The IELTS Reading section challenges test-takers to demonstrate their English comprehension skills through various question types and texts. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years: promoting mental health through physical activity. This subject has appeared in past IELTS exams and, given its relevance to modern health concerns, is likely to resurface in future tests. Let’s dive into a practice passage and questions to help you prepare for this potential exam topic.

Mental health and exercise

Practice Passage: The Mind-Body Connection

Physical Activity and Mental Wellness

In recent years, the relationship between physical activity and mental health has become a focal point of research and public health initiatives. While the benefits of exercise on physical health have long been established, emerging evidence suggests that regular physical activity can play a crucial role in promoting mental well-being and preventing mental health disorders.

Studies have shown that engaging in physical activity can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. This effect is believed to be due to several factors, including the release of endorphins, which are natural mood elevators, and the reduction of stress hormones like cortisol. Moreover, physical activity provides a distraction from negative thoughts and can improve self-esteem and cognitive function.

The type and intensity of physical activity required to reap mental health benefits can vary. While high-intensity workouts have been shown to have powerful mood-boosting effects, even moderate activities like brisk walking or gardening can yield significant benefits. The key lies in consistency and finding activities that are enjoyable and sustainable for the individual.

Social aspects of physical activity also contribute to its mental health benefits. Group exercises or team sports can foster a sense of community and belonging, which are crucial for mental well-being. Additionally, outdoor activities expose individuals to natural environments, which have been linked to reduced stress levels and improved mood.

However, it’s important to note that while physical activity is a powerful tool for promoting mental health, it should not be seen as a replacement for professional mental health care when needed. Rather, it should be viewed as a complementary approach that can enhance overall well-being and potentially augment other forms of treatment.

As awareness of the mind-body connection grows, many healthcare professionals are now “prescribing” exercise as part of treatment plans for mental health disorders. This holistic approach recognizes that mental and physical health are intrinsically linked and that addressing both can lead to more comprehensive health outcomes.

In conclusion, the promotion of physical activity as a means to enhance mental health represents a significant shift in our understanding of well-being. By incorporating regular exercise into our daily routines, we can not only improve our physical fitness but also fortify our mental resilience, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Practice Questions

True/False/Not Given

1. Physical activity only benefits physical health, not mental health.
2. High-intensity workouts are the only form of exercise that can improve mental health.
3. Group exercises can provide social benefits that contribute to mental well-being.
4. Exercise should completely replace professional mental health care for those with mental disorders.
5. Healthcare professionals are beginning to include exercise recommendations in mental health treatment plans.

Multiple Choice

6. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way physical activity improves mental health?
   A) Release of endorphins
   B) Reduction of stress hormones
   C) Improved sleep patterns
   D) Distraction from negative thoughts

7. The passage suggests that the key to gaining mental health benefits from physical activity is:
   A) Doing high-intensity workouts only
   B) Exercising for at least two hours daily
   C) Consistency and enjoyment of the activity
   D) Focusing solely on team sports

Short Answer Questions

8. Name two social benefits of physical activity mentioned in the passage.

9. What natural mood elevators are released during physical activity?

10. Apart from exercise, what other factor related to physical activity is mentioned as beneficial for mental health?

Answer Key and Explanations

1. False – The passage clearly states that physical activity benefits both physical and mental health.

2. False – The text mentions that even moderate activities like brisk walking can yield significant benefits.

3. True – The passage states that group exercises can foster a sense of community and belonging.

4. False – The text emphasizes that physical activity should not replace professional care when needed.

5. True – The passage mentions that healthcare professionals are now “prescribing” exercise as part of treatment plans.

6. C – Improved sleep patterns is not mentioned in the passage as a way physical activity improves mental health.

7. C – The passage states, “The key lies in consistency and finding activities that are enjoyable and sustainable for the individual.”

8. Two social benefits mentioned are: fostering a sense of community and belonging.

9. Endorphins are mentioned as natural mood elevators released during physical activity.

10. Exposure to natural environments through outdoor activities is mentioned as beneficial for mental health.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overlooking key phrases like “not only… but also” which indicate multiple benefits.
• Assuming that high-intensity exercise is always better; the passage emphasizes that various forms of activity can be beneficial.
• Misinterpreting the relationship between exercise and professional mental health care; they are complementary, not mutually exclusive.

Vocabulary Focus

• Focal point (noun) – /ˈfəʊ.kəl pɔɪnt/ – a main or central feature or theme
• Emerging (adjective) – /ɪˈmɜː.dʒɪŋ/ – becoming apparent or prominent
• Cortisol (noun) – /ˈkɔː.tɪ.sɒl/ – a hormone released in response to stress
• Holistic (adjective) – /həˈlɪs.tɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected
• Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪl.i.əns/ – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties

Grammar Spotlight

Pay attention to the use of present perfect tense in sentences like “Studies have shown…” This tense is used to connect past research with present implications, a common structure in academic writing.

Tips for IELTS Reading Success

1. Practice active reading by underlining key information and making mental summaries.
2. Improve your vocabulary by learning words in context rather than in isolation.
3. Time yourself when practicing to build speed and efficiency.
4. For True/False/Not Given questions, be cautious of answers that seem logical but aren’t explicitly stated in the text.
5. In Multiple Choice questions, eliminate obviously incorrect answers first to increase your chances of selecting the correct option.

Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes from regular practice and developing effective strategies. Focus on understanding the overall message of the passage while being attentive to specific details. By honing these skills, you’ll be well-prepared for any topic that appears in your exam, including those related to mental health and outdoor activities or the role of education in promoting mental wellness.