Theme 1: phonetics

Most people today take relatively little general exercise. Over the last 30 or 40 years lifestyles have changed considerably and many people now travel even (24)______ shortest distances by car or bus. Lack of exercise combined with eating too many fatty and sugary foods has meant that many people are becoming too fat. Experts are particularly concerned that children (25)______ a lot of their free time watching television or playing computer games instead of being physically active.

In recent years, however, there has been a growing (26)______ in fitness among young adults and many belong to a sports club or gym. Membership of a sports club or gym can be (27)______ and not everyone can afford the subscription. Local sports centres are generally cheaper. Evening classes are also cheap and offer a wide variety of fitness activities ranging (28)______ yoga to jazz dancing. Some companies now provide sports facilities for their employees or contribute to the cost of joining a gym.

(Extracted from The Oxford Guide to British and American Culture - Oxford Advanced Learner’s Compass)