing green clothing
B) Physical activities performed in natural environments
C) Gardening activities
D) Exercising in urban parksThe study mentioned in paragraph C found that walking in natural areas:
A) Increased activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex
B) Had no effect on brain activity
C) Decreased activity in a brain region associated with rumination
D) Improved physical fitness more than urban walkingWhich of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of outdoor activities for mental health?
A) Reduction in stress and anxiety
B) Improvement in cognitive function
C) Increased productivity at work
D) Better sleep patternsAccording to the passage, “blue spaces” refer to:
A) Indoor pools
B) The sky
C) Environments with water features
D) Areas with blue-colored plantsThe passage suggests that outdoor activities for mental health promotion are:
A) A complete replacement for professional mental health care
B) Only effective for people with diagnosed mental health conditions
C) An accessible and complementary approach to mental wellness
D) Only beneficial when done in groups
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
- Historical figures like Henry David Thoreau wrote about the mental benefits of nature.
- All types of natural environments provide equal mental health benefits.
- Urban planners are working to increase access to green spaces in cities.
- Outdoor activities are only beneficial for mental health if done daily.
- The passage suggests that the mental health benefits of outdoor activities are universally recognized.
Matching Headings
Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage. Write the correct letter, A-J, next to the numbers 11-15.
A. The role of exercise in outdoor activities
B. Historical perspectives on nature and mental health
C. The importance of social interaction in outdoor settings
D. Accessibility and policy implications
E. The science behind nature’s effect on rumination
F. Combining nature and exercise for mental wellness
G. Different environments and their impacts
H. The need for professional mental health care
I. Sleep regulation and outdoor exposure
J. Future challenges in promoting outdoor activities
- Paragraph B
- Paragraph C
- Paragraph D
- Paragraph F
- Paragraph G
Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- Studies have shown that spending time in nature can improve mood, self-esteem, and _____.
- Exercise stimulates the production of _____, which can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Exposure to natural light helps regulate the body’s _____, which is important for mental health.
- Urban planners are making efforts to increase _____ in cities to promote mental health.
- The passage suggests that outdoor activities should be viewed as a _____ approach to mental health strategies.
Answer Key and Explanations
B
Explanation: The passage defines “green exercise” as “physical activities performed in natural environments” in paragraph A.C
Explanation: Paragraph C states that participants who walked in a natural area “showed decreased activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex, a brain region associated with rumination.”C
Explanation: Increased productivity at work is not mentioned in the passage. The other options are all stated benefits.C
Explanation: Paragraph F defines “blue spaces” as “environments with water features.”C
Explanation: The passage presents outdoor activities as an accessible and complementary approach to mental wellness, not a replacement for professional care.TRUE
Explanation: Paragraph B mentions Henry David Thoreau as a historical figure who “extolled the virtues of nature immersion for spiritual and mental rejuvenation.”FALSE
Explanation: Paragraph F indicates that different types of environments can have varying effects, with “blue spaces” potentially having greater benefits.TRUE
Explanation: Paragraph G states that urban planners are “leading to efforts to increase green spaces in cities and improve access to natural areas.”NOT GIVEN
Explanation: The passage does not specify a required frequency for outdoor activities to be beneficial.FALSE
Explanation: The final paragraph suggests that there is still a challenge in “translating this knowledge into widespread practice,” implying that the benefits are not yet universally recognized.B
Explanation: Paragraph B discusses historical perspectives on nature and mental health, mentioning Henry David Thoreau.E
Explanation: Paragraph C focuses on the scientific study of nature’s effect on rumination.A
Explanation: Paragraph D discusses the role of exercise in outdoor activities and its benefits for mental health.G
Explanation: Paragraph F compares different environments (green spaces and blue spaces) and their impacts on mental well-being.D
Explanation: Paragraph G discusses the accessibility of outdoor activities and mentions policy implications related to urban planning.cognitive function
Explanation: Paragraph B lists these benefits of spending time in natural settings.endorphins
Explanation: Paragraph D mentions that exercise stimulates the production of endorphins.circadian rhythms
Explanation: Paragraph E states that natural light exposure helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythms.green spaces
Explanation: Paragraph G mentions efforts by urban planners to increase green spaces in cities.complementary
Explanation: Paragraph H suggests that outdoor activities should be viewed as a complementary approach to mental health strategies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Misinterpreting implied information: Some questions may require you to infer information that is not explicitly stated. Be careful not to over-interpret or make assumptions beyond what the text suggests.
Overlooking key words: Pay close attention to qualifiers like “all,” “some,” “never,” or “always” in both the passage and the questions. These can significantly change the meaning of a statement.
Falling for distractors: In multiple-choice questions, incorrect options often contain information from the text but used in a different context. Make sure your chosen answer fits the specific question asked.
Ignoring the context: When matching headings or completing sentences, consider the entire paragraph or surrounding sentences, not just isolated phrases.
Time management: Don’t spend too much time on difficult questions. If you’re unsure, make an educated guess and move on. You can always return to it if you have time at the end.
Vocabulary
Synergistic (adjective) /ˌsɪnəˈdʒɪstɪk/
Definition: Working together to produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects.
Example: The combination of exercise and nature exposure creates a synergistic impact on mental health.Rumination (noun) /ˌruːmɪˈneɪʃn/
Definition: The action of thinking deeply about something, often in a repetitive or negative way.
Example: Outdoor activities can help reduce rumination on negative thoughts.Circadian rhythms (noun phrase) /sɜːˈkeɪdiən ˈrɪðəmz/
Definition: The natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours.
Example: Exposure to natural light helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythms.Empirical (adjective) /ɪmˈpɪrɪkl/
Definition: Based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.
Example: Modern scientific research is now providing empirical evidence to support the benefits of nature on mental health.Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/
Definition: The action or process of intervening, especially in a difficult situation to improve it or prevent it from getting worse.
Example: Outdoor activities can serve as effective interventions for improving mental health.
Grammar Focus
Complex sentences with subordinating conjunctions:
“While any green space can be beneficial, studies have shown that environments with water features, known as “blue spaces,” may have even greater positive effects on mental well-being.”
This sentence uses the subordinating conjunction “while” to contrast two ideas. The main clause provides the primary information, while the subordinate clause introduces a contrasting or qualifying statement.
“When combined with the calming effects of nature, this creates a powerful cocktail for mental wellness.”
Here, “when” is used as a subordinating conjunction to introduce a condition or time element. The subordinate clause sets up a scenario, and the main clause describes the result.
Practice:
Try creating your own complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions like “although,” “because,” “since,” or “unless” to discuss the benefits of outdoor activities for mental health.
Tips for IELTS Reading Success
Practice active reading: Engage with the text by asking yourself questions and making mental notes as you read.
Improve your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and their contexts to better understand complex texts.
Work on your time management: Practice completing reading tasks within the allocated time to improve your speed and efficiency.
Familiarize yourself with different question types: Understanding the various IELTS question formats will help you approach them more confidently.
Read widely: Expose yourself to a variety of topics and writing styles to prepare for the diverse subjects that may appear in the IELTS Reading test.
Remember, consistent practice and a strategic approach are key to achieving a high score in the IELTS Reading section. Good luck with your preparation!
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