Cue Card

Describe an article about health that you read on the internet or in a magazine

You should say:

• What it was about
• Where the article was published
• Why you read it
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do you think people are healthier now compared to the past?
2. How can you tell whether a website is reliable or not?
3. What kinds of activities can schools organize for children so they stay fit?
4. What can governments do to improve the health of their citizens?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I came across an article recently that really made me think about the way we approach health and wellness. It was about the growing trend of personalized medicine and how it's changing the way doctors diagnose and treat diseases. The article highlighted a new study that showed how genetic testing can help identify specific genetic markers that increase a person's risk for certain diseases. What struck me was how this approach is not only more effective but also more cost-efficient in the long run.

The article gave the example of a woman who had been experiencing symptoms of a rare genetic disorder for years, but doctors couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. After undergoing genetic testing, they were able to identify the exact genetic mutation causing her symptoms and tailor her treatment accordingly. It's stories like these that make me realize how far we've come in terms of medical technology and how much more we can do to improve healthcare outcomes.

What I found particularly interesting was the potential for personalized medicine to reduce healthcare costs in the long run. By identifying specific genetic markers, doctors can target treatments more effectively and avoid unnecessary procedures. This approach could also help reduce the risk of overmedication and side effects. As someone who's interested in healthcare, it's exciting to see how technology is revolutionizing the way we approach medicine.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

personalized medicine

an approach to healthcare that involves tailoring medical treatment to an individual's unique genetic profile

The hospital is now offering personalized medicine programs for patients with rare genetic disorders.

genetic markers

specific genes or genetic variations that can increase a person's risk for certain diseases

The study found that certain genetic markers were associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

targeted treatment

a treatment approach that is tailored to a specific disease or condition based on an individual's genetic profile

The doctor prescribed a targeted treatment for the patient's specific genetic mutation.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do you think people are healthier now compared to the past? I think people are generally healthier now compared to the past, and one of the main reasons for this is the significant advancements in medical technology and research. With the help of modern medicine, we've been able to eradicate many diseases that were once prevalent and deadly, such as smallpox and polio. Additionally, our understanding of nutrition and the importance of a balanced diet has improved dramatically, leading to better overall health and wellbeing. For example, we now know that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, which were much more common in the past. Furthermore, the increased awareness of the importance of regular exercise and physical activity has led to more people incorporating fitness into their daily routines, which has also contributed to improved health outcomes.

How can you tell whether a website is reliable or not? One way to determine whether a website is reliable or not is to look for credibility indicators, such as a clear and transparent 'about us' page, a physical address, and contact information. A reputable website should also have a secure connection, indicated by 'https' in the URL and a lock icon in the address bar. Additionally, checking for reviews and ratings from other users can give you an idea of the website's credibility. However, it's also important to be aware that even reputable websites can have biases or outdated information, so it's always a good idea to cross-check information with other sources. For instance, if you're researching a health topic, it's a good idea to check the website's sources and look for corroboration from other credible sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization.

What kinds of activities can schools organize for children so they stay fit? Schools can organize a variety of activities to help children stay fit, such as sports teams, dance classes, and physical education programs. One idea is to incorporate more outdoor activities into the curriculum, such as nature walks, gardening, or outdoor games like capture the flag. Schools can also invite guest speakers, such as fitness experts or athletes, to talk to students about the importance of physical activity and healthy living. Additionally, schools can encourage students to take ownership of their fitness by creating fitness clubs or programs that allow students to design and lead their own workouts. For example, a school could start a 'fitness challenge' program where students can earn points for participating in physical activities and reaching fitness milestones.

What can governments do to improve the health of their citizens? One thing governments can do to improve the health of their citizens is to invest in public health infrastructure, such as parks, bike lanes, and community centers. By creating safe and accessible spaces for physical activity, governments can encourage citizens to lead healthier lifestyles. Governments can also implement policies that promote healthy behaviors, such as taxes on sugary drinks or incentives for businesses that offer healthy food options. Additionally, governments can invest in public health education campaigns to raise awareness about healthy habits and disease prevention. For instance, a government could launch a public awareness campaign to encourage citizens to get vaccinated against flu and other preventable diseases.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

take ownership

to take responsibility for something

The school encouraged students to take ownership of their fitness by creating fitness clubs.