IELTS Reading Practice: The Benefits of Physical Activity for Mental Health

The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, assessing your ability to understand complex texts and extract relevant information. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has been gaining increasing attention in recent years: the benefits of physical activity for mental health. Based on our analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, this subject is likely to appear in future tests due to its relevance in today’s health-conscious society.

Let’s dive into a practice passage that mimics the style and difficulty of an actual IELTS Reading text, followed by questions and a detailed analysis to help you improve your skills.

Reading Passage

The Mind-Body Connection: How Physical Activity Boosts Mental Well-being

Physical activity has long been recognized for its numerous benefits to physical health, from improving cardiovascular fitness to maintaining a healthy weight. However, in recent years, researchers have been increasingly focusing on the profound impact that regular exercise can have on mental health. This growing body of evidence suggests that physical activity may be just as crucial for our psychological well-being as it is for our physical health.

One of the most well-documented effects of exercise on mental health is its ability to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When we engage in physical activity, our bodies release endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. These natural chemicals interact with receptors in the brain to reduce pain perception and trigger positive feelings, similar to the effects of morphine. This biochemical boost can lead to an improved mood and a sense of well-being that lasts long after the workout has ended.

Moreover, regular exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on cognitive function. Studies have demonstrated that physical activity can enhance memory, improve concentration, and even boost creativity. This cognitive enhancement is particularly beneficial for older adults, as it may help to slow the natural decline in brain function associated with aging. Some research even suggests that regular exercise could potentially reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

The stress-reducing effects of physical activity are another significant benefit to mental health. Exercise provides a healthy outlet for the body’s stress response, helping to lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation. This can be especially valuable in today’s fast-paced world, where chronic stress has become increasingly common. By incorporating regular physical activity into their routines, individuals can develop a more resilient response to daily stressors.

Furthermore, engaging in physical activities, particularly team sports or group exercise classes, can provide valuable opportunities for social interaction. This social aspect of exercise can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are known risk factors for mental health issues. The sense of community and shared accomplishment that comes from participating in group activities can boost self-esteem and foster a sense of belonging.

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 on mental well-being. The key is consistency and finding activities that are enjoyable and sustainable in the long term.

While the evidence for the mental health benefits of physical activity is compelling, it’s crucial to remember that exercise should not be seen as a replacement for professional mental health treatment when needed. Instead, it should be viewed as a complementary approach that can work alongside other interventions to support overall mental well-being.

As our understanding of the mind-body connection continues to grow, the importance of physical activity in maintaining good mental health becomes increasingly clear. By recognizing exercise as a powerful tool for psychological well-being, we can take proactive steps to support our mental health and improve our overall quality of life.

Physical activity and mental health

Questions

True/False/Not Given

For questions 1-5, decide if the statements are True, False, or Not Given based on the information in the passage.

1. Physical activity has been proven to be more important for mental health than for physical health.
2. Endorphins released during exercise can produce effects similar to those of morphine.
3. Regular exercise may help prevent the development of certain neurodegenerative diseases.
4. Team sports are the only form of exercise that provides mental health benefits.
5. Exercise should be used as a replacement for professional mental health treatment.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D for questions 6-8.

6. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a mental health benefit of physical activity?
   A) Reduced symptoms of depression
   B) Improved cognitive function
   C) Better sleep quality
   D) Enhanced stress management

7. The passage suggests that the social aspect of exercise can:
   A) Replace the need for other forms of social interaction
   B) Help combat loneliness and isolation
   C) Only benefit extroverted individuals
   D) Increase stress levels in some people

8. Which of the following statements best summarizes the passage’s view on the relationship between exercise and mental health?
   A) Exercise is the most important factor in maintaining good mental health
   B) Physical activity should be seen as a cure for all mental health issues
   C) Regular exercise can complement other approaches to support mental well-being
   D) The mental health benefits of exercise are limited to intense workouts

Matching Headings

Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage. Write the correct number (i-viii) next to questions 9-13.

i. The social benefits of group exercise
ii. Exercise as a stress-reduction technique
iii. The release of “feel-good” hormones during physical activity
iv. The importance of professional mental health treatment
v. Physical activity’s impact on brain function
vi. The growing recognition of exercise’s mental health benefits
vii. Moderate activities can also improve mental well-being
viii. The long-term effects of regular exercise on mental health

9. Paragraph 2: _____
10. Paragraph 3: _____
11. Paragraph 4: _____
12. Paragraph 5: _____
13. Paragraph 6: _____

Answer Key and Explanations

True/False/Not Given

1. Not Given – The passage states that physical activity is important for both physical and mental health, but does not compare their relative importance.
2. True – The passage states, “These natural chemicals interact with receptors in the brain to reduce pain perception and trigger positive feelings, similar to the effects of morphine.”
3. True – The passage mentions, “Some research even suggests that regular exercise could potentially reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.”
4. False – The passage states that even moderate activities like walking or gardening can have significant mental health benefits.
5. False – The passage explicitly states, “exercise should not be seen as a replacement for professional mental health treatment when needed.”

Multiple Choice

6. C – While the passage mentions various mental health benefits of exercise, improved sleep quality is not specifically mentioned.
7. B – The passage states, “This social aspect of exercise can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.”
8. C – The passage concludes by suggesting that exercise should be viewed as a complementary approach to support overall mental well-being.

Matching Headings

9. iii – This paragraph discusses the release of endorphins during exercise.
10. v – This paragraph focuses on the cognitive benefits of physical activity.
11. ii – This paragraph discusses how exercise can help reduce stress.
12. i – This paragraph talks about the social benefits of group exercise activities.
13. vii – This paragraph mentions that even moderate activities can provide mental health benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overinterpreting information: Be careful not to make assumptions beyond what is explicitly stated in the text. For example, the passage doesn’t claim that exercise is more important for mental health than physical health.

2. Missing key qualifiers: Pay attention to words like “may,” “can,” or “suggest,” which indicate that something is possible but not certain.

3. Confusing similar ideas: Be sure to distinguish between related but distinct concepts. For instance, the passage mentions both depression and stress, but these are separate issues with different impacts.

4. Overlooking negative statements: Questions like number 5 in the True/False/Not Given section test your ability to recognize when the text contradicts a statement.

5. Failing to consider the overall context: When matching headings, consider how each paragraph fits into the broader structure of the passage.

Key Vocabulary

1. Neurodegenerative (adjective) – /ˌnjʊərəʊdɪˈdʒenərətɪv/ – relating to or marked by the progressive loss of nerve cells and their function
2. Endorphins (noun) – /enˈdɔːfɪnz/ – hormones secreted within the brain that activate the body’s opiate receptors, causing an analgesic effect
3. Cognitive (adjective) – /ˈkɒɡnətɪv/ – related to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning
4. Cortisol (noun) – /ˈkɔːtɪsɒl/ – a steroid hormone released in response to stress
5. Resilient (adjective) – /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions

Grammar Focus

Pay attention to the use of modal verbs in the passage, such as “may,” “can,” and “could.” These are used to express possibility or potential:

• “Physical activity may be just as crucial for our psychological well-being…”
• “Regular exercise has been shown to have a positive impact…”
• “Even moderate activities like brisk walking, gardening, or dancing can have significant positive effects…”

These structures allow the author to discuss the benefits of exercise without making absolute claims, which is important in academic and scientific writing.

Tips for High Scores in IELTS Reading

1. Time management is crucial. Spend about 20 minutes on each passage in the Reading section.

2. Skim the passage quickly before reading the questions to get a general idea of its content and structure.

3. Read the questions carefully and underline key words to help you locate relevant information in the text.

4. For True/False/Not Given questions, be sure to distinguish between information that contradicts the statement (False) and information that is simply not mentioned (Not Given).

5. In Multiple Choice questions, eliminate obviously incorrect answers to increase your chances of selecting the correct option.

6. When matching headings, look for key words or themes that summarize the main idea of each paragraph.

7. Practice regularly with various types of texts to improve your reading speed and comprehension.

8. Expand your vocabulary by learning new words in context and reviewing them regularly.

9. Pay attention to linking words and phrases that indicate relationships between ideas in the text.

10. Don’t leave any questions unanswered – make an educated guess if you’re unsure, as there’s no penalty for incorrect answers.

Remember, consistent practice and familiarity with different question types are key to improving your IELTS Reading score. Good luck with your preparation!

For more IELTS Reading practice, check out our articles on the role of technology in promoting mental health and the importance of exercise in mental well-being. These resources will provide additional context and practice for understanding the intersection of physical activity and mental health in IELTS Reading passages.