Reading 1


Reading 1: skimming for gist A Check that you understand these words and phrases.


life expectancy infant mortality longevity B Answer these questions in small groups.


1. What factors determine life expectancy in any country or region? 2. What factors contribute to a high infant mortality rate in any country or region? 3. Is there a reason that some people live to a very old age or is it just luck?


C Read these three headings and make predictions about the content of the extract to which each relates.


1. Infant mortality and poverty link undeniable 2. Social and economic status may lower life expectancy 3. Searching for the secret of longevity


D Read the extracts quickly (90 seconds) and match them with headings 1–3 in Exercise C. Some key words and phrases closely linked to the theme are blocked out.


A


Centenarians – people who live past 100 years of age – may help researchers find the key to longevity. Scientists who study this elite group claim that centenarians may possess genes that protect them from disease into old age.


One in every 10,000 individuals in the U.S. reaches the age of 100. There are currently an estimated 60,000 centenarians in the US with around 70 beyond the age of 110. For the past decade, researchers have wondered at these individuals, who often live independently and free from major disability.


To better understand their exceptional longevity, scientists have recruited centenarians for extensive physical and genetic screening. Of particular interest to researchers is that some of these people have a history of obesity or heavy smoking, but remain healthy up to the last few months of their lives.


B


There is a definite correlation between poverty and infant mortality, according to speakers at a recent major conference. Data research reveals that the more deprivation in an area, the very much higher the percentage of neonatal deaths.


With around 13 million people now living in relative poverty in the UK, the problem is described as ‘absolutely massive’. The impact of parental occupation or unemployment on poverty levels cannot be ignored.


C


There is a higher mortality rate for people who live in areas of social disadvantage, according to research carried out by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).


Since 1971, data gathered from the Census in England demonstrates a clear social inequality in the amount of life, the quality of those years lived and the number of healthy life years. For example, professional men can expect to live 6.7 years longer than unskilled men.


Overall, the results show that there is a predominantly linear relationship with Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE) increasing with rising social class. Therefore, the mortality rate for people who live in disadvantaged areas is higher because of their socio-economic position.


12 Pathway to IELTS 6.0


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