Read the following passage about the urban shift and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

Obesity is a complex health issue characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat, which poses significant risks to an individual’s physical and mental well-being. It is generally measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI), where a BMI of 30 or higher indicates obesity. This condition is not merely a result of personal choice; rather, it is influenced by a myriad of factors including genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices. As the global prevalence of obesity continues to rise, it is crucial to understand its underlying causes and far-reaching consequences.

Obesity is caused by a complex interplay of genetic factors and environmental influences. For instance, individuals with a family history of obesity may possess genes that affect how their bodies regulate hunger and metabolism. In addition to genetic factors, the modern environment - characterized by the proliferation of fast food outlets, sedentary lifestyles, and the pervasive use of technology - significantly contributes to unhealthy weight gain. Furthermore, socio-economic factors play a pivotal role, as low-income individuals may have limited access to nutritious foods and safe spaces for physical activity.

[I] It is a leading risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. [II] Additionally, obesity can adversely impact mental health, leading to issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem due to societal stigma. [Ш] The economic burden associated with obesity is also substantial, with increased healthcare costs and lost productivity posing significant challenges to both individuals and healthcare systems. [IV]

A holistic approach involving individuals, communities, and governments is essential to address the obesity crisis. At the individual level, adopting healthier dietary habits and increasing physical activity are essential steps for weight management. On a community scale, creating supportive environments—such as safe parks, accessible recreational facilities, and educational programs—can empower individuals to make healthier choices. All in all, comprehensive policy measures, including regulations on food marketing and subsidies for healthy foods, are imperative to foster an environment conducive to maintaining a healthy weight and improving public health outcomes.
 

Question 31. Where in paragraph 3 does the following sentence best fit?

The health implications of obesity are profound and wide-ranging, affecting nearly every system in the body.

A. [I]                           B. [II]                          С. [Ш]                        D. [IV]

Question 32. The phrase conducive to in paragraph 4 could be best replaced by ___.

A. harmless to             B. indifferent to          C. detrimental to             D. beneficial to

Question 33. The word its in paragraph 1 refers to ___.

A. personal choice      B. environment           C. global prevalence             D. obesity

Question 34. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a cause of obesity in the passage?

A. genetic factors                                            B. medical conditions      

C. technology use                                           D. fast food outlets

Question 35. Which of the following best summarises paragraph 4?

A. Addressing obesity requires individual responsibility and community support, focusing on dietary changes and physical activity.
B. Individual actions are the only solution to the obesity epidemic, as community and governmental initiatives have little impact.
C. Preventing obesity is solely the responsibility of healthcare providers, who have to implement more strict regulations on food consumption.
D. Comprehensive policy measures are unnecessary, as most obesity-related issues can be resolved through personal lifestyle changes alone.

Question 36. The word pervasive in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ___.

A. universal                 B. limited                    C. common                 D. irritating

Question 37. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Comprehensive policy measures are unnecessary if individuals adopt healthier dietary habits and increase physical activity.
B. The economic burden of obesity is minimal and has no significant impact on healthcare systems.
C. Creating supportive environments in communities is not considered an effective strategy for combating obesity.
D. Those with a familial background of obesity could carry genetic characteristics that impact their hunger levels and metabolic rates.

Question 38. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. To confront the obesity challenge, a united effort among individuals, local communities, and governmental organizations is necessary.
B. Not until individuals, communities, and governments collaborate will the obesity crisis be properly concealed.
C. Only by working separately can individuals, communities, and governments effectively address the obesity crisis.
D. It is crucial to adopt a fragmented approach that focuses solely on personal responsibility to tackle the obesity problem.

Question 39. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. The global obesity crisis can be resolved through medical interventions alone.

B. Mental health issues related to obesity are less significant than the physical health risks.
C. Community efforts, such as providing safe parks and educational programs, can support healthier living.
D. Obesity primarily affects high-income individuals with access to fast food and technology.

Question 40. Which of the following best summarises the passage?