In April 2025, the government in England plans to start a discussion about a new health strategy for men. Many experts think this is something that should have happened a long time ago. Studies show that men are much more likely than women to die early, which raises questions about why their health is so poor. Things like lifestyle choices, what society expects from men, and how easy it is for them to get healthcare all play a part in this issue. Understanding these factors is important for finding ways to help improve men’s health.

One major reason for men’s health problems is that they often take more risks. Men are more likely to smoke, drink too much alcohol, use drugs, and have high cholesterol and blood pressure. Because of these habits, men usually live about four years less than women. They are also almost 60% more likely to die early from serious illnesses like heart disease, lung cancer, and liver disease. Experts like Prof. Alan White say that while lifestyle choices matter, there are also biological factors that affect men’s health.

Society also has a big impact on men’s health. Many men feel pressure to be strong and tough, which can make them hesitant to seek help when they have health problems. Prof. White points out that men often don’t have the knowledge they need to recognize when they should see a doctor. Unlike women, who usually visit healthcare providers regularly for reproductive health, many men might go years without getting medical advice. This lack of contact with healthcare can make their health issues worse.

Economic factors are another important part of the picture. Men who work in physical jobs often find it hard to access healthcare because they are busy and stressed. Mark Brooks, a policy adviser, notes that men living in poorer areas tend to have shorter life expectancies than those in wealthier neighborhoods. Many men might ignore warning signs of health issues because they worry about losing their jobs or not being able to support their families. Despite these challenges, there are programs aimed at improving men’s health, like the Men’s Sheds movement, which encourages men to connect with others while working on projects. Experts like Prof. Paul Galdas believe that creating fun and engaging programs can help motivate men to take better care of their health. As the government gets ready to launch its men’s health strategy, there is hope that it will help men focus more on their well-being.

Original news source: Why men are so unhealthy – and what can be done (BBC)

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups and provide them with a few questions related to men’s health (e.g., “Do you think societal expectations affect men’s health?”). Each group discusses the questions and takes a poll of their opinions. Afterward, each group shares their findings with the class.

– THINK-PAIR-SHARE
Instructions: Ask students to think about the reasons for men’s health problems mentioned in the article. They then pair up to discuss their thoughts before sharing their ideas with the whole class. This encourages critical thinking and speaking skills.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: In small groups, students brainstorm catchy headlines for the article based on its content. Each group presents their headline to the class, allowing for creative expression and discussion about the article’s main messages.

– SKETCH IT
Instructions: Students work in pairs to illustrate a key concept from the article (e.g., societal pressures, lifestyle choices). After sketching, they present their drawing to the class and explain how it relates to the article, promoting understanding of the vocabulary and themes.

– WORD ASSOCIATION
Instructions: Start with a word from the article such as “health” or “risk.” Students take turns saying a word that they associate with it, building off the previous word. This activity helps reinforce vocabulary and encourages quick thinking in English.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the main purpose of the government’s discussion planned for April 2025?
2. According to the article, how do men’s lifestyle choices contribute to their health problems?
3. What are some serious illnesses that men are more likely to die from compared to women?
4. How does societal pressure affect men’s willingness to seek medical help?
5. Why might men in physical jobs struggle to access healthcare?
6. What is the Men’s Sheds movement, and how does it aim to improve men’s health?
7. How do economic factors influence the health of men living in poorer areas?
8. What do experts believe is necessary to motivate men to take better care of their health?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

In April 2025, the government in England (1)______ to start a discussion about a new health strategy for men. Many (2)______ think this is something that should have (3)______ a long time ago. Studies show that men are much more likely than women to die early, which raises (4)______ about why their health is so poor. Things like lifestyle choices, what society expects from men, and how easy it is for them to get healthcare all play a part in this issue. Understanding these factors is important for finding ways to help improve men’s health.

One major reason for men’s health problems is that they often take more risks. Men are more likely to (5)______, drink too much alcohol, use (6)______, and have high cholesterol and blood pressure. Because of these habits, men usually live about four (7)______ less than women. They are also almost 60% more likely to die early from serious illnesses like heart disease, lung cancer, and liver disease. Experts like Prof. Alan White say that while lifestyle choices matter, there are also biological factors that affect men’s health.

(8)______ also has a big impact on men’s health. Many men feel pressure to be strong and tough, which can make them hesitant to seek help when they have health problems. Prof. White (9)______ out that men often don’t have the knowledge they need to recognize when they should see a doctor. Unlike women, who usually visit healthcare providers regularly for reproductive health, many men might go years without getting medical advice. This lack of contact with healthcare can make their health (10)______ worse.

Economic factors are another important part of the picture. Men who work in (11)______ jobs often find it hard to access healthcare because they are busy and stressed. Mark Brooks, a policy adviser, notes that men (12)______ in poorer areas tend to have shorter life expectancies than those in wealthier neighborhoods. Many men might ignore (13)______ signs of health issues because they worry about losing their jobs or not being able to support their families. Despite these challenges, there are programs aimed at improving men’s health, like the Men’s Sheds movement, which encourages men to (14)______ with others while working on projects. Experts like Prof. Paul Galdas believe that creating fun and engaging programs can help motivate men to take (15)______ care of their health. As the government gets (16)______ to launch its men’s health strategy, there is hope that it will help men focus more on their well-being.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the idea that men should have a health strategy specifically for them?

2. How would you feel if you were encouraged to take more risks, like trying extreme sports or unhealthy habits?

3. Do you think societal expectations about being strong affect men’s health? Why or why not?

4. What is a healthy lifestyle choice that you think everyone should follow?

5. How do you think men can be encouraged to seek help when they have health problems?

6. Do you like the idea of programs like Men’s Sheds that focus on connecting men? Why or why not?

7. How would you feel if you had to choose between your job and taking care of your health?

8. Do you think schools should teach more about health and wellness for both boys and girls? Why?

9. What is a common health problem you think young men should be more aware of?

10. How do you think technology could help improve men’s health in the future?

11. Do you believe that men should be more open about their feelings and health issues? Why or why not?

12. How would you feel if you were in a situation where you had to convince a friend to see a doctor?

13. Do you think that having regular health check-ups is important for everyone? Why?

14. What is a way you think men can support each other in taking care of their health?

15. How do you feel about the idea that biological factors play a role in men’s health? Do you think they are more important than lifestyle choices? Why?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. strategy
2. cholesterol
3. biological
4. hesitant
5. reproductive
6. economic
7. policy
8. adviser
9. expectancies
10. neighborhoods
11. warning
12. motivate
13. engaging
14. launch
15. well-being

Meanings:
(A) To start or introduce something new
(B) A set of ideas or plans used for making decisions
(C) Unsure or slow to act because of uncertainty or fear
(D) Related to money, trade, or industry
(E) The expected length of time someone is likely to live
(F) A sign or signal that something bad might happen
(G) The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
(H) A fatty substance found in the blood that can cause health problems if levels are too high
(I) Related to the process of producing babies
(J) A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term goal
(K) To encourage someone to take action or feel more interested
(L) Related to the natural processes of living organisms
(M) Areas where people live, often defined by geographical boundaries
(N) Interesting and holding your attention
(O) A person who gives advice or guidance
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. When does the government in England plan to start discussing a new health strategy for men?
(a) April 2025
(b) April 2024
(c) April 2026
(d) April 2023

2. What is one major reason for men’s health problems mentioned in the article?
(a) They eat healthier than women
(b) They often take more risks
(c) They exercise more regularly
(d) They visit doctors more frequently

3. How much longer do men typically live compared to women, according to the article?
(a) Two years less
(b) Five years more
(c) Three years more
(d) Four years less

4. What societal pressure do many men feel that affects their health?
(a) To eat healthy foods
(b) To be strong and tough
(c) To exercise regularly
(d) To visit doctors often

5. What is a common reason men might ignore health warning signs?
(a) Lack of interest in health
(b) Fear of doctors
(c) Worrying about job security
(d) Believing they are invincible

6. What type of jobs do men often work in that can make accessing healthcare difficult?
(a) Physical jobs
(b) Office jobs
(c) Creative jobs
(d) Technology jobs

7. What is the Men’s Sheds movement aimed at?
(a) Promoting healthy eating among men
(b) Teaching men about financial planning
(c) Organizing sports events for men
(d) Encouraging men to connect with others while working on projects

8. Who believes that creating fun programs can help motivate men to take better care of their health?
(a) Mark Brooks
(b) Prof. Alan White
(c) Prof. Paul Galdas
(d) A government official

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Programs like the Men’s Sheds movement aim to improve men’s health by encouraging social connections.
2. Many men feel pressured to be strong, leading them to eagerly seek medical help.
3. Studies show that men are more likely than women to die early.
4. The government in England plans to implement a new health strategy for men in April 2025.
5. Men in physical jobs may easily access healthcare because of their busy schedules.
6. Lifestyle choices, societal expectations, and access to healthcare have no impact on men’s health.
7. Men usually live about four years less than women due to health issues.
8. Men often take more risks, which contributes to their health problems.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What are some reasons why men have poorer health compared to women?
2. How does society’s expectations of men affect their willingness to seek medical help?
3. What are some lifestyle choices that contribute to men’s health problems?
4. Why might men in physically demanding jobs have trouble accessing healthcare?
5. What is the Men’s Sheds movement, and how does it aim to improve men’s health?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What is the main purpose of the government’s discussion planned for April 2025?
The main purpose is to start a discussion about a new health strategy for men.

2. According to the article, how do men’s lifestyle choices contribute to their health problems?
Men’s lifestyle choices, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and using drugs, contribute to their health problems by increasing their risk of serious illnesses and leading to shorter life expectancies.

3. What are some serious illnesses that men are more likely to die from compared to women?
Men are more likely to die from serious illnesses like heart disease, lung cancer, and liver disease.

4. How does societal pressure affect men’s willingness to seek medical help?
Societal pressure makes many men feel they need to be strong and tough, which can make them hesitant to seek help when they have health problems.

5. Why might men in physical jobs struggle to access healthcare?
Men in physical jobs often struggle to access healthcare because they are busy and stressed, making it hard for them to find time to see a doctor.

6. What is the Men’s Sheds movement, and how does it aim to improve men’s health?
The Men’s Sheds movement is a program that encourages men to connect with others while working on projects, aiming to improve their health by promoting social interaction and engagement.

7. How do economic factors influence the health of men living in poorer areas?
Economic factors influence the health of men in poorer areas by leading to shorter life expectancies and making them more likely to ignore health warning signs due to worries about job security and providing for their families.

8. What do experts believe is necessary to motivate men to take better care of their health?
Experts believe that creating fun and engaging programs can help motivate men to take better care of their health.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) plans
(2) experts
(3) happened
(4) questions
(5) smoke
(6) drugs
(7) years
(8) Society
(9) points
(10) issues
(11) physical
(12) living
(13) warning
(14) connect
(15) better
(16) ready
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. strategy
Answer: (J) A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term goal

2. cholesterol
Answer: (H) A fatty substance found in the blood that can cause health problems if levels are too high

3. biological
Answer: (L) Related to the natural processes of living organisms

4. hesitant
Answer: (C) Unsure or slow to act because of uncertainty or fear

5. reproductive
Answer: (I) Related to the process of producing babies

6. economic
Answer: (D) Related to money, trade, or industry

7. policy
Answer: (B) A set of ideas or plans used for making decisions

8. adviser
Answer: (O) A person who gives advice or guidance

9. expectancies
Answer: (E) The expected length of time someone is likely to live

10. neighborhoods
Answer: (M) Areas where people live, often defined by geographical boundaries

11. warning
Answer: (F) A sign or signal that something bad might happen

12. motivate
Answer: (K) To encourage someone to take action or feel more interested

13. engaging
Answer: (N) Interesting and holding your attention

14. launch
Answer: (A) To start or introduce something new

15. well-being
Answer: (G) The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. When does the government in England plan to start discussing a new health strategy for men?
Answer: (a) April 2025

2. What is one major reason for men’s health problems mentioned in the article?
Answer: (b) They often take more risks

3. How much longer do men typically live compared to women, according to the article?
Answer: (d) Four years less

4. What societal pressure do many men feel that affects their health?
Answer: (b) To be strong and tough

5. What is a common reason men might ignore health warning signs?
Answer: (c) Worrying about job security

6. What type of jobs do men often work in that can make accessing healthcare difficult?
Answer: (a) Physical jobs

7. What is the Men’s Sheds movement aimed at?
Answer: (d) Encouraging men to connect with others while working on projects

8. Who believes that creating fun programs can help motivate men to take better care of their health?
Answer: (c) Prof. Paul Galdas
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Programs like the Men’s Sheds movement aim to improve men’s health by encouraging social connections. (Answer: True)
2. Many men feel pressured to be strong, leading them to eagerly seek medical help. (Answer: False)
3. Studies show that men are more likely than women to die early. (Answer: True)
4. The government in England plans to implement a new health strategy for men in April 2025. (Answer: False)
5. Men in physical jobs may easily access healthcare because of their busy schedules. (Answer: False)
6. Lifestyle choices, societal expectations, and access to healthcare have no impact on men’s health. (Answer: False)
7. Men usually live about four years less than women due to health issues. (Answer: True)
8. Men often take more risks, which contributes to their health problems. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧