Discursive Passage - 10 | English Grammar Advanced - Class 10 PDF Download

Read the following passage carefully:

1. Crash dieting may help you lose weight, in the short term, but, ultimately it can hinder weight loss in the long term, as most of the weight that you have lost with crash dieting will bounce back, meaning you will gain all the weight that you have lost and more. Crash dieting not only removes fat but also leans muscle and tissue. Contrary to the belief of many who start this diet, this form of dieting is neither healthy nor successful in achieving long term weight loss as it induces the slowing down of the body’s basal metabolic rate – the body seeks to conserve every calorie and so weight loss becomes increasingly difficult. Basal metabolic rate is the amount of calories your body needs on a daily basis, to maintain its regular activities. This means your body will need fewer calories than it did previously, making weight gain more likely once you stop dieting.

2. Most crash diets involve eating low–calorie foods for several weeks or eating the same food or food groups for several weeks. Even if you’re only trying the diet for a week or two, eating such a strict diet of the same foods can cause nutritional deficiencies. Eliminating one or more food groups will not provide you with adequate, long–term nutrition. Nutritional deficiencies such as this can have multiple immediate side effects such as haggard look, dark under eyes, dull skin, sloppy posture and less stamina.

3. This is also why exercise is recommended in any weight–loss plan to build muscle and maintain your metabolic rate. Again common mistakes that are observed with exercise are joining the gym only till the New Year, so that you can lose weight and once the party is over, the party for not exercising continues. On the other hand, we have some who make New Year resolutions and with the gym memberships which are so tempting during the New Year, take up annual memberships, which is not bad, What is bad is to break the resolution. It is good to take up an exercise programme during the new year and to make a resolution about exercise, provided you do not break your resolution, and continue exercising year long. What is important is consistency.

4. It’s strongly recommended not to go on a Crash Diet, even if you are motivated to lose weight to fit into clothes a couple of sizes smaller. What is good is to make a conscious effort to lead a healthy lifestyle. This in the long run will help you achieve normal weight and help you be energetic and cheerful. Safe weight loss is considered to be no more than half a kilogram to one kilogram per week. No single food can be considered good or bad. A single meal does not make or break a healthy diet, as all foods can fit into a good diet when consumed in moderation.

10.1. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions in 30–40 words each:

(a) What harm does crash dieting do? Mention any two.

Firstly, crash dieting weakens muscle and tissue along with removing fat. The weight that you have lost with crash dieting will bounce back. Secondly, it induces the slowing of basal metabolic rate. The body seeks to conserve every calorie and so weight loss becomes increasingly difficult.

(b) There is a basic flaw in diet plans What is it?

All the diet plans recommend same food or food groups. This can cause nutritional deficiency in the longer run. Eliminating one or more food groups will not provide you with adequate, long–term nutrition.

(c) Why is exercise important?

Exercise is recommended in any weight–loss plan as it increases metabolic rate and helps in building muscle mass. It should be made a habit of one’s lifestyle. Make a resolution to continue exercising year long. Consistency is very important.

(d) What is the writer’s view on gym membership?

According to the writer people get tempted before New Year and take memberships to lose weight and then do not bother to continue with them. Secondly there are people who take membership because gyms announce a discount during New Year. Both these category people are not interested in the exercise or fitness.

10.2. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer of the following:

(a) In para 2, the synonym of ‘sufficient is __________.
(i) adequate
(ii) high
(iii) less
(iv) equal

Correct Option is (i) adequate

(b) In para 3, the antonym of ‘opposed’ is ___________.
(i) observed
(ii) tempting
(iii) resolution
(iv) recommended

Correct Option is (iv) recommended

(c) According to the passage, one should make a conscious efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle instead of going on a crash diet. (True/False)

True

(d) The amount of calories, our body needs on a daily basis to maintain its regular activities is called _________.

basal metabolic rate