The term “Lifestyle Disease” is becoming increasingly common in IELTS exams, often appearing in the Listening and Reading sections and proving useful for the Speaking and Writing sections. It’s crucial to understand its meaning and usage. This article will explore “lifestyle disease” and related vocabulary, providing context and examples to help you excel in your IELTS exam.
Understanding “Lifestyle Disease”
Lifestyle disease (noun) /ˈlaɪfstaɪl dɪˈziːz/ – A health condition caused partly or primarily by a person’s habits, diet, and daily activities.
Synonyms:
- Chronic disease
- Non-communicable disease (NCD)
- preventable disease
Examples:
- Lifestyle diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, are a major health concern in developed countries.
- Smoking, lack of exercise, and a poor diet are all risk factors for lifestyle diseases.
Lifestyle Diseases
“Lifestyle Disease” in the IELTS Exam
This vocabulary is particularly relevant to the IELTS exam due to its prevalence in discussions about health, society, and lifestyle choices. You might encounter it in:
- Listening: A lecture on public health, a conversation about healthy habits.
- Reading: An article about the rise of chronic diseases, a report on global health trends.
- Speaking: Discussing your lifestyle, comparing health challenges in different countries.
- Writing: Writing an essay about the causes and effects of lifestyle diseases, proposing solutions to combat these health issues.
Using “Lifestyle Disease” in Your IELTS Responses
Speaking Example (Part 3):
Examiner: What are some of the biggest health challenges facing people today?
Candidate: I think lifestyle diseases are a significant concern. These are conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, which are often linked to factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and high stress levels.
Writing Example (Task 2):
Prompt: Many people believe that individuals are responsible for their own health. Others argue that governments and society should play a larger role in promoting healthy lifestyles. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Response: …Furthermore, governments can implement policies that encourage healthy choices, such as taxing sugary drinks and investing in public parks and recreational facilities. By creating an environment that supports well-being, we can reduce the prevalence of lifestyle diseases and create a healthier society as a whole.
Collocations and Related Vocabulary
- Risk factors: Smoking, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet
- Preventive measures: Regular exercise, balanced diet, stress management
- Health consequences: Heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers
- Public health campaigns: Initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting healthy habits
Idioms and Expressions
- To live a healthy lifestyle: “She makes a conscious effort to live a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly and eating nutritious food.”
- To take a toll on your health: “His stressful job began to take a toll on his health, leading to high blood pressure.”
- To be a ticking time bomb: “His unhealthy habits are a ticking time bomb, and he’s at high risk of developing heart disease.”
Conclusion
Understanding the term “lifestyle disease” and its related vocabulary is essential for achieving a high score on the IELTS exam. By using this vocabulary accurately and confidently, you can demonstrate your understanding of current health issues and your ability to express yourself effectively in English. Remember to practice using these words and phrases in context to improve your fluency and accuracy.
