Reading: Health and a Healthy Lifestyle Grade: 8 Topic: Health Level: Pre-intermediate (A2–B1) Reading Text: The Secrets of a Healthy Life Nowadays, many teenagers have busy lives. They go to school, do homework, spend time with friends, and often use their phones for several hours a day. However, it is important to take care of our health if we want to feel energetic and happy. One of the best ways to stay healthy is to have a balanced diet. Our bodies need different nutrients to work properly. Fruit and vegetables provide vitamins, while foods such as eggs, fish, and beans contain protein. Eating too much fast food, sugary snacks, and drinking too many fizzy drinks can cause health problems over time. Physical activity is another important part of a healthy lifestyle. Teenagers should try to exercise regularly. They can play football, ride a bicycle, swim, or simply walk to school. Exercise strengthens muscles, improves mood, and helps people manage stress. Sleep is just as important as food and exercise. Teenagers generally need 8–10 hours of sleep every night. Unfortunately, many students stay up late using their phones or playing video games. As a result, they may feel tired and find it difficult to concentrate in class. Mental health is also important. Schoolwork, exams, and personal problems can sometimes make teenagers feel stressed. Talking to a trusted friend, parent, or teacher can help. Taking breaks, enjoying hobbies, and spending time outdoors are also useful ways to relax. In conclusion, staying healthy does not require making huge changes overnight. Eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and looking after our mental health can help us build a healthier and happier future. Task 1. True or False Read the text and write True (T) or False (F). • Teenagers often have busy daily routines. • Our bodies need only carbohydrates to work properly. • Eating too much fast food may cause health problems. • Physical activity can help people manage stress. • Teenagers need only five hours of sleep every night. • Using phones late at night may make students tired. • Mental health is less important than physical health. • Talking to a trusted person can help teenagers deal with stress. • People must make huge changes immediately to become healthy. • Spending time outdoors can help people relax. Task 2. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) Choose the correct answer: A, B, C, or D. 1. What is the main purpose of the text? A) To explain how to become a professional athlete B) To describe the importance of a healthy lifestyle C) To explain why teenagers dislike school D) To compare different kinds of food 2. Which foods are mentioned as sources of protein? A) Sweets and chocolate B) Apples and oranges C) Eggs, fish, and beans D) Fizzy drinks and chips 3. What is one benefit of regular exercise? A) It makes people more stressed. B) It improves mood. C) It reduces the need for sleep. D) It prevents people from studying. 4. How much sleep do teenagers generally need each night? A) 4–5 hours B) 5–6 hours C) 6–7 hours D) 8–10 hours 5. Why may students find it difficult to concentrate in class? A) They eat vegetables. B) They walk to school. C) They do not get enough sleep. D) They spend time outdoors. 6. Which of the following can help teenagers manage stress? A) Keeping every problem secret B) Talking to a trusted person C) Avoiding all physical activity D) Staying awake all night 7. What does the word “nutritious” mean in the text? A) Containing substances that are good for health B) Very expensive C) Difficult to prepare D) Containing too much sugar 8. What is the author’s final message? A) Only adults need to care about their health. B) Exercise is the only way to stay healthy. C) Small healthy habits can improve our lives. D) Teenagers should never use mobile phones.