EnglishNEB 2080
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%…
15Read 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% in 1964 to about 13% in 1994. Today it is about 20%, and rising. Children, on average, spend five to six hours a day involved in sedentary activities like watching TV, using the computer, and playing video games, which is partly to blame for this rising rate. Maybe it would not matter if they were active enough at other times, but most of them are not. To make matters worse, children are bombarded with television advertisements for fast food chains and other providers of high-fat, high-sugar meals and snacks. These highly effective advertising campaigns, combined with a physically inactive lifestyle, have produced a generation of children who are at high risk for medical conditions associated with obesity. The main health threat is the early development of type 2 diabetes (adult onset), particularly in children with a family history of the disease. Doctors report an increase in the number of young adolescents developing type 2 diabetes, which can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, stroke, limb amputations, and blindness. People who develop diabetes in adolescence face a decreased quality of life and a shorter life expectancy, particularly if the disease progresses without treatment. It is a scary prospect for our children, but in many cases, obesity and diabetes are preventable. When kids spend most of their free time sitting in front of TVs and computers, they are not outside running, jumping, or participating in team sports that would keep their weight down. Parents should set limits on the time their children spend in passive activities. Pediatricians recommend restricting children to one or two hours a day in front of the TV and computer combined,
Answer
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 cause of childhood obesity in young Americans?
The main cause of childhood obesity in young Americans is a combination of sedentary lifestyles and poor 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 high-fat, high-sugar fast foods, which contributes significantly to their unhealthy eating patterns.
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 (formerly known as adult-onset diabetes). This condition can lead to:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Stroke
- Limb amputations
- Blindness
Children with obesity and diabetes face a reduced quality of life and a shorter life expectancy if the disease remains untreated.
c) What measures can parents take to prevent childhood obesity?
Parents can take the following preventive measures to combat childhood obesity:
- Limit screen time: Pediatricians recommend restricting children to one or two hours a day combined in front of TVs and computers.
- Encourage physical activity: Children should be motivated to engage in outdoor activities such as running, jumping, and team sports.
- Promote a balanced diet: Parents should ensure that children consume nutritious meals and avoid excessive fast food and sugary snacks.
- Set a good example: Parents should lead by example by maintaining an active lifestyle and eating healthily themselves.
d) How do advertisements contribute to childhood obesity?
Advertisements play a significant role in promoting unhealthy eating habits among children. The text mentions that children are "bombarded" with TV ads for fast food chains and high-fat, high-sugar meals. These highly effective advertising campaigns influence children to prefer junk food over nutritious meals, leading to poor dietary choices and contributing to obesity.
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 longer and healthier life.
- It enhances physical fitness and self-esteem in children.
- It prevents long-term health complications that can affect quality of life and life expectancy.
Task 2: Rewrite the following sentences using the words given in the brackets. (5 × 1 = 5 marks)
a) Childhood obesity is increasing rapidly. (alarming)
Childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate.
b) Children spend too much time watching TV. (excessive)
Children spend excessive time watching TV.
c) Fast food is harmful to health. (detrimental)
Fast food is detrimental to health.
d) Parents should encourage their children to play outdoor games. (outdoor)
Parents should encourage their children to engage in outdoor games.
e) Obesity can lead to serious health problems. (complications)
Obesity can lead to serious health complications.
Task 3: Find the words from the text that match the following meanings. (5 × 1 = 5 marks)
| Meaning | Word from the Text |
|---|---|
| A sudden increase in a disease | Epidemic |
| Sitting for long periods without much movement | Sedentary |
| Overwhelmed with advertisements | Bombarded |
| Effective in producing a desired result | Effective |
| Causing fear or anxiety | Scary |
Task 4: Answer the following question in about 150 words. (5 marks)
How can schools help in reducing childhood obesity?
Schools play a vital role in reducing childhood obesity by implementing health-promoting policies and educational programs. Some effective strategies include:
- Physical Education Programs: Schools should ensure regular physical activity through structured PE classes, sports, and outdoor games.
- Healthy School Meals: Providing nutritious meals and snacks in school cafeterias can prevent children from consuming junk food.
- Awareness Campaigns: Schools can organize workshops and seminars on healthy eating habits and the dangers of obesity.
- Limiting Screen Time: Schools can encourage reduced screen time by promoting reading, sports, and other active hobbies.
- Parent-Teacher Collaboration: Schools should work with parents to monitor and improve children’s dietary and exercise habits.
By adopting these measures, schools can create a healthier environment and help combat childhood obesity effectively.
Firstly, schools can promote **physical activity** through structured PE classes, sports, and outdoor games. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces obesity risks.
Secondly, schools should provide **nutritious meals** in cafeterias, ensuring that children consume balanced diets rather than relying on fast food.
Thirdly, **health education programs** can raise awareness about the dangers of obesity and the importance of healthy eating.
Finally, schools should collaborate with parents to **monitor and improve** children’s lifestyle habits, ensuring a holistic approach to preventing obesity.
Discussion
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