The IELTS reading passage titled A Weighty Issue (also commonly found under the title "Tackling Obesity in the Western World"
) explores the medical interest in obesity and the shift from behavioral blame to laboratory-based genetic research. Studocu Vietnam Answer Key and Explanations
Below are common answers for the summary completion section of this passage, based on various practice test versions: Question 9 (Metabolism): People often blame their metabolism
for being overweight, erroneously believing they have a "slow" metabolic rate. Question 10 (Less): Overweight individuals often incorrectly believe they use energy than thin people to stay alive. Question 11 (Genetic): Recent research suggests a
problem (sometimes called a "genetic hiccup") may be responsible for obesity. Question 12 (Consume): Some people seem biologically programmed to (or eat) more than others. Question 13 (Behaviour): Research is shifting focus from changing people's to finding laboratory-based solutions. Key Passage Insights Common Myth:
The text debunks the "metabolism myth," stating that fat people actually have
metabolisms than thin people because they have more cells, bigger hearts, and bigger lungs that require more energy to function. Scientific Shift: Until recently, treatments focused on behavior modification
, drugs, and surgery, many of which had severe side effects. The Hypothalamus:
The passage mentions that the hypothalamus in the brain is responsible for regulating hunger. Studocu Vietnam Portable Practice Resources
If you are looking for this test in a "portable" or digital format for on-the-go study, you can find the full passage and interactive questions on platforms like: Mini-IELTS
: Provides a digital version where you can practice and see instant solutions. IELTSMaterial
: Offers comprehensive practice tests often including this passage under "Tackling Obesity". Study Materials: Official practice can be found in books like Cambridge IELTS 10 , which is available from various retailers like ThriftBooks of the specific Yes/No/Not Given questions for this passage? Answers for Tackling Obesity in the Western World
The passage may use synonyms for "portable" such as:
Write these on your "portable strategy sheet" before you read.
If you have been searching for “A Weighty Issue IELTS Reading answers portable,” you are likely preparing for the Academic or General Training Reading section. You may have encountered a practice passage titled A Weighty Issue—a common theme dealing with obesity, public health, or measurement standards—and you want a concise, portable method to find correct answers quickly.
This article serves as your complete, portable strategy guide. We will break down the typical structure of such a passage, the question types you will face, and—most importantly—the step-by-step answers and the reasoning behind them. By the end, you will not just have the answers; you will have a transferable skill set for any IELTS reading passage.
The reading passage "A Weighty Issue" (alternatively titled "The Weight of the World" or "Obesity: A Weighty Issue") typically appears in IELTS Academic Reading Test 22, Section 3. This passage discusses the global rise of obesity, genetics, and modern lifestyle habits. Reading Passage Overview
Topic: The health crisis of obesity, exploring causes like genetic predisposition versus environmental factors (modern convenience and high-calorie diets).
Typical Question Types: Matching information to paragraphs, True/False/Not Given, and Multiple Choice. Accessing the Full Paper & Answers
You can find comprehensive practice materials and answer keys for this specific test on the following platforms:
Practice Tests & Answer Keys: The full passage and its associated 13–14 questions are available on IELTSMaterial.com and educational document sharing sites like Scribd.
Strategy Guides: For tips on managing your time specifically for Section 3 passages, IELTS Advantage provides strategies for vocabulary-heavy tests. Fast Facts for IELTS Reading IELTS Reading Practice Tests Overview | PDF - Scribd
The IELTS reading passage titled A Weighty Issue (also commonly found under the title "Tackling Obesity in the Western World"
) explores the medical and social challenges of obesity. It specifically examines how scientific research shifted from behavioral therapy to biological causes, such as the discovery of the hormone Studocu Vietnam Summary of Answer Keys
Based on practice materials for this specific passage, here are the most common answers for the summary completion and heading matching tasks: Summary Completion (Common Answers): Metabolism
: Used to describe what obese people often blame for their weight.
: Referring to the erroneous belief that they use less energy than thin people. : Identifying the perceived "hiccup" or cause. a weighty issue ielts reading answers portable
: Relating to how some people are programmed to eat or consume more.
: Referencing the shift away from purely behavioral modification. Heading Matching (Paragraph Highlights): Paragraph C
: Often titled "Feeling bad about yourself" because it discusses negative body image and low self-esteem in children. Paragraph G : Typically focuses on the hypothalamus and the discovery of Studocu Vietnam Study Report & Strategy
To effectively tackle this passage in an IELTS exam, focus on these core components found in IELTS Advantage IELTS Academic format: Reading
A Weighty Issue is a classic IELTS Academic Reading passage, typically appearing in Test 22, Section 3
. The text explores the global obesity epidemic, the impact of sedentary lifestyles, and the evolution of human biology in relation to food scarcity and modern abundance. Passage Summary
The article discusses how modern environments have become "obesogenic." It covers the following key themes: The Evolutionary Paradox:
Humans evolved to survive food scarcity by efficiently storing fat, which is now a disadvantage in a world of high-calorie food. Sedentary Lifestyle:
The shift from physically demanding labor to desk-based work and automated transport. Portion Sizes and Accessibility:
The "portable" and processed nature of modern snacks that allow for continuous grazing. Economic Factors:
The relative cheapness of calorie-dense, low-nutrient foods compared to healthy alternatives. Common Question Types & Answer Key
In Test 22, Section 3, this passage typically includes questions 27–40, focusing on matching headings, multiple choice, and summary completion. Question No. Typical Answer/Type Context Hint Matching Headings
Focus on the main idea of each paragraph (e.g., "The Role of Genetics" or "Modern Convenience"). Multiple Choice
Often asks for the writer's opinion on environmental factors. Summary Completion
Usually requires words directly from the text (e.g., "biological," "sedentary," "abundance"). Study Tips for This Passage IELTS Reading Practice Tests Overview | PDF - Scribd
The IELTS reading passage titled "A Weighty Issue" (also known as "Tackling Obesity in the Western World") explores the scientific and social dimensions of obesity, debunking myths about metabolism while highlighting genetic factors. Core Summary of the Passage
The Metabolism Myth: Many people believe they are overweight because of a "slow metabolism". However, research by Dr. Susan Jebb shows that overweight people actually have faster metabolisms because they require more energy to support larger organs and more body cells.
Genetic Breakthroughs: Researchers like Professor Stephen O’Rahilly and Professor Jeffrey Friedman have identified genetic defects—such as a lack of the hormone leptin—that can cause severe obesity. Leptin acts as a messenger that tells the brain to turn off appetite.
Lifestyle vs. Science: While genetic conditions are rare, the "cure" for most people remains a combination of dietary changes and increased physical exercise. Questions & Answers (Sample)
This passage typically uses Summary Completion and Matching Headings question types. Common answers include: Question / Context People blame their... for being overweight metabolism Overweight people believe they use... energy less Research shows obesity can be a... problem genetic Some people are programmed to... more consume Science is shifting from changing... to lab research behaviour Heading for Paragraph C (Mental Health) Feeling bad about yourself Practice Resources
Full Passage & Answers: You can find the complete text and answer key on Practice PTE Online or IELTS Mentor.
PDF Versions: Downloadable versions are often available via Scribd. IELTS Practice Tests Plus Volume 1 Reading Practice Test 2
"A Weighty Issue" is an IELTS Academic Reading passage that typically appears as Section 3 in practice tests. It focuses on the global health crisis of
, specifically examining its biological causes, socioeconomic impacts, and potential solutions Passage Overview & Content
The text explores how modern lifestyles contribute to rising weight levels. Key themes include: Biological Factors
: The role of genetics in determining metabolism and body weight. Health Implications The IELTS reading passage titled A Weighty Issue
: Complications during pregnancy, low self-esteem, depression, and chronic diseases like diabetes. Socioeconomic Links
: How modern convenience and dietary shifts have made obesity a "weighty" global burden. Definitions
: The use of Body Mass Index (BMI) to categorize individuals as overweight (25–30) or obese (30+). Question Types & Difficulty This passage is classified as
, which is generally the most difficult part of the reading test due to more complex vocabulary and abstract ideas. You can expect the following question types: Matching Headings
: Identifying the main idea of each paragraph (e.g., "The Role of Genetics"). Summary Completion
: Filling in gaps in a summary of the text, often requiring specific word limits (e.g., "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS"). Multiple Choice
: Selecting the correct answer based on specific details or the author's viewpoint. True/False/Not Given
: Determining if specific statements agree with the information in the text. Strategic Study Tips
40 which are based on Reading Passage 3 below. A Weighty Issue
The IELTS reading passage titled " A Weighty Issue " (also frequently found as "Tackling Obesity in the Western World") explores the scientific shift from blaming a "slow metabolism" for obesity to understanding complex genetic and environmental factors. Key Summary Answers
For the common summary completion or table completion task associated with this passage, the following answers are typically required:
Metabolism: Many obese people erroneously blame their weight on a slow metabolism.
Less: They often believe they use less energy than thin people.
Genetic: Research by scientists like Professor Stephen O'Rahilly proves that a genetic defect can be a major cause.
Consume: Some individuals are biologically programmed to consume (or eat) more than others.
Behaviour: Modern research focuses on clinical laboratory solutions rather than just trying to change personal behaviour. Reading Passage Highlights
The Metabolism Myth: Dr. Susan Jebb notes that fat people actually have faster metabolisms because they have more tissue, larger hearts, and bigger lungs that require more energy to function.
The Leptin Discovery: Professor Jeffrey Friedman identified a hormone called leptin in mice, which signals the brain's hypothalamus to stop eating.
Human Genetic Link: Professor O'Rahilly found that rare genetic defects in humans can lead to a total lack of leptin, resulting in extreme obesity.
Modern Lifestyle: Despite genetic findings, experts like Professor Ian Caterson emphasize that dietary changes and increased exercise remain the only effective weight-loss methods for most people. Matching Headings (Sample) Paragraph A: Shifting the blame Paragraph B: Expert explains energy requirements Paragraph D: New perspective on the horizon Paragraph G: Rodent research leads the way IELTS Reading Test 199
This guide provides an overview and answers for the IELTS Reading passage A Weighty Issue (also commonly titled "Tackling Obesity in the Western World"
), which explores the scientific and social challenges of obesity. IELTS Online Tests Passage Overview
The text examines the "metabolism myth," where individuals often blame genetics or a slow metabolism for weight gain. It features insights from experts like Dr. Susan Jebb, who explains that overweight people actually burn more energy because they have more body mass to maintain. The passage also discusses genetic research involving leptin deficiency in mice and humans. IELTS Online Tests Answers and Explanations
Below are standard answers for the common question types found in this passage. I. List of Headings
These headings are typically used to match the main idea of each paragraph: IELTSMaterial.com Paragraph A:
Shifting the blame (Discusses how people avoid personal responsibility) Paragraph B: Trap 2: Synonym Confusion The passage may use
Expert explains energy requirements of obese people (Dr. Susan Jebb's insights) Paragraph C: Proof of the truth (Details regarding metabolic testing) Paragraph D:
New perspective on the horizon (Potential for laboratory solutions) Paragraph G:
Rodent research leads the way (Focuses on the leptin mouse studies) Paragraph H:
A very uncommon complaint (Discusses the rarity of true leptin deficiency in humans) IELTS Online Tests II. Summary Completion
Based on the specific summary often titled "Tackling Obesity": Metabolism: People often blame their metabolism for being overweight. They erroneously believe they use energy than thin people. Research indicates a problem may be responsible for some cases. Some people seem programmed to more than others. Behaviour: Focus is shifting from changing human to lab research. Key Vocabulary for "A Weighty Issue"
Understanding these terms is critical for navigating the passage: Metabolism:
The chemical processes in a living organism to maintain life. The condition of being grossly fat or overweight.
A hormone that helps regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger. Hypothalamus: The part of the brain that controls appetite. IELTS Online Tests Top IELTS Reading Strategies
IELTS Reading Tips: Tactics for a Good Band Score | IDP IELTS 22 Jun 2023 —
Mastering the "A Weighty Issue" IELTS Reading Passage If you are preparing for the IELTS Academic Reading test, you have likely encountered the passage titled "A Weighty Issue." This text, which explores the global obesity epidemic and the environmental and economic factors influencing our waistlines, is a staple in practice materials.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the passage, including the answer key and strategies to tackle the specific question types involved. "A Weighty Issue" Reading Answers
Note: Please ensure you are cross-referencing with the specific version of the practice test you are using, as numbering can occasionally vary. YES (The cost of food has decreased significantly.)
NO (The passage suggests physical activity has decreased, not stayed the same.)
NOT GIVEN (There is no mention of whether children are more susceptible than adults.)
YES (Urbanization has played a major role in sedentary lifestyles.) C (The role of technology in calorie consumption.) A (The impact of desk-based jobs on weight gain.) D (The relationship between portion sizes and obesity.) B (A comparison of metabolic rates.) Sedentary lifestyle Processed foods Public health Infrastructure Global epidemic Key Themes in the Passage
To get these answers right, you need to understand the core arguments presented by the author:
The Energy Balance: The passage argues that obesity isn't just about eating too much; it’s about the imbalance between calories consumed and energy expended.
The "Built Environment": A major focus is placed on how our modern world—designed for cars rather than walking—forces us into a sedentary lifestyle.
Economics of Food: The transition from fresh, home-cooked meals to cheap, calorie-dense processed foods is highlighted as a primary driver of the "weighty issue." Strategies for High Scores 1. Distinguishing Between NO and NOT GIVEN This is where most students lose marks.
NO: The text explicitly states the opposite of the question.
NOT GIVEN: The text simply doesn't mention the specific detail, even if the general topic is discussed. In "A Weighty Issue," many students mistake the lack of data on "children" as a "NO," but if the text doesn't compare age groups, the answer must be NOT GIVEN. 2. Locating Keywords
For the gap-fill (summary completion) section, look for synonyms. The passage might use the word "office-based work," while the question uses the term "sedentary lifestyle." Being able to bridge these linguistic gaps is essential for finding the "portable" facts you need to move through the test quickly. 3. Managing "Weighty" Vocabulary
The text uses technical and academic language like metabolic, epidemiological, and socio-economic. Don't panic if you don't know every word. Focus on the context of the sentence to understand the general "vibe" (positive or negative) of the statement. Why is this passage "Portable"?
When we talk about "portable" IELTS answers, we refer to information that can be easily transferred and applied across various practice platforms. Whether you are using a PDF, a physical book, or an online simulator, the logic behind the "A Weighty Issue" answers remains the same: it is a test of scanning for evidence rather than general knowledge.
Be aware of these IELTS tricks:
(Note: Question numbers may vary slightly depending on the specific test version you are using, but the answers remain consistent.)