Nonfiction · Level 1 · 133 words

The Simple Walk

Original passage © Studio AM, written for Fluency.

You do not need a gym or special gear to care for your body. You only need to walk. A walk each day is one of the easiest ways to stay well. It costs nothing.

When you walk, your heart beats faster and grows stronger. Your legs and back feel less stiff. Many people also notice that a walk clears the mind. A worry that felt heavy at your desk can feel lighter after twenty minutes outside.

You do not have to walk fast or far. A slow walk still helps. Try to make it a daily habit: after lunch, or before bed, or on the way to the store. Leave the car and use your feet when you can. Small, steady movement, done often, keeps the body and mind in better shape.

Comprehension questions

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4 questions
1. What is the main idea of the passage?

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A. A daily walk is a simple, free way to help both body and mind
The passage praises a daily walk as an easy, free help for both body and mind.

2. According to the text, what happens to your heart when you walk?

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B. It beats faster and grows stronger
The text says: "your heart beats faster and grows stronger."

3. Why does the passage say a heavy worry can "feel lighter after twenty minutes outside"?

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B. Because walking can calm the mind, not only exercise the body
The line about a worry feeling lighter shows walking helps the mind, not just the body.

4. In this passage, "stiff" most nearly means

Show answer for question 4

B. hard to bend or move easily
Legs and back "feel less stiff" after walking; stiff means hard to bend or move.

Source: Written for Fluency. Original passage © Studio AM, written for Fluency.