GRADE 12

(262 WORDS)

A new study has found that people who spend two hours per week in
nature are inclined to report good health and better psychological welfare.
Researchers from the University of Exeter reviewed a survey on 20,000
participants regarding their contact with nature in the previous week. The
participants answered questions about their overall experience and activities.
They were also asked to establish the current state of their health and assess
their well-being using a ten-point scale provided by the researchers.
Despite the varying age, socioeconomic status, and location, participants
reported the same improved well-being after spending two hours a week in
nature. One of the researchers reported that even people with long-term
health problems tend to say they feel better after communing with nature.
However, doing so for more than two hours did not appear to have additional
benefits.
The researchers were unable to look into how and why being in nature
results in better health. Nevertheless, they suggest that nature positively
affects one’s health and lifestyle because it gives humans a sense of tranquility
and a means to reduce stress.
This research is the first to quantify the length of time that one should
spend in nature to reap its benefits. The study was conducted after realizing
that doctors are unable to tell patients exactly how much time they should
commune with nature.
With the study’s results, the researchers hope that lawmakers will put
more importance on green spaces. The researchers also recommend using the
findings when coming up with infrastructure developments, such as building
urban parks.
QUESTIONS:

1. How many hours do people need to spend per week in nature that are
said to have good health and better psychological welfare?

A. four hours

B. two hours

C. three hours

D. five hours

2. How many people participated in the survey?

A. 20, 000
B. 23, 000
C. 15, 000
D. 2, 000

3. Did the researchers get information about the process and causes of
being in nature results in better health?

A. Yes
B. No
C. Partially
D. Not mention

4. How did the researchers conduct their study?

A. Researchers from the University of Exeter interviewed the people

with contact with nature.
B. Researchers from the University of Exeter visited people’s houses
to gather data.
C. Researchers from the University of Exeter reviewed a survey on
people’s contact with nature.
D. Researchers from the University of Exeter contacted the people on
phone to get information.
5. According to the researchers’ suggestions, how does nature positively
affect humans’ health and lifestyle?

A. Researchers suggest that nature gives a sense of peace and a way to

reduce stress.
B. Researchers suggest that nature positively affects humans’ health and
lifestyle.
C. Researchers suggest that nature gives a sense of tranquility in life.
D. Researchers suggest that nature affects the living condition of every
individual.

6. How do the researchers want their findings to be used?

A. The researchers hope that lawmakers will use the study’s findings in the
policy making.
B. The researchers hope that lawmakers will use the study’s findings in
generating funds for eco-friendly projects.
C. The researchers hope that lawmakers will use the study’s findings in
other clinical study to address human problems.
D. The researchers hope that lawmakers will use the study’s findings in the
construction of more green spaces like urban parks.

7. In what ways do you reduce stress or achieve a sense of tranquility?

Explain.
ANSWER KEY

1. B
2. A
3. B
4. C
5. B
6. D
7. Assess student’s answer if relevant to the text.