READING
1. Outdoor Activities
IELTS Reading Test
Reading Passage:
The Importance of Outdoor Activities For Kids
A
Recent studies have shown that children spend far less time outdoors than they did in the past. In the UK, a poll found that three-quarters of children now spend less time outdoors than even prison inmates. This is a worrying trend as research has shown that outdoor activities are crucial to children's mental health and development.
B
According to a study by the University of Queensland, spending time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and improve overall mental wellbeing. The study found that children who spent more time outdoors had higher levels of physical activity, better sleep quality, and were less likely to develop mental health problems. Another study found that spending time in nature can also improve cognitive function and academic performance. Researchers from the University of Michigan found that children who were exposed to green spaces had better attention spans and memory retention, and performed better in standardised tests. Whether it’s the beautiful scenery, the invigorating fresh air, or simply the chance to disconnect from smartphones and tablets, there’s clearly something about spending time outdoors that is beneficial.
C
Despite these apparent benefits, many children today are spending more time cooped up indoors than ever before. Screen entertainment's gains in popularity have largely been at the expense of outdoor play so that children are now living increasingly sedentary lifestyles, watching TV, playing video games, and using social media far more than in the past. According to researchers in the UK, children now spend an average of six hours a day looking at screens, compared to just four minutes playing outdoors. This is a worrying trend, as screen time has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including obesity, poor sleep quality, and decreased social skills.
D
The question remains, what can parents really do to help their children develop a love of the outdoors in a world where the pull of electronics is ever present? Sir Ken Robinson, an educationalist who has worked as a government advisor in the UK, suggests parents do more to provide their kids with opportunities for outdoor play and exploration. Activities such as gardening, bird watching, and nature walks can all help children connect with nature and develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them. Camping out with the family, going for a hike or bike ride, or stargazing on a clear night, are all activities that can get the whole family out of the house and away from their screens.
E
The evidence for the importance of outdoor activities to children's mental health and development continues to build up and a clear pattern is emerging. Spending time in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function and academic performance, and foster a sense of connection to the natural world. Parents and caregivers should be aware of the importance of fostering a love of the outdoors in their children and provide them with ample opportunities for outdoor play and exploration.
Questions 1-4
The reading passage contains 5 paragraphs A - E.
Which paragraph discusses the following information? Write the correct letter, A-E.
………….. 1. The growth in the time children spend indoors.
………….. 2. The increase in the use of electronic devices.
………….. 3. Research concerning the links between mental health and the outdoors.
………….. 4. Activities families can do together outside.
Questions 5-10
Complete the summary below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
The rise in (5)........................ lifestyles and excessive (6) ........................ time are preventing children from (7) ........................ with nature and the natural (8) ........................ , which is essential for their mental health and development. Activities in green (9) ........................ can reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function and academic performance, and foster a sense of connection to nature. Parents need to encourage their kids to do activities outside which allow them to (10) ........................ from electronic devices.
Questions 11-16
Do the following statements agree with what the writer says in the reading passage?
Answer in the following ways:
TRUE: if the statement agrees with what the writer says in the article
FALSE: if the statement contradicts what the writer says in the article
NOT GIVEN: if the writer does not mention this in the article
11. Recent studies have shown that children spend more time outdoors than they did in the past.
12 Spending time in nature can improve overall mental wellbeing.
13. Modern children do not find outdoor activities enjoyable.
14. Children now spend 6 hours a day outdoors.
15. Sir Ken Robinson believes that parents are not doing enough to encourage kids to do outdoor activities.
16. Research has shown that spending time in nature can help children build stronger relationships.
Reading Answer Key:
Exercise 1:
1.A, 2.C, 3.B, 4.D
Exercise 2:
The rise in sedentary lifestyles and excessive screen time are preventing children from connecting with nature and the natural world, which is essential for their mental health and development. Activities in green spaces can reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function and academic performance, and foster a sense of connection to nature. Parents need to encourage their kids to do activities outside which allow them to disconnect from electronic devices.
Exercise 3:
1. (False - they spend less time)
2. (True)
3. (Not Given)
4. (False - they have 6 hours screen time)
5. True
6. (Not Given)