IELTS Reading Practice: How to Stay Healthy

The IELTS Reading test assesses your ability to understand and interpret written English. One common topic that frequently appears in IELTS Reading passages is health and wellness. Based on recent trends and historical data, the theme of “How to Stay Healthy” has been a recurring subject in IELTS exams. Given its relevance to everyday life and global health concerns, it’s highly likely that you may encounter a similar topic in your upcoming IELTS test.

To help you prepare, we’ve created a practice reading passage and questions based on this theme. This exercise will not only familiarize you with the IELTS Reading format but also provide valuable insights into maintaining good health.

Healthy lifestyle habits

Practice Reading Passage: The Pillars of Health

Text

Maintaining good health is a universal goal, yet it often seems elusive in our fast-paced, modern world. However, by focusing on a few key areas, anyone can significantly improve their overall well-being. The four pillars of health – nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management – form the foundation of a healthy lifestyle.

Nutrition is the cornerstone of good health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides the body with essential nutrients. These nutrients fuel our cells, support immune function, and help prevent chronic diseases. Hydration is equally important; drinking adequate water throughout the day helps maintain bodily functions and promotes clear thinking.

Regular physical activity is another crucial aspect of staying healthy. Exercise not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and boosts mood through the release of endorphins. The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week for adults.

Sleep, often overlooked, plays a vital role in health maintenance. During sleep, the body repairs itself, consolidates memories, and regulates various hormones. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can significantly improve sleep quality.

Lastly, effective stress management is essential for both mental and physical health. Chronic stress can lead to a host of health problems, including heart disease, depression, and weakened immune function. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity can help manage stress levels.

By focusing on these four pillars – nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management – individuals can create a solid foundation for long-term health and well-being. Remember, small, consistent changes in these areas can lead to significant improvements in overall health over time.

Questions

1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as one of the four pillars of health?
   A) Nutrition
   B) Exercise
   C) Medication
   D) Sleep

2. According to the passage, how much moderate-intensity aerobic activity does the World Health Organization recommend for adults per week?
   A) 75 minutes
   B) 100 minutes
   C) 150 minutes
   D) 200 minutes

3. What is the recommended amount of sleep for adults?
   A) 5-7 hours
   B) 6-8 hours
   C) 7-9 hours
   D) 8-10 hours

4. True/False/Not Given: Drinking water helps maintain bodily functions and promotes clear thinking.

5. True/False/Not Given: Exercise is only beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight.

6. True/False/Not Given: Chronic stress can lead to improved immune function.

7. Complete the sentence: During sleep, the body repairs itself, consolidates ____, and regulates various hormones.

8. What does the passage suggest about making changes to improve health?
   A) Only large, dramatic changes are effective
   B) Small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements
   C) Changes should only focus on one pillar at a time
   D) Improvements in health are not possible without medical intervention

Answer Key

1. C) Medication
   Explanation: The passage mentions nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management as the four pillars of health. Medication is not listed as one of these pillars.

2. C) 150 minutes
   Explanation: The passage states, “The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week for adults.”

3. C) 7-9 hours
   Explanation: The text mentions, “Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.”

4. True
   Explanation: The passage directly states, “Hydration is equally important; drinking adequate water throughout the day helps maintain bodily functions and promotes clear thinking.”

5. False
   Explanation: The passage states that exercise not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also has other benefits such as strengthening the heart, improving circulation, and boosting mood.

6. False
   Explanation: The text mentions that chronic stress can lead to health problems, including weakened immune function, not improved immune function.

7. memories
   Explanation: The full sentence in the passage reads, “During sleep, the body repairs itself, consolidates memories, and regulates various hormones.”

8. B) Small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements
   Explanation: The final sentence of the passage states, “Remember, small, consistent changes in these areas can lead to significant improvements in overall health over time.”

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When tackling IELTS Reading passages on health topics, be aware of these common pitfalls:

1. Overlooking specific details: Pay close attention to numbers, quantities, and time frames mentioned in the text.
2. Misinterpreting True/False/Not Given questions: Remember, “Not Given” means the information is neither confirmed nor denied in the passage.
3. Falling for distractors: In multiple-choice questions, some options may be partially correct. Always choose the most complete and accurate answer.
4. Ignoring context: Ensure your understanding of a statement fits within the broader context of the passage.

Key Vocabulary

• Elusive (adjective) /ɪˈluːsɪv/: Difficult to find, catch, or achieve
• Cornerstone (noun) /ˈkɔːnəstəʊn/: An important quality or feature on which something depends or is based
• Endorphins (noun) /ɛnˈdɔːfɪnz/: Hormones that reduce pain and increase feelings of well-being
• Consolidate (verb) /kənˈsɒlɪdeɪt/: To strengthen or reinforce
• Chronic (adjective) /ˈkrɒnɪk/: Persisting for a long time or constantly recurring

Grammar Focus

Pay attention to the use of modal verbs in health advice contexts:

• “Should” for general recommendations: “Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.”
• “Can” for possibilities and abilities: “Anyone can significantly improve their overall well-being.”

Practice using these modal verbs when discussing health tips and recommendations.

Tips for IELTS Reading Success

1. Time management is crucial. Allocate your time wisely across all sections of the Reading test.
2. Skim the passage quickly before reading the questions to get a general idea of the content.
3. Read the questions carefully and underline key words before searching for answers in the text.
4. Practice reading a variety of health-related articles to expand your vocabulary and improve your comprehension speed.
5. Don’t spend too much time on one question. If you’re unsure, make an educated guess and move on.
6. Remember to transfer your answers to the answer sheet within the given time.

By following these strategies and regularly practicing with passages like the one above, you’ll be well-prepared for the IELTS Reading test, especially when it comes to health-related topics.

For more IELTS preparation tips and resources, check out our articles on how to stay healthy at work and tips for staying healthy during flu season. These will not only improve your reading skills but also provide valuable information on maintaining good health in various situations.