The Reading / Listening - Cycling and Knees - Level 3

Cycling is a great way to keep fit and healthy. It strengthens our heart, keeps our weight down, and is good for mental health. A little-known and (perhaps) surprising benefit of getting on a bike is that it is good for our knees. A new study says cyclists are less likely to experience knee pain later in life than people who do not ride bicycles. The study was conducted by a research team from Baylor College of Medicine in the USA. Researchers surveyed 2,600 men and women, with an average age of 64. The survey participants were asked about their levels of physical activity. They also had X-rays of their knees taken. This was to look for signs and levels of arthritis in their knee joints.

The lead researcher, Dr Grace Lo, said the results of the research were surprising. She said cyclists were 21 per cent less likely to have signs of osteoarthritis compared to those who did not have a history of cycling. She added: "I was surprised to see how very strong the benefit [of cycling] was." A lot of research shows that cyclists are around 20 per cent less likely to die prematurely. Dr Lo said cycling, "is a great preventative strategy for many things, including arthritis". Osteoarthritis is often called "wear-and-tear" arthritis. It's what happens when we use the cartilage in our joints a lot. The cartilage wears down and becomes painful. Arthritis most commonly affects the over-50s.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

    Cycling and Knees - Level 0,  Cycling and Knees - Level 1   or  Cycling and Knees - Level 2

Sources
  • https://nypost.com/2024/05/20/lifestyle/cycling-could-help-you-live-longer-and-reduce-knee-pain/
  • https://www.nprillinois.org/2024-05-20/like-to-bike-your-knees-will-thank-you-and-you-may-live-longer-too
  • https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-05-biking-revealed-knee-pain-life.html


Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice activities, drag and drop activities, sentence jumbles, which word activities, text reconstructions, spelling, gap fills and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)

Warm-ups

1. CYCLING: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about cycling. Change partners often and share your findings.
2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, talk about these topics or words from the article. What will the article say about them? What can you say about these words and your life?
       cycling / keeping fit / our heart / mental health / knee pain / knees / X-rays / arthritis
       cyclists / history / benefit / strategy / wear and tear / cartilage / joints / the over-50s
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. NO CARS: Students A strongly believe bicycles should replace cars; Students B strongly believe not. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. HEALTH: How important are these things to our health? What do you do? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

 

Importance

What You Do

Exercise    
Sleep    
Work    
Food    
Stress    
Hobbies    
MY e-BOOK
ESL resource book with copiable worksheets and handouts - 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers / English teachers
See a sample

5. BIKE: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "bike". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.
6. EXERCISE: Rank these with your partner. Put the best forms of exercise at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

  • Cycling
  • Jogging
  • Swimming
  • Dancing
  • Aerobics
  • Walking
  • Hiking
  • Weight training

 

Vocabulary

    Paragraph 1

      1. fit a. Make stronger.
      2. strengthen b. Did; carried out.
      3. benefit c. The parts of the body where bones join together.
      4. conducted d. A good thing we get from something or by doing something.
      5. average e. The photograph that lets doctors see inside your body.
      6. X-ray f. In good health, especially because of regular exercise.
      7. joints g. A number you get by dividing the total of some numbers by how many numbers there are.

    Paragraph 2

      8. lead h. Someone who rides a bicycle.
      9. cyclist i. Probable to happen.
      10. likely j. Damage something slowly.
      11. compared k. Happening too soon or too early.
      12. prematurely l. Look at how two or more things are the same or different.
      13. strategy m. The top or head person.
      14. wear down n. A plan of action to reach a goal or aim.

 

Before reading / listening

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if 1-8 below are true (T) or false (F).

  1. The article says cycling helps to keep out weight up.     T / F
  2. The article suggested it is surprising that cycling is good for the knees.    T / F
  3. Over 2,600 men were questioned as part of the research.     T / F
  4. Researchers took X-rays of people's hips and ankles.     T / F
  5. Cyclists are 21% less likely to have signs of osteoarthritis.     T / F
  6. Cyclists are 20% less likely to die too early.     T / F
  7. Another name for osteoarthritis "wear-and-tear" arthritis.     T / F
  8. Arthritis usually starts to affect people in their fifties.     T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

  1. fit
  2. benefit
  3. conducted
  4. survey
  5. signs
  6. lead
  7. prematurely
  8. strategy
  9. wear and tear
  10. affects
  1. damage
  2. too soon
  3. indications
  4. impacts
  5. advantage
  6. in good shape
  7. head
  8. study
  9. plan
  10. carried out

3. PHRASE MATCH: (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

  1. Cycling is a great way to keep
  2. keeps our weight
  3. cyclists are less likely to
  4. an average
  5. They also had X-rays of their knees
  6. have signs of
  7. around 20 per cent less likely to die
  8. Osteoarthritis is often called
  9. The cartilage wears down
  10. Arthritis most commonly
  1. age of 64
  2. taken
  3. and becomes painful
  4. prematurely
  5. down
  6. affects the over-50s
  7. experience knee pain
  8. osteoarthritis
  9. fit and healthy
  10. "wear-and-tear" arthritis

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
later
conducted
benefit
joints
cyclists
X-rays
fit
average

Cycling is a great way to keep (1) _____________________ and healthy. It strengthens our heart, keeps our weight down, and is good for mental health. A little-known and (perhaps) surprising (2) _____________________ of getting on a bike is that it is good for our knees. A new study says (3) _____________________ are less likely to experience knee pain (4) _____________________ in life than people who do not ride bicycles. The study was (5) _____________________ by a research team from Baylor College of Medicine in the USA. Researchers surveyed 2,600 men and women, with an (6) _____________________ age of 64. The survey participants were asked about their levels of physical activity. They also had (7) _____________________ of their knees taken. This was to look for signs and levels of arthritis in their knee (8) _____________________.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
surprised
cartilage
affects
benefit
lead
strategy
likely
prematurely

The (9) _____________________ researcher, Dr Grace Lo, said the results of the research were surprising. She said cyclists were 21 per cent less (10) _____________________ to have signs of osteoarthritis compared to those who did not have a history of cycling. She added: "I was (11) _____________________ to see how very strong the (12) _____________________ [of cycling] was." A lot of research shows that cyclists are around 20 per cent less likely to die (13) _____________________. Dr Lo said cycling, "is a great preventative (14) _____________________ for many things, including arthritis". Osteoarthritis is often called "wear-and-tear" arthritis. It's what happens when we use the (15) _____________________ in our joints a lot. The cartilage wears down and becomes painful. Arthritis most commonly (16) _____________________ the over-50s.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1) Cycling is a great way to keep ______
     a.  fits and healthy
     b.  fitting and healthy
     c.  fitness and healthy
     d.  fit and healthy
2)  cyclists are less likely to experience knee pain ______
     a.  lately in life
     b.  later in life
     c.  lates in life
     d.  latter in life
3)  Researchers surveyed 2,600 men and women, with an average ______
     a.  age off 64
     b.  age of 64
     c.  age oft 64
     d.  age if 64
4)  The survey participants were asked about their levels ______
     a.  oft physical activity
     b.  of physically activity
     c.  of physical activity
     d.  of physical actively
5)  This was to look for signs and levels of arthritis in ______
     a.  them knee joints
     b.  their knee joints
     c.  there knee joints
     d.  they're knee joints

6)  The lead researcher, Dr Grace Lo, said the results of the ______
     a.  research was surprising
     b.  research were surprised
     c.  research was surprised
     d.  research were surprising
7)  have signs of osteoarthritis compared to those who did not have a ______
     a.  history of cycling
     b.  historian of cycling
     c.  historical of cycling
     d.  histories of cycling
8)  She added: "I was surprised to see how very strong the ______
     a.  benefitting of cycling
     b.  benefit of cycling
     c.  beneficial of cycling
     d.  benefits of cycling
9)  A lot of research shows that cyclists are around 20 per cent less likely ______
     a.  to die premature
     b.  to die primitively
     c.  to die pre-naturally
     d.  to die prematurely
10)  The cartilage wears down ______
     a.  and become painful
     b.  and becomes painful
     c.  and became painful
     d.  and bee comes painful

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

Cycling is a great way (1) ____________________ and healthy. It strengthens our heart, keeps our weight down, and is good for mental health. A little-known and (perhaps) surprising (2) ____________________ on a bike is that it is good for our knees. A new study says cyclists are less likely to experience knee pain (3) ____________________ than people who do not ride bicycles. The study was (4) ____________________ research team from Baylor College of Medicine in the USA. Researchers surveyed 2,600 men and women, with an average age of 64. The survey participants were asked (5) ____________________ of physical activity. They also had X-rays of their knees taken. This was to look for signs and levels of arthritis in (6) ____________________.

The lead researcher, Dr Grace Lo, said (7) ____________________ the research were surprising. She said cyclists were 21 per cent less likely to have signs of osteoarthritis (8) ____________________ who did not have a history of cycling. She added: "I was surprised to see how very strong the benefit [of cycling] was." A lot of research (9) ____________________ are around 20 per cent less likely to die prematurely. Dr Lo said cycling, "is a great preventative strategy (10) ____________________, including arthritis". Osteoarthritis is often called "wear-and-tear" arthritis. It's (11) ____________________ we use the cartilage in our joints a lot. The cartilage wears down and becomes painful. Arthritis (12) ____________________ the over-50s.

Comprehension questions

  1. What does the article say is a great way of keeping fit?
  2. What are cyclists less likely to experience later in life?
  3. How many men and women did the researchers look at?
  4. What was the average age of the participants in the research?
  5. What did participants in a survey have X-rays taken of?
  6. What was Dr Lo's feeling when she saw the research results?
  7. Who is 20 per cent less likely to die too early?
  8. What kind of strategy did Dr Lo say cycling was?
  9. What wears down and becomes painful?
  10. Who does arthritis affect most?

Multiple choice quiz

1) What does the article say is a great way of keeping fit?
a) aerobics
b) swimming
c) cycling
d) shopping
2) What are cyclists less likely to experience later in life?
a) knee pain
b) replacement knees
c) wheelchairs
d) accidents
3) How many men and women did the researchers look at?
a) 2,200
b) 2,600
c) 2,400
d) 2,800
4) What was the average age of the participants in the research?
a) 67
b) 66
c) 65
d) 64
5) What did participants in a survey have X-rays taken of?
a) their ankles
b) their hips
c) their knees
d) their shoulders

6) What was Dr Lo's feeling when she saw the research results?
a) shock
b) surprise
c) amusement
d) horror
7) Who is 20 per cent less likely to die too early?
a) the over-50s
b) pedestrians
c) joggers
d) cyclists
8) What kind of strategy did Dr Lo say cycling was?
a) a clever strategy
b) a preventative strategy
c) a long-term strategy
d) an in-progress strategy
9) What wears down and becomes painful?
a) the skin
b) the cartilage
c) the muscle
d) the kneecap
10) Who does arthritis affect most?
a) the over-50s
b) the mid-50s
c) the early-50s
d) the late-50s

Role play

Role  A – Cycling
You think cycling is the best form of exercise. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their ways aren't as bad. Also, tell the others which is the least effective of these (and why): dancing, hiking or weight training.
Role  B – Dancing
You think dancing is the best form of exercise. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their ways aren't as bad. Also, tell the others which is the least effective of these (and why): cycling, hiking or weight training.
Role  C – Hiking
You think hiking is the best form of exercise. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their ways aren't as bad. Also, tell the others which is the least effective of these (and why): dancing, cycling or weight training.
Role  D – Weight Training
You think weight training is the best form of exercise. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their ways aren't as bad. Also, tell the others which is the least effective of these (and why): dancing, hiking or cycling.

After reading / listening

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words...

'cycling'

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________

    • and 'knees'.

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________

    • • Share your findings with your partners.

    • Make questions using the words you found.

    • Ask your partner / group your questions.

    2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

    •Share your questions with other classmates / groups. •Ask your partner / group your questions.

    3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

    4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

    5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

    • weight
    • little
    • less
    • 2,600
    • levels
    • X-ray
    • results
    • history
    • 20
    • strategy
    • often
    • down

    Student survey

    Write five GOOD questions about this topic in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper. When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

    (Please look at page 12 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

    Discussion - Cycling and Knees

    STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

    1. What did you think when you read the headline?
    2. What images are in your mind when you hear the word 'cycling'?
    3. What do you think of cycling?
    4. Are there any bad things about cycling?
    5. What do you do to keep fit?
    6. How important are our knees?
    7. What should older people do to stay fit and healthy?
    8. Is cycling or running better?
    9. When was the last time you got on a bike?
    10. Has reading this article made you want to cycle?

    STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

    1. Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
    2. What do you think of when you hear the word 'knees'?
    3. What do you think about what you read?
    4. Why is cycling such good exercise?
    5. What do you know about arthritis?
    6. What do you think of cyclists?
    7. What else can we do to look after our knees?
    8. How can we reduce the wear and tear on our body?
    9. Should we all cycle every day?
    10. What questions would you like to ask the researchers?

    Discussion — Write your own questions

    STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

    (a) ________________

    (b) ________________

    (c) ________________

    (d) ________________

    (e) ________________

    STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

    (f) ________________

    (g) ________________

    (h) ________________

    (i) ________________

    (j) ________________

    Language — Cloze (Gap-fill)

    Cycling is a great way to (1) ____ fit and healthy. It strengthens our heart, keeps our weight down, and is good for mental health. A little-(2) ____ and (perhaps) surprising benefit of getting on a bike is that it is good for our knees. A new study says cyclists are less likely to experience knee pain later (3) ____ life than people who do not ride bicycles. The study was conducted (4) ____ a research team from Baylor College of Medicine in the USA. Researchers surveyed 2,600 men and women, with an average (5) ____ of 64. The survey participants were asked about their levels of physical activity. They also had (6) ____ of their knees taken. This was to look for signs and levels of arthritis in their knee joints.

    The lead researcher, Dr Grace Lo, said the results of the research were (7) ____. She said cyclists were 21 per cent less likely to have signs of osteoarthritis compared (8) ____ those who did not have a history of cycling. She added: "I was surprised to see how very strong the benefit [of cycling] was." A lot of research shows that cyclists are around 20 per cent (9) ____ likely to die prematurely. Dr Lo said cycling, "is a great preventative strategy for many things, (10) ____ arthritis". Osteoarthritis is often called "wear-and-tear" arthritis. It's (11) ____ happens when we use the cartilage in our joints a lot. The cartilage wears (12) ____ and becomes painful. Arthritis most commonly affects the over-50s.

    Which of these words go in the above text?

    (a)     keeping     (b)     keeps     (c)     kept     (d)     keep    
    (a)     know     (b)     knows     (c)     knowing     (d)     known    
    (a)     on     (b)     in     (c)     at     (d)     of    
    (a)     at     (b)     of     (c)     by     (d)     on    
    (a)     old     (b)     aged     (c)     age     (d)     years    
    (a)     X-rays     (b)     gamma rays     (c)     sting rays     (d)     UV rays    
    (a)     surprise     (b)     surprising     (c)     surprised     (d)     surprisedly    
    (a)     to     (b)     of     (c)     in     (d)     at    
    (a)     smaller     (b)     less     (c)     lower     (d)     fewer    
    (a)     includes     (b)     included     (c)     including     (d)     include    
    (a)     that     (b)     how     (c)     what     (d)     about    
    (a)     for     (b)     on     (c)     up     (d)     down

    Spelling

    Paragraph 1

    1. It eghststnner our heart
    2. keeps our ewtghi down
    3. A little-known and (perhaps) surprising etnbfie
    4. likely to pencrieexe knee pain
    5. an aergvea age of 64
    6. ahpcilsy activity

    Paragraph 2

    1. the srsteul of the research were surprising
    2. less kllyie to have signs
    3. die mpretruleay
    4. a great preventative easgttyr
    5. we use the cartilage in our tsinoj
    6. Arthritis most lnomymco affects the over-50s

    Put the text back together

    (...)  age of 64. The survey participants were asked about their levels of physical
    (  1  ) Cycling is a great way to keep fit and healthy. It strengthens our heart, keeps our weight down, and is good for mental
    (...)  of cycling. She added: "I was surprised to see how very strong the benefit [of cycling] was." A lot of research
    (...)  life than people who do not ride bicycles. The study was conducted by a research
    (...)  and-tear" arthritis. It's what happens when we use the cartilage in our joints
    (...)  strategy for many things, including arthritis". Osteoarthritis is often called "wear-
    (...)  team from Baylor College of Medicine in the USA. Researchers surveyed 2,600 men and women, with an average
    (...)  were 21 per cent less likely to have signs of osteoarthritis compared to those who did not have a history
    (...)  a lot. The cartilage wears down and becomes painful. Arthritis most commonly affects the over-50s.
    (...)  The lead researcher, Dr Grace Lo, said the results of the research were surprising. She said cyclists
    (...)  for our knees. A new study says cyclists are less likely to experience knee pain later in
    (...)  shows that cyclists are around 20 per cent less likely to die prematurely. Dr Lo said cycling, "is a great preventative
    (...)  health. A little-known and (perhaps) surprising benefit of getting on a bike is that it is good
    (...)  activity. They also had X-rays of their knees taken. This was to look for signs and levels of arthritis in their knee joints.

    Put the words in the right order

    1. is   to   fit   .   Cycling   way   a   keep   great
    2. A   on   benefit   of   getting   a   surprising   bike   .
    3. Cyclists   less   are   experience   knee   likely   pain   .   to
    4. levels   asked   Participants   about   of   activity   .   physical   were
    5. in   levels   Signs   knee   .   and   their   arthritis   of
    6. of   The   results   the   were   surprising   .   research
    7. of   who   have   cycling   .   a   history   Those   didn't
    8. 20%   die   are   less   Cyclists   to   likely   prematurely   .
    9. many   for   great   things   .   strategy   It's   a   preventative
    10. the   most   arthritis   affects   commonly   disease   The   over-50s   .

    Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

    Cycling is a great way to keep / give fit and healthy. It strengthens our heart, keeps our weight / weigh down, and is good for mental health. A little-known and (perhaps) surprising benefit of / on getting on a bike is that it is good / well for our knees. A new study says cyclists are less likeable / likely to experience knee pain later in life than people who do not ride bicycles. The study was conducted by / of a research team from Baylor College of Medicine in the USA. Researchers surveilled / surveyed 2,600 men and women, with an average age of 64. The survey participants / parts were asked about their levels of / off physical activity. They also had X-rays of their knees taken. This was to look for signs and levels of arthritis in their knee joins / joints.

    The lead / steel researcher, Dr Grace Lo, said the results of the research were surprised / surprising. She said cyclists were 21 per cent less liking / likely to have signs of osteoarthritis compared to those / them who did not have a history of cycling / cycle. She added: "I was surprised to see how very strong the benefit [of cycling] was." A lot of research shows that cyclists are around 20 per cent less likely for / to die prematurely. Dr Lo said cycling, "is a great preventative strategy for many things / thing, including arthritis". Osteoarthritis is often calling / called "wear-and-tear" arthritis. It's what happens when we use the cartilage in our joints a lots / lot. The cartilage wears down and becomes painful. Arthritis most commonly effects / affects the over-50s.

    Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct. Look up the definition of new words.

    Insert the vowels (a, e, i, o, u)

    Cycl_ng  _s  _  gr__t  w_y  t_  k__p  f_t  _nd  h__lthy.  _t  str_ngth_ns  __r  h__rt,  k__ps  __r  w__ght  d_wn,  _nd  _s  g__d  f_r  m_nt_l  h__lth.  _  l_ttl_-kn_wn  _nd  (p_rh_ps)  s_rpr_s_ng  b_n_f_t  _f  g_tt_ng  _n  _  b_k_  _s  th_t  _t  _s  g__d  f_r  __r  kn__s.  _  n_w  st_dy  s_ys  cycl_sts  _r_  l_ss  l_k_ly  t_  _xp_r__nc_  kn__  p__n  l_t_r  _n  l_f_  th_n  p__pl_  wh_  d_  n_t  r_d_  b_cycl_s.  Th_  st_dy  w_s  c_nd_ct_d  by  _  r_s__rch  t__m  fr_m  B_yl_r  C_ll_g_  _f  M_d_c_n_  _n  th_  _S_.  R_s__rch_rs  s_rv_y_d  2,600  m_n  _nd  w_m_n,  w_th  _n  _v_r_g_  _g_  _f  64.  Th_  s_rv_y  p_rt_c_p_nts  w_r_  _sk_d  _b__t  th__r  l_v_ls  _f  phys_c_l  _ct_v_ty.  Th_y  _ls_  h_d  X-r_ys  _f  th__r  kn__s  t_k_n.  Th_s  w_s  t_  l__k  f_r  s_gns  _nd  l_v_ls  _f  _rthr_t_s  _n  th__r  kn__  j__nts.

    Th_  l__d  r_s__rch_r,  Dr  Gr_c_  L_,  s__d  th_  r_s_lts  _f  th_  r_s__rch  w_r_  s_rpr_s_ng.  Sh_  s__d  cycl_sts  w_r_  21  p_r  c_nt  l_ss  l_k_ly  t_  h_v_  s_gns  _f  _st___rthr_t_s  c_mp_r_d  t_  th_s_  wh_  d_d  n_t  h_v_  _  h_st_ry  _f  cycl_ng.  Sh_  _dd_d:  "_  w_s  s_rpr_s_d  t_  s__  h_w  v_ry  str_ng  th_  b_n_f_t  [_f  cycl_ng]  w_s."  _  l_t  _f  r_s__rch  sh_ws  th_t  cycl_sts  _r_  _r__nd  20  p_r  c_nt  l_ss  l_k_ly  t_  d__  pr_m_t_r_ly.  Dr  L_  s__d  cycl_ng,  "_s  _  gr__t  pr_v_nt_t_v_  str_t_gy  f_r  m_ny  th_ngs,  _ncl_d_ng  _rthr_t_s".  _st___rthr_t_s  _s  _ft_n  c_ll_d  "w__r-_nd-t__r"  _rthr_t_s.  _t's  wh_t  h_pp_ns  wh_n  w_  _s_  th_  c_rt_l_g_  _n  __r  j__nts  _  l_t.  Th_  c_rt_l_g_  w__rs  d_wn  _nd  b_c_m_s  p__nf_l.  _rthr_t_s  m_st  c_mm_nly  _ff_cts  th_  _v_r-50s.

    Punctuate the text and add capitals

    cycling is a great way to keep fit and healthy it strengthens our heart keeps our weight down and is good for mental health a littleknown and perhaps surprising benefit of getting on a bike is that it is good for our knees a new study says cyclists are less likely to experience knee pain later in life than people who do not ride bicycles the study was conducted by a research team from baylor college of medicine in the usa researchers surveyed 2600 men and women with an average age of 64 the survey participants were asked about their levels of physical activity they also had xrays of their knees taken this was to look for signs and levels of arthritis in their knee joints

    the lead researcher dr grace lo said the results of the research were surprising she said cyclists were 21 per cent less likely to have signs of osteoarthritis compared to those who did not have a history of cycling she added i was surprised to see how very strong the benefit of cycling was a lot of research shows that cyclists are around 20 per cent less likely to die prematurely dr lo said cycling is a great preventative strategy for many things including arthritis osteoarthritis is often called wearandtear arthritis its what happens when we use the cartilage in our joints a lot the cartilage wears down and becomes painful arthritis most commonly affects the over50s

    Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

    Cyclingisagreatwaytokeepfitandhealthy.Itstrengthensourheart,kee
    psourweightdown,andisgoodformentalhealth.Alittle-known,andper
    hapssurprising,benefitofgettingonabikeisthatitisgoodforourknees.A
    newstudysayscyclistsarelesslikelytoexperiencekneepainlaterinlifet
    hanpeoplewhodonotridebicycles.Thestudywasconductedbyaresear
    chteamfromBaylorCollegeofMedicineintheUSA.Researcherssurveye
    d2,600menandwomen,withanaverageageof64.Thesurveyparticipa
    ntswereaskedabouttheirlevelsofphysicalactivity.Theyalsohadx-ra
    ysoftheirkneestaken.Thiswastolookforsignsandlevelsofarthritisinth
    eirkneejoints.Theleadresearcher,DrGraceLo,saidtheresultsoftheres
    earchweresurprising.Shesaidcyclistswere21percentlesslikelytohav
    esignsofosteoarthritiscomparedtothosewhodidnothaveahistoryofcy
    cling.Osteoarthritisisoftencalled"wear-and-tear"arthritis.It'swhath
    appenswhenweusethecartilageinourjointsalot.Thecartilagewearsdo
    wnandbecomespainful.Arthritismostcommonlyaffectstheover-50s.
    DrLosaidcycling,"isagreatpreventativestrategyformanythings,inclu
    dingarthritis".Sheadded:"Iwassurprisedtoseehowverystrongthebe
    nefit[ofcycling]was."Alotofresearchshowsthatcyclistswerealsoarou
    nd20percentlesslikelytodieprematurely.

    Free writing

    Write about cycling and knees for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

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    Academic writing

    We should all get on our bikes. Discuss.

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    Homework

    1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google’s search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.
    2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about this news story. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.
    3. KNEES: Make a poster about knees. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?
    4. CYCLING: Write a magazine article about governments making more cycling tracks. Include imaginary interviews with people who are for and against this.
    Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).
    5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.
    6. LETTER: Write a letter to an expert on cycling. Ask him/her three questions about cycling. Give him/her three of your ideas. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

    A Few Additional Activities for Students

    Ask your students what they have read, seen or heard about this news in their own language. Students are likely to / may have have encountered this news in their L1 and therefore bring a background knowledge to the classroom.

    Get students to role play different characters from this news story.

    Ask students to keep track of this news and revisit it to discuss in your next class.

    Ask students to male predictions of how this news might develop in the next few days or weeks, and then revisit and discuss in a future class.

    Ask students to write a follow-up story to this news.

    Students role play a journalist and someone who witnessed or was a part of this news. Perhaps they could make a video of the interview.

    Ask students to keep a news journal in English and add this story to their thoughts.

    Also...

    Buy my 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers eBook. It has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities for:

    • News
    • Warm ups
    • Pre-reading / Post-reading
    • Using headlines
    • Working with words
    • While-reading / While-listening
    • Moving from text to speech
    • Post-reading / Post-listening
    • Discussions
    • Using opinions
    • Plans
    • Language
    • Using lists
    • Using quotes
    • Task-based activities
    • Role plays
    • Using the central characters in the article
    • Using themes from the news
    • Homework

    Buy my book

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    Answers

    (Please look at page 26 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

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