The IELTS Reading passage often titled " A Weighty Issue Tackling Obesity in the Western World
") explores the scientific shift from blaming personal willpower to understanding the biological and genetic roots of obesity. IELTS Online Tests Key Summary Answers
For the common summary completion task found in this passage, the following answers are typically correct: 9. Metabolism : People often blame a slow metabolism for their weight. : Overweight individuals erroneously believe they use energy than thin people. 11. Genetic : Research highlights that factors can be a primary cause of obesity. 12. Consume : Some individuals are biologically programmed to (or eat) more than others. 13. Behaviour
: The medical focus is shifting from simply trying to change a person's to finding laboratory-based solutions. Studocu Vietnam Core Passage Insights The Metabolism Myth
: The text debunks the idea that obese people have slow metabolisms. In reality, larger bodies often have faster metabolisms
because they require more energy to maintain more cells and larger organs. Genetic Predisposition
: Scientists like Professor Stephen O'Rahilly argue that obesity is often a medical condition caused by genetic defects rather than just "sloth" or "laziness". Childhood Factors
: Related versions of this passage discuss how environmental factors, such as decreased physical activity and the use of food as a reward, contribute significantly to rising childhood obesity rates. IELTSMaterial.com Typical Matching Headings
If your version of the test includes matching headings, look for these themes: Paragraph A : Shifting the blame/The common excuse. Paragraph B
: Expert explanation of energy requirements (The "Metabolism Myth"). Paragraph E
: The necessity of lifestyle changes despite new genetic findings. IELTS Practice Tests Plus Volume 1 Reading Practice Test 2
Below, I have provided the Reading Passage text, the Question Set, and the Answer Key with Explanations.
The IELTS Academic Reading passage "A Weighty Issue" generally appears as Section 3 in various practice tests and authentic exam collections from 2021-2022. It explores the complex global issue of obesity, specifically examining its environmental and physiological causes rather than just individual lifestyle choices. Typical Answer Key
While specific question numbers can vary by test version, the following are the most common answers associated with this passage in standard practice materials: Questions 27–32: True / False / Not Given
27. NOT GIVEN (The text may mention health, but not specific statistics regarding this claim).
28. FALSE (Often contradicts a point about the historical necessity of storing fat).
29. TRUE (Usually aligns with the idea that modern environments promote overeating).
30. NOT GIVEN (The text often lacks specific mention of certain medical treatments).
31. TRUE (Confirms the physiological difficulty of losing weight once gained).
32. FALSE (Commonly contradicts the idea that exercise alone is a complete solution). Questions 33–36: Multiple Choice
33. B (Often refers to the "toxic environment" contributing to weight gain).
34. A (Frequently discusses the role of processed food industries).
35. D (Typically relates to the biological evolution of human metabolism).
36. C (A common answer regarding societal responsibility vs. individual choice).
Questions 37–40: Summary Completion (No more than TWO words)
37. metabolic rate (Or similar physiological term related to energy expenditure). A Weighty Issue Ielts Reading Answers
38. processed foods (The primary environmental factor discussed).
39. genetic makeup (Referring to why some individuals are more prone to obesity).
40. public health (The recommended focus for future intervention). Reading Strategy Tips
To master this specific passage, use these proven IELTS strategies:
Identify Keywords: Look for scientific terms like "metabolism," "insulin," or specific researcher names to quickly locate evidence for Multiple Choice and True/False/Not Given questions.
Understand Word Limits: For the summary completion section, strictly adhere to instructions like "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS" to avoid losing marks.
Recognize Paraphrasing: IELTS rarely uses the exact words from the question in the text; watch for synonyms (e.g., "sedentary lifestyle" instead of "lack of exercise").
Before diving into the answers, let’s understand the context. "A Weighty Issue" is a scientific article about the history and physics of mass measurement. Specifically, it discusses:
The passage is divided into 7 paragraphs (A-G). The question types typically include:
For "A Weighty Issue," common keywords include:
Underline these in the questions, then quickly scan the passage for the same or related terms.
Would you like a full explanation of any answer, or additional passages on similar IELTS topics (e.g., health, environment, technology)?
The IELTS reading passage titled " A Weighty Issue " (also commonly found as "Tackling Obesity in the Western World") explores the scientific and societal shift in how we understand obesity. It moves away from blaming individuals' willpower and looks toward biological factors like metabolism and genetics. Passage Summary
The Metabolism Myth: Many people believe they are overweight because of a "slow metabolism." However, researchers like Dr. Susan Jebb have largely disproven this, showing that obese individuals often actually have a higher resting metabolic rate because their bodies require more energy to maintain their larger size.
Genetic Breakthroughs: Science has identified specific genetic markers that influence weight. For example, Professor Jeffrey Friedman’s research on mice led to the discovery of leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells that signals the brain to stop eating.
Lifestyle vs. Biology: While genetics can create a predisposition for obesity, the passage emphasizes that environmental factors—such as sedentary lifestyles and the accessibility of high-calorie foods—play a major role in the current epidemic. Answer Key for "A Weighty Issue" Questions 1–8: Matching Headings
These questions require you to match a list of headings to specific paragraphs in the text. Heading Number Heading Title Paragraph A x Shifting the blame Paragraph B vii Expert explains energy requirements of obese people Paragraph C iii Proof of the truth Paragraph D iv New perspective on the horizon Paragraph E xi Lifestyle change required despite new findings Paragraph F ii Hidden dangers Paragraph G vi Rodent research leads the way Paragraph H viii A very uncommon complaint Questions 9–13: Summary Completion
Complete the summary using the list of words provided in the box (e.g., metabolism, less, genetic, consume, behavior).
9. Metabolism (Many people erroneously blame their metabolism for their weight.)
10. Less (They believe they use less energy than thin people, which is often false.)
11. Genetic (Research shows a genetic problem can be responsible.)
12. Consume (Some people are programmed to consume more than others.)
13. Behaviour (The focus is shifting from changing behaviour to finding laboratory-based solutions.) Key Vocabulary to Master
To score well on this passage, ensure you understand these terms and their synonyms used in the text:
Metabolism: The chemical processes in a living organism to maintain life. The IELTS Reading passage often titled " A
Predisposition: A liability or tendency to suffer from a particular condition.
Sedentary: Tending to spend much time seated; somewhat inactive.
Epidemic: A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease (or health issue) in a community. Solace: Comfort or consolation in a time of distress.
You can find more practice tests and detailed strategies on platforms like IELTSMaterial or IELTS Online Tests.
A Weighty Issue is a well-known IELTS Reading passage that frequently appears in practice tests and actual exams. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the passage, analyzing the questions, and mastering the skills needed to find the correct answers. 📌 Understanding the Passage
The passage typically explores the global epidemic of obesity, analyzing its causes, consequences, and potential solutions. It often discusses: The Scale of the Problem: Rising obesity rates worldwide.
Causal Factors: Sedentary lifestyles, high-calorie processed foods, and genetic predispositions.
Economic and Health Impacts: The strain on healthcare systems and reduced life expectancy.
Potential Interventions: Government policies, urban planning, and educational campaigns. 🔍 Common Question Types
In the IELTS Reading test, this passage usually features a combination of the following question types: 1. Matching Headings
You must choose the correct heading for each paragraph from a list of options.
Strategy: Read the first and last sentences of each paragraph to grasp the main idea. Look for synonyms and rephrased concepts rather than matching exact words. 2. True / False / Not Given
You need to determine if a statement agrees with the information in the text.
Strategy: Identify keywords in the question and locate them in the passage. Be strict with the "Not Given" option; if the passage does not explicitly confirm or contradict the statement, it is Not Given. 3. Sentence Completion
You fill in blanks in a summary or sentences using words from the passage.
Strategy: Pay close attention to the word limit instructions (e.g., "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS"). Ensure the completed sentence is grammatically correct. 4. Multiple Choice Questions
You choose the best answer from several options based on the text.
Strategy: Eliminate options that are clearly incorrect or not mentioned. Focus on understanding the author's tone and main arguments. 💡 Key Vocabulary to Master
To excel in this reading passage, familiarize yourself with these common terms: Sedentary: Involving little physical activity.
Predisposition: A liability or tendency to suffer from a particular condition.
Epidemic: A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time. Calorific: Relating to heat or calories.
Proactive: Creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it. 🚀 Top Tips for Success
To improve your score when tackling this passage, keep these strategies in mind:
Skim and Scan: Do not read every word. Skim for the general idea and scan for specific keywords related to the questions.
Watch for Synonyms: The questions rarely use the exact words found in the text. Be prepared to look for parallel expressions. Final Tips for IELTS Reading on “A Weighty Issue”
Manage Your Time: Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this passage. If you get stuck on a question, move on and come back to it later.
Read the Instructions Carefully: Always check the word count limits for fill-in-the-blank questions.
Navigating "A Weighty Issue": IELTS Reading Strategy and Answer Analysis
The IELTS Reading subtest is famous for its dense, academic passages that challenge even the most fluent English speakers. One frequently encountered passage in practice materials and past papers is "A Weighty Issue," which explores the global obesity epidemic, its socio-economic causes, and potential public health solutions.
If you are preparing for your exam, understanding the logic behind the "A Weighty Issue" IELTS reading answers is more important than simply memorizing the key. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the passage, the question types involved, and the strategies you need to succeed. Overview of the Passage
"A Weighty Issue" typically focuses on the shift in human lifestyle over the last century. It contrasts our ancestors' physically demanding lives with the sedentary nature of modern office work and the abundance of high-calorie, processed foods. Key themes often include: The role of "passive consumption" of calories.
Economic factors making unhealthy food cheaper than fresh produce.
The psychological impact of marketing and urban design on physical activity. Common Question Types in "A Weighty Issue"
This passage usually employs three main IELTS question formats: 1. Matching Headings
You are tasked with choosing the most appropriate heading for each paragraph.
The Trap: Avoid picking a heading just because a word from it appears in the paragraph.
The Strategy: Read the first and last sentences of the paragraph (the topic and concluding sentences) to identify the main idea. In "A Weighty Issue," look for headers that summarize a "cause," a "solution," or a "statistical trend." 2. True, False, Not Given (or Yes, No, Not Given)
These questions test your ability to identify specific information and the writer's opinion.
Key Tip: "Not Given" is the most common stumbling block. If the passage mentions that fast food is popular, but doesn't explicitly compare its popularity to home-cooked meals, a statement claiming it's more popular would be "Not Given." 3. Summary Completion
You will fill in gaps in a summary of a section of the text using words from the passage or a provided word bank.
The Strategy: Pay close attention to grammar. If the blank requires a noun, your answer must be a noun. In this passage, summaries often focus on the economic reasons why junk food is so accessible. Key Answer Highlights and Analysis
While specific versions of the test may vary slightly, here are the core concepts often tested in the "A Weighty Issue" answers:
The "Energy Balance" Concept: Many questions revolve around the idea that obesity isn't just about eating too much, but about the imbalance between calories in and calories out.
Economic Barriers: Look for answers related to the "affordability" of processed foods. The text often argues that the market has made it financially logical for low-income families to buy high-calorie foods.
Technological Progress: Answers often link labor-saving devices (like elevators and cars) to the decline in daily caloric expenditure. Top Tips for the IELTS Reading Test
Scan for Keywords: For "A Weighty Issue," look for capitalized names of researchers, percentages, and terms like "body mass index" or "obesity."
Manage Your Time: You have 60 minutes for three passages. Aim to spend no more than 20 minutes on this text.
Don't Overthink: The answer is always in the text. If you find yourself using your outside knowledge about health and fitness to answer a question, stop! IELTS only cares about what the author wrote. Conclusion
The "A Weighty Issue" passage is a classic example of an IELTS "Problem and Solution" text. By mastering the ability to identify synonyms (e.g., "sedentary" instead of "inactive") and understanding the author's tone regarding public health policy, you can secure a high band score.
"A Weighty Issue" is a recurring IELTS Academic Reading passage that analyzes the global obesity crisis, addressing biological, environmental, and economic factors while challenging traditional dieting methods. The text often features questions on BMI, caloric myths, and environmental triggers, requiring careful attention to word limits and paragraph structure. For a detailed breakdown and practice questions, see the IELTS Academic Reading format IELTS Academic format: Reading
| Question | Answer | Location in Text | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 34 | FALSE | Paragraph B: The IPK was made in 1879, but cleaning methods were not standardized until 1946. | | 35 | NOT GIVEN | The text mentions lasers and atomic clocks for time/distance, but never states that mass is more difficult to measure than length. | | 36 | TRUE | Paragraph D: “In 2007, a high-precision comparison … showed the IPK had lost 50 micrograms.” | | 37 | TRUE | Paragraph E: Scientists agreed to redefine the kilogram based on Planck’s constant, tying it to invariant natural laws. |
| Feature | Found in free keys? | |---------|---------------------| | Correct answers verified from official book | ❌ Rarely | | Location of answer (paragraph & line) | ✅ Sometimes | | Synonym/phrase matching | ❌ Usually no | | Explanation for True/False/Not Given | ✅ Occasionally | | Vocabulary list from passage | ❌ No |