The Worlds Expanding Waistline Ielts Reading Answers

Don't spend too long on one question. If a question is difficult, move on and come back later. 5. Conclusion

Look for transition words like However , In contrast , and Furthermore . Examiners love putting the answers right after these words because they signify a change or emphasis in the author's argument.

This article provides the complete passage, all 19 questions from the original test, the correct answers, and step‑by‑step explanations. It also includes a targeted vocabulary list and practical strategies to help you tackle and Summary Completion questions – two of the most common question types in the IELTS Reading module.

A better argument for intervention is that dietary habits are established early in childhood. Once people get fat, it is hard for them to get thin; once they are used to breakfasting on chips and Coke, it’s hard to change. The state, which has some responsibility for shaping young people, should try to ensure that its small citizens aren’t overdosing on sugar at primary school. Britain’s government is talking about tough restrictions on advertising junk food to children. It seems unlikely that it will have much effect. Sweden already bans advertising to children, and its young people are as fat as those in comparable countries. Other moves, such as banning junk food from schools, might work better.

: The text explores whether governments should intervene in personal diets, such as banning junk food ads aimed at children, though evidence suggests such bans (e.g., in Sweden) have had limited success. Answer Key (Yes/No/Not Given) the worlds expanding waistline ielts reading answers

While medical interest is mentioned, the passage does not explicitly state that doctors should advise patients on weight loss as a specific requirement.

Fast food chains and supermarkets market heavily processed foods loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and fats. These foods are engineered to be hyper-palatable and are cheaper than fresh produce.

: The text discusses health professionals generally but does not explicitly state that doctors should provide advice.

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| Question | Answer | Explanation | |----------|--------------|-------------| | 1 | NO | The passage states that famine is “rarer” thanks to rising agricultural productivity population growth. Therefore, increasing population has not led to famine. | | 2 | YES | Obesity is called “the world’s biggest public‑health issue today” and is the main cause of heart disease, which kills more people than AIDS, malaria, war. | | 3 | NOT GIVEN | The passage mentions that “there is now agreement among doctors that governments should do something to help,” but it never says that doctors themselves should give advice on losing weight. | | 4 | YES | The writer argues that “dietary habits are established early in childhood” and that the state should ensure that young children do not “overdose on sugar.” | | 5 | YES | The writer clearly states that in insurance‑financed systems, “insurance companies should be able to charge fat people more because they cost more.” | | 6 | NOT GIVEN | The passage compares the addictive nature of nicotine and chocolate but never mentions whether overweight people should or should not smoke. | | 7 | NOT GIVEN | While Sweden already bans advertising to children, the writer says “it seems unlikely that it will have much effect” without presenting proof either way. | | 8 | YES | The writer concludes that “people have a choice of being sensible or silly” and that “people should choose, not governments,” supporting the right to eat as one wishes. | | 9 | agriculture | The increase in “agricultural productivity” is explicitly named as the reason famine has become rarer. | | 10 | public health | Obesity is described as “the most significant global public‑health concern.” | | 11 | safety / stability | The passage says “ensuring the safety and stability of the food supply is part of the state’s job.” Either word is acceptable. | | 12 | behaviour | The writer asks whether governments “should try to change people’s behaviour ” regarding food. | | 13 | better (eating) habits | The writer refers to “guiding them towards better eating habits .” The shorter phrase “better habits” also appears. | | 14 | (high) school | The argument is that intervention should occur when children are still at school – the passage specifically mentions “primary school” and “high school” later. | | 15 | (comparable) countries | The author notes that Sweden’s advertising ban has not reduced obesity; “its young people are as fat as those in comparable countries .” | | 16 | individuals | The cost of obesity‑related healthcare is currently paid by “everybody,” i.e., by individuals as a group. | | 17 | state | State‑financed health systems are contrasted with insurance‑financed ones. The passage explicitly mentions “state‑financed health system.” | | 18 | levy | The writer suggests “introduction of a levy ” (i.e., a tax) on unhealthy food as a possible solution. “Tax” could also be accepted, but “levy” is the word from the passage. | | 19 | freedom | The writer warns that taxing unhealthy food would be “too great an intrusion on liberty” – meaning an interference in personal freedom . |

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Obesity as a global epidemic, changing dietary habits, the shift from active to sedentary lifestyles, and the socio-economic factors driving poor nutrition.

Public-health responses include population-level policies and individual-level interventions. Policy measures that show promise are taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, restrictions on junk-food advertising to children, improved food labelling, and subsidies for healthy foods. Urban planning that promotes active transport and school-based nutrition and physical-activity programmes are also important. Don't spend too long on one question

Modern work and transport patterns reduce daily physical activity. More people work desk-based jobs, use motorised transport, and spend leisure time on screens. Built environments lacking safe walking or cycling infrastructure further discourage movement. The energy imbalance—calories consumed exceeding calories expended—drives weight gain across populations.

The following answers are based on the standard version of this reading passage found in resources like IELTSMaterial and Upgrad Abroad .

The IELTS reading passage The World's Expanding Waistline examines the global shift from food scarcity to an obesity epidemic. Below are the verified answers and explanations based on common versions of this test found on platforms like IELTSMaterial.com upGrad Abroad Answer Key & Explanations Explanation

This perspective is presented as a common counter-argument to state intervention. Conclusion Look for transition words like However ,

Currently, the additional healthcare costs for obesity are typically shared by the general public/society. Quick Tips for This Passage