Đề thi IELTS Reading có tiêu đề “Urbanization and Its Effects on Health”
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IELTS Reading: “Urbanization and Its Effects on Health”
Urbanization, the process by which an increasing proportion of a population lives in cities and urban areas, has been a defining trend of the 21st century. While it has been associated with economic growth, improved infrastructure, and better access to services, the rapid and often unplanned expansion of cities has also led to significant public health challenges. These challenges are multifaceted, affecting both physical and mental health, and are driven by a complex interplay of factors such as environmental pollution, lifestyle changes, and social inequalities.
One of the most direct effects of urbanization on health is the increased exposure to environmental pollutants. Cities, especially those in developing countries, often struggle with high levels of air and water pollution. Industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and the burning of fossil fuels contribute to poor air quality, which is a major risk factor for respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, water pollution resulting from inadequate waste management systems can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. The concentration of pollutants in urban areas, coupled with the high population density, exacerbates the spread of these diseases, putting a significant strain on public health systems.
The urban environment also contributes to lifestyle changes that can negatively impact health. The sedentary lifestyle that is common in cities, driven by the widespread use of motor vehicles and the prevalence of desk-bound jobs, is linked to a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Urbanization often brings about changes in dietary patterns as well, with a shift towards the consumption of processed foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt. These dietary changes, combined with reduced physical activity, create a perfect storm for the development of NCDs, which are now the leading cause of death globally.
In addition to physical health, urbanization has profound effects on mental health. The fast-paced and often stressful nature of city life, along with social isolation and the breakdown of traditional community structures, can lead to a rise in mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The lack of green spaces and recreational areas in many urban environments further exacerbates these issues, as they limit opportunities for physical activity and relaxation, which are crucial for maintaining mental well-being. Moreover, the social inequalities that are often starkly visible in urban areas can contribute to feelings of frustration and hopelessness, particularly among disadvantaged populations.
Urbanization also poses challenges to the provision of healthcare services. The rapid growth of cities can outpace the development of healthcare infrastructure, leading to overcrowded and underfunded health facilities. This situation is particularly acute in informal settlements, where access to healthcare is often severely limited. The concentration of people in urban areas can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, as seen in the rapid transmission of diseases such as COVID-19 in densely populated cities. Moreover, the demand for healthcare services in urban areas is typically higher than in rural areas due to the higher prevalence of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, putting additional pressure on healthcare systems.
Despite these challenges, urbanization also presents opportunities for improving public health. Cities, with their dense populations and infrastructure, can serve as hubs for health innovation and the delivery of healthcare services. The concentration of resources in urban areas can facilitate the development of specialized healthcare facilities and the implementation of public health interventions. For example, urban areas are often the first to benefit from new technologies such as telemedicine, which can improve access to healthcare for underserved populations. Moreover, the diversity and dynamism of urban populations can drive public health campaigns that promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles.
In conclusion, while urbanization has brought about significant economic and social benefits, it also poses substantial challenges to public health. The effects of urbanization on health are complex and multifaceted, involving both environmental and lifestyle factors. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes improving environmental conditions, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services. By doing so, it is possible to harness the potential of urbanization to improve public health outcomes, rather than allowing it to exacerbate existing health inequalities.
Đề bài thi IELTS Reading
Multiple Choice (10 câu)
- What is one of the most direct effects of urbanization on health?
- A) Increased access to healthcare services
- B) Increased exposure to environmental pollutants
- C) Improved mental health
- D) Decreased risk of non-communicable diseases
- Which disease is NOT mentioned as being linked to air pollution?
- A) Asthma
- B) Bronchitis
- C) Diabetes
- D) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- What lifestyle change in urban areas contributes to non-communicable diseases?
- A) Increased physical activity
- B) Increased consumption of fresh foods
- C) Sedentary lifestyle
- D) Reduction in industrial activities
- How does the author describe the impact of urbanization on mental health?
- A) Urbanization significantly reduces mental health issues.
- B) Urbanization has no effect on mental health.
- C) Urbanization contributes to mental health disorders.
- D) Urbanization promotes better mental well-being.
- What factor is cited as a cause of waterborne diseases in urban areas?
- A) Industrial activities
- B) Poor waste management systems
- C) High population density
- D) Lack of dietary changes
- What is one of the advantages of urbanization mentioned in the passage?
- A) Decreased healthcare costs
- B) Lower levels of air pollution
- C) Improved infrastructure for health services
- D) Reduced social inequalities
- Which of the following is NOT a challenge posed by urbanization?
- A) Overcrowded healthcare facilities
- B) Spread of infectious diseases
- C) Increased physical activity
- D) Limited access to green spaces
- What is one opportunity that urbanization provides for public health?
- A) Rapid spread of infectious diseases
- B) Development of specialized healthcare facilities
- C) Increased environmental pollution
- D) Decline in non-communicable diseases
- Which of the following statements about urbanization is true according to the passage?
- A) Urbanization solely leads to negative health outcomes.
- B) Urbanization has no impact on healthcare access.
- C) Urbanization offers both challenges and opportunities for health.
- D) Urbanization always improves environmental conditions.
- What is a suggested approach to address the health challenges of urbanization?
- A) Increasing sedentary lifestyle habits
- B) Promoting healthy lifestyles and ensuring equitable healthcare access
- C) Reducing access to healthcare services
- D) Ignoring the effects of pollution
True/False/Not Given (5 câu)
- The passage states that urbanization has only negative effects on health.
- True
- False
- Not Given
- Mental health disorders are mentioned as being on the rise due to the breakdown of traditional community structures.
- True
- False
- Not Given
- The passage suggests that all cities have the same level of air pollution.
- True
- False
- Not Given
- Urbanization has led to increased physical activity among city dwellers.
- True
- False
- Not Given
- The author claims that the healthcare facilities in rural areas are generally better than those in urban areas.
- True
- False
- Not Given
Yes/No/Not Given (5 câu)
- Does the author believe that urbanization presents opportunities for public health improvement?
- Yes
- No
- Not Given
- Is the lack of green spaces mentioned as a contributor to physical health problems?
- Yes
- No
- Not Given
- Does the passage indicate that waterborne diseases are only a problem in developing countries?
- Yes
- No
- Not Given
- Is the author optimistic about the potential of urbanization to reduce health inequalities?
- Yes
- No
- Not Given
- Does the author mention that technological advancements in urban areas can help improve public health?
- Yes
- No
- Not Given
Matching Information (5 câu)
- Match the paragraph with the information it contains:
- A) Environmental pollution as a direct effect of urbanization
- B) The impact of lifestyle changes on health in urban areas
- C) The mental health challenges associated with urban life
- D) Opportunities for improving public health through urbanization
- E) Challenges to healthcare provision in rapidly growing cities
- Match the paragraph with the health effects discussed:
- A) Respiratory diseases
- B) Non-communicable diseases
- C) Waterborne diseases
- D) Mental health disorders
- E) Infectious diseases
Matching Headings (5 câu)
- Match the heading to the paragraph:
- A) “The Double-Edged Sword of Urbanization”
- B) “Environmental Pollution and Public Health”
- C) “Urbanization and the Rise of Non-Communicable Diseases”
- D) “The Mental Health Impact of City Life”
- E) “Opportunities for Health Innovation in Urban Areas”
Matching Features (2 câu)
- Match the characteristics with the relevant aspects discussed:
- A) Urban lifestyle
- B) Environmental pollution
- C) Healthcare services
- D) Social inequalities
- Match the consequences with the causes:
- A) Mental health disorders
- B) Spread of infectious diseases
- C) Development of non-communicable diseases
- D) Waterborne diseases
Matching Sentence Endings (2 câu)
- Complete the sentence:
- Urbanization has led to increased exposure to environmental pollutants, which…
- A) increases the risk of respiratory diseases.
- B) reduces the prevalence of mental health issues.
- C) promotes physical activity.
- D) eliminates social inequalities.
- Complete the sentence:
- The rapid growth of cities often results in…
- A) better access to healthcare for all.
- B) improved mental well-being.
- C) overcrowded health facilities.
- D) decreased incidence of non-communicable diseases.
Sentence Completion (3 câu)
- Urbanization is associated with both __________ and significant public health challenges.
- A) economic growth
- B) reduced healthcare costs
- C) decreased population density
- D) increased green spaces
- The fast-paced nature of city life can contribute to the rise of __________.
- A) respiratory diseases
- B) mental health disorders
- C) non-communicable diseases
- D) waterborne diseases
- The author suggests that addressing the health challenges of urbanization requires a __________ approach.
- A) passive
- B) comprehensive
- C) selective
- D) traditional
Summary Completion (2 câu)
- Urbanization leads to increased __________ and lifestyle changes that negatively impact health. Cities are often plagued by high levels of air and water pollution, which contribute to various diseases such as __________.
- A) economic growth, mental health disorders
- B) environmental pollution, respiratory diseases
- C) social inequalities, cardiovascular diseases
- D) healthcare services, infectious diseases
- In urban areas, the demand for healthcare is higher due to the prevalence of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, often resulting in __________. Despite these challenges, urbanization also offers opportunities for improving public health through the development of __________.
- A) increased green spaces, specialized healthcare facilities
- B) overcrowded facilities, specialized healthcare facilities
- C) reduced mental health issues, telemedicine
- D) improved physical activity, better diets
Short Answer Questions (3 câu)
- What is one of the main causes of waterborne diseases in urban areas?
- Answer: __________
- How does urbanization contribute to the rise of non-communicable diseases?
- Answer: __________
- What is a major risk factor for respiratory diseases in urban areas?
- Answer: __________
Diagram Label Completion (3 câu)
- Complete the labels for the following diagram based on the passage:
- Environmental Pollution → Causes → (A) __________ → Health Impact → (B) __________
- Urban Lifestyle → Leads to → (C) __________ → Health Outcome → (D) __________
True/False/Not Given (3 câu)
- The author claims that urbanization has led to the complete eradication of waterborne diseases in some cities.
- True
- False
- Not Given
- The passage states that urbanization has increased the demand for traditional community structures.
- True
- False
- Not Given
- The author argues that urbanization has resulted in universal access to specialized healthcare facilities.
- True
- False
- Not Given
Matching Headings (1 câu)
- Match the heading to the correct section:
- “Challenges in Urban Healthcare Provision” (Select from given paragraphs)
Đáp án bài thi IELTS Reading
Multiple Choice
- B) Increased exposure to environmental pollutants
- C) Diabetes
- C) Sedentary lifestyle
- C) Urbanization contributes to mental health disorders
- B) Poor waste management systems
- C) Improved infrastructure for health services
- C) Increased physical activity
- B) Development of specialized healthcare facilities
- C) Urbanization offers both challenges and opportunities for health
- B) Promoting healthy lifestyles and ensuring equitable healthcare access
True/False/Not Given
- False (The passage discusses both positive and negative effects of urbanization on health.)
- True
- Not Given (The passage does not compare pollution levels in different cities.)
- False (The passage mentions a sedentary lifestyle as a common issue in urban areas.)
- False (The passage suggests that healthcare in urban areas faces challenges, but does not claim rural healthcare is better.)
Yes/No/Not Given
- Yes (The author acknowledges opportunities for public health improvement in urban areas.)
- No (Lack of green spaces is linked to mental health, not directly to physical health.)
- No (The passage mentions waterborne diseases in urban areas, not just in developing countries.)
- Yes (The author discusses addressing health inequalities as part of a comprehensive approach.)
- Yes (The passage mentions telemedicine as a potential improvement in urban healthcare.)
Matching Information
- A) Environmental pollution as a direct effect of urbanization → Paragraph 2
- B) The impact of lifestyle changes on health in urban areas → Paragraph 3
- C) The mental health challenges associated with urban life → Paragraph 4
- D) Opportunities for improving public health through urbanization → Paragraph 6
- E) Challenges to healthcare provision in rapidly growing cities → Paragraph 5
- A) Respiratory diseases → Paragraph 2
- B) Non-communicable diseases → Paragraph 3
- C) Waterborne diseases → Paragraph 2
- D) Mental health disorders → Paragraph 4
- E) Infectious diseases → Paragraph 5
Matching Headings
- A) “The Double-Edged Sword of Urbanization” → Paragraph 1
- B) “Environmental Pollution and Public Health” → Paragraph 2
- C) “Urbanization and the Rise of Non-Communicable Diseases” → Paragraph 3
- D) “The Mental Health Impact of City Life” → Paragraph 4
- E) “Opportunities for Health Innovation in Urban Areas” → Paragraph 6
Matching Features
- A) Urban lifestyle → Sedentary behavior, changes in diet
- B) Environmental pollution → Air and water pollution
- C) Healthcare services → Overcrowded facilities, specialized healthcare
- D) Social inequalities → Mental health issues, frustration
- A) Mental health disorders → Stressful city life, social isolation
- B) Spread of infectious diseases → High population density, poor healthcare infrastructure
- C) Development of non-communicable diseases → Sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet
- D) Waterborne diseases → Inadequate waste management, pollution
Matching Sentence Endings
- Urbanization has led to increased exposure to environmental pollutants, which… A) increases the risk of respiratory diseases.
- The rapid growth of cities often results in… C) overcrowded health facilities.
Sentence Completion
- A) economic growth
- B) mental health disorders
- B) comprehensive
Summary Completion
- B) environmental pollution, respiratory diseases
- B) overcrowded facilities, specialized healthcare facilities
Short Answer Questions
- Poor waste management systems
- Through a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet
- Air pollution
Diagram Label Completion
- A) Industrial activities, vehicular emissions
- B) Respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, COPD)
- C) Sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet
- D) Non-communicable diseases (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular diseases)
True/False/Not Given
- False (The passage does not claim the eradication of waterborne diseases in cities.)
- False (The passage does not indicate an increased demand for traditional community structures.)
- Not Given (The passage does not claim universal access to specialized healthcare.)
Matching Headings
- Challenges in Urban Healthcare Provision → Paragraph 5
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