Lesson
UK Health Decline and Marathon Breakthrough
Read this news story in English at three levels, easy, standard, and advanced (B1–C1) — with vocabulary and a comprehension quiz.
This podcast discusses the decline in health in the UK, the science behind a sub-two-hour marathon, and why old houses can feel spooky.
Pick your level
Standard — Natural English
55 words · ~1 min readEasy version (A2–B1)
People in the UK are not as healthy as they were ten years ago. A study shows that people are spending fewer years in good health. The podcast also talks about two runners who might break the two-hour marathon time and why old houses can feel scary.Standard version (B1–B2)
A recent podcast discusses three intriguing topics: the decline in health among UK residents, where people are spending fewer years in good health compared to a decade ago, the science and technology behind runners attempting to break the two-hour marathon barrier, and the reasons some old houses feel spooky, possibly due to sounds from boilers.Advanced version (C1–C2)
In a recent episode of the podcast, the hosts delve into three compelling stories. They highlight a study revealing that the number of years individuals in the UK spend in good health has decreased over the past decade. Additionally, they explore the scientific and nutritional factors that may enable two runners to potentially break the two-hour marathon threshold during the upcoming London marathon. Lastly, they investigate why certain old houses evoke feelings of eeriness, suggesting that these sensations may be linked to sounds produced by heating systems, such as boilers.Lesson audio
Standard level
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Test your understanding
01What has declined in the UK over the past decade?
02What event are two runners attempting to break the two-hour mark in?
03What might cause old houses to feel spooky?
Discussion
What do you think are the main factors contributing to the decline in health in the UK?
Vocabulary
decline word
a decrease or reduction
“There has been a decline in health in the UK.”
threshold word
the level or point at which something begins
“The runners are trying to break the two-hour threshold.”
spooky word
strange and frightening
“Some old houses can feel spooky.”
study word
a detailed examination or analysis
“A study found that health has declined.”
science word
the study of the natural world
“The podcast discusses the science behind the marathon.”