Do think leisure time, or free time is actually important? Why? And what does leisure time look like all around the world? Would you try some of these activities? Read more to find out while you practice your reading skills!
CITIZEN'S REPORT
ISSUE #1 | LEVEL B1 | Lifestyle
April 5th, 2022
VOCABULARY
Are you familiar with these words and phrases?
Make sure you understand some keywords in the text first with this vocabulary exercise!
(pv.) take part in
(coll.) cultural background
(coll.) reduce stress
(coll.) social connections
(coll.) physical fitness
(adj.) essential
➡️Rephrase It!! Now, can you rephrase these sentences with the target vocabulary?
take part in
cultural background
reduce stress
social connections
physical fitness
essential
Joining a sports team or a club can help you build relationships with people.
I often join group fitness classes at my gym.
Taking a break and listening to music usually helps me feel more relaxed.
The country I am from and how I grеw up definitely influences the food I like to eat.
Swimming and cycling can improve your health and make you stronger.
Drinking enough water is very important for your health.
➡️ Use it! Now practicing using the target vocabulary by answering the questions.
What do you do to reduce stress in your life?
How have your hobbies and leisure activities helped you build social connections?
Share a time when you took part in an new activity.. What was it like?
What special things do you do that are part of your cultural background?
READING
How important is leisure time?
Read the text aloud and focus on your pronunciation🗣️.
Paragraph 1
Some of the most common leisure activities around the world include: watching TV or movies, listening to music, reading books or magazines, socialising with friends or family, outdoor activities and even gaming. Of course depending on where you're from that list might include things like:
Tea Ceremonies (Japan🇯🇵) Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies are a unique cultural experience involving the preparation and consumption of matcha tea.
Bullfighting (Spain🇪🇸) Bullfighting is a traditional show in Spain, although many people criticize the sport because they say it's harmful to the animals.
Tango Dancing (Argentina🇦🇷) Tango dancing is an iconic part of Argentine culture, with dedicated tango clubs and festivals. Tango dancing can take years to perfect and is very physical.
Maasai Jumping Dance (Kenya/Tanzania🇰🇪)
The Maasai tribe in East Africa performs a unique jumping dance as a cultural ritual and leisure activity.
Ice Swimming (Russia and Nordic Countries🇷🇺🇮🇸🇸🇪🇫🇮) Swimming in icy waters is a unique leisure activity in regions with colder weather. People do it for health reasons such as treating depression, boosting the immune system and of course for adrenaline rushes.
Paragraph 2
However, it's important to understand that the popularity of leisure activities can be different depending on things like cultural background, age, gender, and personal interests.
Let's take Italy for example, the country known for its wine, and where wine tasting is a regular part of life. While this is completely acceptable in Italy, and most other
European countries, it may not be okay in places where religion doesn't allow alcohol consumption.
Paragraph 3
Taking part in leisure activities is important for keeping good health and well-being. It can reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase physical fitness. Engaging in activities that we enjoy releases endorphins (happy chemicals) which can increase our mood and lessen anxiety. Participating in leisure activities can also lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Regular physical activity can help us keep a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing illnesses.
Paragraph 4
Also, taking part in leisure activities can help promote social connections and improve our relationships with others. This can help us feel like we belong to a community, which is important for our well-being. Activities such as sports, group fitness classes, and social clubs give opportunities to meet new people and make new friends.
In short, no matter where you're from, it seems leisure activities are an important part of how we socialise and how we can have a healthy lifestyle!
Comprehension Questions
A Match the titles with the correct paragraph (eg. paragraph 1)
The Role of Leisure Activities in Health and Well-Being
The Effect of Cultural Background and Personal Interests on Leisure Activities
Common Leisure Activities Around the World
Leisure Activities as a way to make social connection
2 Read these statements and decide if they are true or false according to the text.
Listening to music and watching movies are some of the most common leisure activities around the world.
Everyone enjoys the same leisure activities no matter their cultural background and personal interests.
Participating in leisure activities can help reduce stress and improve mental health.
Leisure activities do not play a role in forming social connections and improving relationships.
Regular physical activity can lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Taking part in leisure activities does not help physical and mental
health.
DICUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What leisure activities did you enjoy as a child?
2. How do you think your cultural background affects your choices of leisure time?
3. Do you think the leisure time activities you do affect your health? How?
"I would like to try ice swimming." Do you agree with this statement?
Absolutely Not 😑
Maybe 🤔
Sure, why not. 👍🏽
Tell your tutor why you voted the way you did!
Book a session with a tutor and start practicing your conversation skills.
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