Read the following text and complete the tasks that follow : 15 It’s not cool to be fat, but that hasn’t stopped an epidemic from occurring among young Americans. Childhood obesity increased from 5%…

Model Answer: NEB Class 12 English (Eng) – 2080 (15 Marks)

---

Task 1: Answer the following questions based on the text. (5 × 2 = 10 marks)

a) What is the main reason for the rise in childhood obesity in America?

The main reason for the rise in childhood obesity in America is a combination of sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits. The text states that children spend five to six hours a day engaged in passive activities such as watching TV, using computers, and playing video games. Additionally, they are exposed to aggressive advertising for fast food and high-fat, high-sugar meals, which contributes to poor eating habits. The lack of physical activity and unhealthy food choices together lead to obesity.

---

b) What are the health risks associated with childhood obesity?

Childhood obesity poses several severe health risks, particularly the early development of type 2 diabetes (adult-onset diabetes), which was previously rare in children. Other associated health risks include:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Stroke
• Limb amputations
• Blindness

These conditions significantly reduce the quality of life and life expectancy of affected individuals, especially if left untreated.

---

c) How can parents help prevent childhood obesity?

Parents can play a crucial role in preventing childhood obesity by:

1. Setting limits on screen time – Pediatricians recommend restricting children to one or two hours a day combined for TV and computer use.
2. Encouraging physical activity – Parents should ensure that children engage in outdoor activities such as running, jumping, and team sports to maintain a healthy weight.
3. Promoting a balanced diet – Limiting junk food, fast food, and sugary snacks while encouraging fruits, vegetables, and whole foods can help prevent obesity.
4. Being role models – Parents should lead by example by maintaining an active lifestyle and making healthy food choices themselves.

---

d) What is the role of advertising in childhood obesity?

Advertising plays a significant role in childhood obesity by bombarding children with highly effective commercials for fast food, sugary snacks, and unhealthy meals. These advertisements create a strong desire for such foods, leading to poor eating habits. Since children are more vulnerable to marketing influences, excessive exposure to fast-food ads contributes to increased consumption of unhealthy foods, which is a major factor in the rising obesity rates.

---

e) Why is it important to prevent childhood obesity?

Preventing childhood obesity is crucial because:

• It reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
• It improves overall health and well-being, leading to a better quality of life.
• It increases life expectancy by preventing early-onset health complications.
• It sets a foundation for lifelong healthy habits, helping children grow into healthy adults.
• It lowers healthcare costs associated with treating obesity-related diseases.

---

Task 2: Rewrite the following sentences using the words given in brackets. (5 × 1 = 5 marks)

a) Childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate. (worse) → Childhood obesity is getting worse at an alarming rate.

b) Children spend too much time on sedentary activities. (excessive) → Children spend excessive time on sedentary activities.

c) Fast food advertisements are highly effective. (powerful) → Fast food advertisements are powerful.

d) Obesity can lead to serious health problems. (result) → Obesity can result in serious health problems.

e) Parents should encourage their children to play outdoors. (outdoor) → Parents should encourage their children to engage in outdoor activities.

---

Task 3: Find the words from the text that mean the following. (5 × 1 = 5 marks)

a) A disease that spreads quickly among a large number of people (epidemic) → Epidemic

b) Sitting for long periods without much movement (sedentary) → Sedentary

c) Overwhelmed with too much information or influence (bombarded) → Bombarded

d) Very frightening (scary) → Scary

e) Advised or suggested (recommend) → Recommend

---

Additional Practice Questions (For Better Understanding)

1. Differentiate between sedentary activities and physical activities.

---

2. Write a short paragraph (100-150 words) on the importance of physical activity in preventing childhood obesity.

The Importance of Physical Activity in Preventing Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity has become a major health concern worldwide, with sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits being the primary causes. Engaging in regular physical activity is essential in preventing obesity because it helps burn excess calories, maintain a healthy weight, and improve overall fitness. Activities such as running, swimming, cycling, and team sports not only keep children active but also enhance cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and boost mental well-being. Additionally, physical exercise helps reduce stress and improve concentration, making children more energetic and focused. Parents and schools should encourage outdoor play and limit screen time to ensure children develop healthy habits early in life. By promoting an active lifestyle, we can combat childhood obesity and ensure a healthier future for the next generation.

---

Body

Firstly, parents should **limit screen time** and encourage outdoor activities. The text highlights that children spend **five to six hours a day** on passive activities like watching TV and playing video games. Pediatricians recommend restricting screen time to **one or two hours a day** to ensure children engage in physical play. Parents can organize sports, cycling, or walking to keep their chi

Secondly, parents must **monitor their children’s diet**. Fast food advertisements heavily influence children, leading them to crave unhealthy meals. Parents should **provide nutritious meals**, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while **limiting junk food and sugary snacks**. Setting a good example by eating healthily themselves can also motivate children to make better food choices.

Finally, parents should **educate their children about the dangers of obesity**. Explaining how poor health habits can lead to serious diseases like diabetes and heart problems can encourage children to take responsibility for their well-being. Schools and communities can also support parents by offering **health workshops and fitness programs** to reinforce healthy living.