IELTS Reading 2024 “The Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet”

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IELTS Reading:”The Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet“

A plant-based diet, which emphasizes the consumption of foods derived from plants, offers numerous benefits for both individual health and the environment. This dietary approach has gained significant popularity in recent years, as more people become aware of the potential health advantages and the positive impact it can have on the planet. In this essay, we will explore the various benefits of a plant-based diet, focusing on its effects on health, environmental sustainability, and ethical considerations.

One of the most compelling reasons to adopt a plant-based diet is its positive impact on health. Numerous studies have shown that plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The high levels of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains contribute to improved cardiovascular health and reduced inflammation.

Additionally, plant-based diets are typically lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, which are commonly found in animal products, leading to better management of blood pressure and cholesterol levels. For instance, a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that individuals who adhered to a plant-based diet had a 16% lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to those who consumed a diet high in animal products.

Another significant benefit of a plant-based diet is its role in promoting weight management and reducing obesity. Plant-based diets are generally lower in calories and higher in dietary fiber, which can help individuals feel full and satisfied without consuming excessive calories. This can lead to a natural reduction in calorie intake and support weight loss efforts. Moreover, research has shown that individuals who follow a plant-based diet tend to have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) compared to those who consume diets rich in animal products. This is particularly important given the global rise in obesity rates and the associated health risks, such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Beyond individual health benefits, a plant-based diet also offers substantial environmental advantages. The production of plant-based foods generally requires fewer natural resources, such as water and land, compared to the production of animal products. For example, it takes significantly less water to produce a kilogram of vegetables than it does to produce a kilogram of beef. Additionally, plant-based diets contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions. The livestock industry is a major contributor to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to global warming. By reducing the demand for animal products, a shift toward plant-based diets can help mitigate climate change and reduce the strain on the planet’s resources.

In addition to environmental sustainability, ethical considerations are another important factor driving the adoption of plant-based diets. Many people choose to follow a plant-based diet out of concern for animal welfare. The conditions in which many animals are raised for food production are often harsh and inhumane, with animals being kept in confined spaces and subjected to cruel practices. By choosing plant-based foods, individuals can reduce their participation in industries that contribute to animal suffering. This ethical stance is increasingly being recognized as an important aspect of conscientious consumption and has led to a growing movement toward more humane and sustainable food systems.

Furthermore, a plant-based diet can also promote greater food security and equitable distribution of resources. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food is expected to increase. However, the current agricultural system, which heavily relies on animal farming, is not sustainable in the long term. Producing plant-based foods is generally more efficient, as it requires fewer resources and can yield more food per unit of land. By shifting toward plant-based diets, we can potentially produce enough food to meet the nutritional needs of a growing population while minimizing the environmental impact.

While the benefits of a plant-based diet are clear, it is important to note that adopting this dietary approach requires careful planning to ensure that all nutritional needs are met. For instance, individuals following a plant-based diet should pay attention to their intake of essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are more commonly found in animal products. However, with proper planning and the inclusion of fortified foods or supplements, these nutrients can be adequately obtained from plant-based sources.

In conclusion, a plant-based diet offers a wide range of benefits, from improving individual health to promoting environmental sustainability and ethical food choices. As awareness of these advantages continues to grow, more people are likely to consider adopting a plant-based diet as a means of enhancing their well-being and contributing to a more sustainable and compassionate world. The shift toward plant-based eating is not just a personal choice; it is a step toward a healthier, more equitable, and environmentally friendly future.

Đề bài thi IELTS Reading

Multiple Choice (Câu hỏi trắc nghiệm)

1. What is one of the main reasons people choose a plant-based diet?
   • A) Cost savings
   • B) Taste preference
   • C) Health benefits
   • D) Availability of food
2. According to the passage, what do plant-based diets typically contain high levels of?
   • A) Protein
   • B) Fiber and antioxidants
   • C) Saturated fats
   • D) Cholesterol
3. What is a common characteristic of plant-based diets regarding saturated fats?
   • A) They are higher in saturated fats.
   • B) They are lower in saturated fats.
   • C) They contain the same amount of saturated fats as animal-based diets.
   • D) They do not contain any fats.
4. Which chronic disease is NOT mentioned as being reduced by a plant-based diet?
   • A) Heart disease
   • B) Diabetes
   • C) Alzheimer’s disease
   • D) Certain types of cancer
5. How does a plant-based diet affect body mass index (BMI)?
   • A) It tends to increase BMI.
   • B) It has no impact on BMI.
   • C) It tends to lower BMI.
   • D) It makes BMI fluctuate.
6. What environmental benefit is associated with a plant-based diet?
   • A) Increased water usage
   • B) Lower greenhouse gas emissions
   • C) Higher methane emissions
   • D) Increased land degradation
7. Why do some individuals choose a plant-based diet based on ethical considerations?
   • A) Concern for environmental sustainability
   • B) Concern for human health
   • C) Concern for animal welfare
   • D) Concern for food security
8. What does the passage suggest about the efficiency of producing plant-based foods?
   • A) It is less efficient than producing animal products.
   • B) It is more efficient and yields more food.
   • C) It is about the same as producing animal products.
   • D) It requires more land but less water.
9. Which nutrient is NOT mentioned as needing careful attention in a plant-based diet?
   • A) Vitamin B12
   • B) Iron
   • C) Omega-3 fatty acids
   • D) Vitamin D
10. What is the overall tone of the passage regarding plant-based diets?
    • A) Critical
    • B) Supportive
    • C) Neutral
    • D) Indifferent

True/False/Not Given

11. Plant-based diets are universally more expensive than animal-based diets.
    • True
    • False
    • Not Given
12. The passage states that a plant-based diet is the only way to manage blood pressure effectively.
    • True
    • False
    • Not Given
13. The passage mentions that plant-based diets help in curing heart diseases.
    • True
    • False
    • Not Given
14. The passage discusses the impact of plant-based diets on reducing global obesity rates.
    • True
    • False
    • Not Given
15. The passage states that the current agricultural system is sustainable for the long term.
    • True
    • False
    • Not Given

Yes/No/Not Given

16. The author believes that everyone should adopt a plant-based diet.
    • Yes
    • No
    • Not Given
17. The author suggests that the livestock industry is a minor contributor to climate change.
    • Yes
    • No
    • Not Given
18. The author considers animal welfare as a trivial aspect of choosing a plant-based diet.
    • Yes
    • No
    • Not Given
19. The author believes that plant-based diets require less planning than other diets.
    • Yes
    • No
    • Not Given
20. The author suggests that fortified foods or supplements can address nutrient deficiencies in a plant-based diet.
    • Yes
    • No
    • Not Given

Matching Information

21. Match the following points with the paragraphs in the passage:

• A) Ethical considerations of plant-based diets
• B) Impact on global food security
• C) Health benefits of plant-based diets
• D) Environmental impact of plant-based diets

Matching Headings

22. Match the following headings to the paragraphs in the passage:

• A) “Nutritional Challenges and Solutions”
• B) “Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet”
• C) “Environmental Sustainability and Food Production”
• D) “Ethical Reasons for Choosing Plant-Based Diets”

Matching Features

23. Match the following features with the correct aspect of a plant-based diet:

• A) Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
• B) Lowers cholesterol levels
• C) Promotes animal welfare
• D) Requires careful nutrient planning

Matching Sentence Endings

24. Match the sentence beginnings with the correct endings:

• 1. A plant-based diet can help reduce __________.
  • A) greenhouse gas emissions.
  • B) the need for supplements.
  • C) the risk of all diseases.
  • D) nutrient deficiencies.
• 2. People choose a plant-based diet to __________.
  • A) increase their calorie intake.
  • B) lower their BMI.
  • C) avoid ethical considerations.
  • D) reduce their fiber intake.

Sentence Completion

25. A plant-based diet is associated with lower levels of __________.
26. __________ is a major greenhouse gas contributor that is reduced by plant-based diets.
27. Plant-based diets are generally lower in calories and higher in __________.
28. Individuals following a plant-based diet should carefully monitor their intake of __________.

Summary Completion

29-32. Complete the summary below using words from the passage:

A plant-based diet is linked to several health benefits, including a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. These diets are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, and are typically lower in __________ (29). They also contribute to lower __________ (30) levels and better cardiovascular health. In addition to health benefits, plant-based diets have a positive impact on the environment by reducing __________ (31) emissions and requiring fewer __________ (32).

Short Answer Questions

33. What chronic diseases are associated with lower risks due to a plant-based diet?
34. How does a plant-based diet affect cholesterol levels?
35. What is a significant environmental benefit of a plant-based diet?
36. Why do some people choose a plant-based diet based on ethical reasons?
37. What nutrients need careful monitoring in a plant-based diet?
38. How can nutrient deficiencies in a plant-based diet be addressed?
39. What is one reason for the lower calorie intake in plant-based diets?
40. What does the author suggest about the efficiency of producing plant-based foods?

Đáp án bài thi IELTS Reading

Multiple Choice (Câu hỏi trắc nghiệm)

1. C) Health benefits
2. B) Fiber and antioxidants
3. B) They are lower in saturated fats.
4. C) Alzheimer’s disease
5. C) It tends to lower BMI.
6. B) Lower greenhouse gas emissions
7. C) Concern for animal welfare
8. B) It is more efficient and yields more food.
9. D) Vitamin D
10. B) Supportive

True/False/Not Given

11. False (Plant-based diets are often less expensive due to the lower cost of plant foods.)
12. False (The passage suggests it is effective, but not the only way.)
13. False (The passage mentions reducing the risk but not curing heart diseases.)
14. Not Given (The passage does not discuss global obesity rates.)
15. False (The passage suggests that the current agricultural system is not sustainable long-term.)

Yes/No/Not Given

16. Not Given (The author supports plant-based diets but does not state that everyone should adopt it.)
17. No (The author suggests the livestock industry is a major contributor to climate change.)
18. No (The author considers animal welfare as an important aspect.)
19. No (The passage indicates that careful planning is required for nutrient intake.)
20. Yes (The passage mentions that fortified foods or supplements can address nutrient deficiencies.)

Matching Information

• A) Ethical considerations of plant-based diets – Paragraph 5
• B) Impact on global food security – Paragraph 6
• C) Health benefits of plant-based diets – Paragraph 2
• D) Environmental impact of plant-based diets – Paragraph 4

Matching Headings

• A) “Nutritional Challenges and Solutions” – Paragraph 3
• B) “Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet” – Paragraph 2
• C) “Environmental Sustainability and Food Production” – Paragraph 4
• D) “Ethical Reasons for Choosing Plant-Based Diets” – Paragraph 5

Matching Features

• A) Reduces greenhouse gas emissions – Environmental impact
• B) Lowers cholesterol levels – Health benefit
• C) Promotes animal welfare – Ethical consideration
• D) Requires careful nutrient planning – Nutritional challenge

Matching Sentence Endings

• 1. A plant-based diet can help reduce __________.
  • A) greenhouse gas emissions.
• 2. People choose a plant-based diet to __________.
  • B) lower their BMI.

Sentence Completion

25. saturated fats
26. methane
27. fiber
28. Vitamin B12

Summary Completion

29-32.

• (29) saturated fats
• (30) cholesterol
• (31) greenhouse gas
• (32) resources

Short Answer Questions

33. Heart disease, diabetes, certain types of cancer
34. It lowers cholesterol levels.
35. Lower greenhouse gas emissions
36. Concern for animal welfare
37. Vitamin B12, Iron, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D
38. By using fortified foods or supplements
39. Due to being lower in saturated fats and higher in fiber
40. It is more efficient and yields more food.

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