【推荐2】Boxing Day is an institution in the British calendar, but there is no common consensus as to how it got its name. According to some, it can be traced back to the Victorian era when churches often displayed a box into which their parishioners (教区居民) put donations.

However, according to historian Dr Neil Armstrong, the naming of Boxing Day dates back to the 17th century. This was the day, he said, when apprentices would have a box for their employers to tip them a coin or two. While the boxes may have disappeared, the custom of tipping has remained.

In the Victorian age, the custom evolved. On Boxing Day, most tradespeople would give their clients a gift to ensure their custom. There were concerns, said Dr Armstrong, that this was a form of bribery (行贿). This custom declined in the 20th century as fewer people had relationships with their local businesses and shops following the rise of supermarkets and shopping centres.

“It may not be the reason why Boxing Day got its name, but charitable giving was closely associated with Boxing Day in the Victorian era, "said Dr Armstrong. "In the mid-19th century there began to be indiscriminate (随意的) charitable giving. This would often be begging, and children were usually sent out to do this job.” Nevertheless, the habit of generous charitable giving has continued to be associated with the festive period up to the present day.

Boxing Day continued, however, to be a normal working day until 1871, when it was finally classed as a public holiday. "They would often be working until very late on Christmas Eve, so they wanted a break on Boxing Day, "Dr Armstrong said. Then it became known as a day of leisure. Organised sporting events such as football matches became popular—a tradition which has carried on until today.

Boxing Day is observed in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and some other Commonwealth nations. In America, December 26 is known as the Day after Christmas Day, and is observed as a holiday in only a few states.

1. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the underlined word “institution” in the first paragraph?

A．Charity system.	B．Unpopular festival.
C．Local organization.	D．Social convention.

2. How is the passage mainly developed?

A．By giving examples.	B．By making comparisons.
C．By following time order.	D．By making classification.

3. According to the passage, why did the Boxing Day custom of giving gifts decline in the 20th century?

A．Because of the indifferent relationships between people.

B．Because of the rise of supermarkets and shopping centres.

C．Because of a strict policy, which banned this form of bribery.

D．Because of the decrease in the number of tradespeople.

4. What is the author's main purpose in writing the passage?

A．To explain the origin of Boxing Day.

B．To explain how people celebrate Boxing Day.

C．To show that Boxing Day is named after a church donation box.

D．To advise people to celebrate Boxing Day.

【推荐1】Running is the best way to keep our body fit and healthy. Those who want to burn fat and lose weight can run regularly in the morning.     1     When you run in the gentle morning atmosphere, you will get the psychological benefits along with the physical benefits. Running is more effective and also less time-consuming. Besides, in your busy day, morning is the free time to take some exercise.

    2     Dr. Scott Collier from the State University did a study on some groups of people of 40-60 years old. They walked or ran at 7 am, 1 pm and 7 pm. From this study, he saw that the group of early exercisers experienced 10 percent drop in their blood pressure. So, we see that early morning run benefits us for the long term.

Another benefit of running is the stress relief. Every day running in the morning will help you to keep your mind fresh to start your daily work.     3     It will save you one step ahead to reach your goal. It provides you with a positive mood for a day.

Running is the best way to lose weight. But you should add some other training to build your muscle and burn fat. Some elite athletes (优秀运动员) say that when you wake up in the morning, you should first run for a while.     4    

Most of the busy people do not have enough time to communicate properly with the family and social people.     5     The morning exercise such as running and walking gives us the opportunity to meet our neighbors. We can talk with them in the morning.

A．Then start other physical exercise.

B．Morning exercise lowers blood pressure.

C．So, you can start your day with a cheerful mind.

D．So, try for a few weeks, and you will see your progress.

E．Morning run forces you to wake up early in the morning.

F．We miss many social events for our work or other purposes.

G．We cannot describe the benefits of running in the morning in words.

【推荐2】The gym has never been the sort of place I like to be. 1 don't have fond feelings for the smell of sweaty bodies.     1     I have long been troubled by arthritis(关节炎).

A few months ago, I had a medical examination. As suspected: 20 pounds overweight and high blood pressure. The prescription? Exercise. The thought of sweating it out in a gym only made me feel more powerless over my body. I felt bad for myself. And then I got angry -----at my condition and my laziness.    2     I decided I wanted to invest in my health. But how?

I was raised in New Jersey and spent summers "down the shore." I had always found water to be healing (治愈的).    3     I loved that feeling, so I decided the pool would be my best bet for exercise. And, not for nothing, the National Institutes of Health says water is one of the best fitness choices for folks with arthritis. So I marched over to the pool during my lunch break.

Three lanes (泳道). Twenty-five meters. Two other swimmers in the water. One was swimming so fast that I thought I accidentally joined a master’s group. The other one was swimming along, carrying tiny water weights. And then there was me. I jumped in and swam a lap.    4     I sucked it up, and did another. Sure, it was hard, but I wasn’t tied to a machine. I was just moving through the water with ease. I fell in love with the water.

I will likely never be the fastest person in the pool.    5     With each swim, I get stronger, more efficient, and more graceful. Exercise stopped feeling so annoying when I decided to work out for my health.

A．But I won't be the slowest either.

B．Swimming offers plenty of benefits.

C．But then that anger turned into determination.

D．In water, I could be weightless and let myself go.

E．There is another big reason I' m not into the gym.

F．I tried to hide my exhaustion at the other end of the pool.

G．Watching other swimmers pass me has become inspiring.

【推荐3】WELCOME!

We are excited to have you join Circuit of Change and we look forward to making your experience as fun, easy and enjoyable as possible.

BASICS

* All indoor classes are conducted without shoes.

* No shoes are permitted in the studio or bathroom.

* Please silence your phone upon entering the studio.

* We have two dressing rooms inside the main studio, and one bathroom.

* We provide mats for all classes.

* We do not sell bottled water or offer towels; however, we do have a water filtration (过滤) system, so please bring your own bottle or you may purchase a reusable Circuit of Change water bottle for $12 at the studio.

* To help out the studio, you are responsible for cleaning your own mat after class.

* Circuit of Change is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

* We offer tea before and after class for everyone.

SIGNING UP& PURCHASING CLASSES

To sign up for classes you must first create an account on our website. Visit Class Schedule/ Sign In and follow the user-friendly directions. There you will get all the information you need on attending your first class, and selecting which package is best for you.

CANCELATION POLICY

We have a two-hour cancellation policy. If you don’t cancel within the two hours, the class will be on the go!

WAITLIST POLICY

When creating your account, make sure you click the “Opt-In” box to receive email notices from us. If you’re on the waitlist for class, you’ll receive an auto-email as soon as a spot opens up.

HAVE FUN!

Circuit of Change is all about having fun and doing the work. Listen to your body, go at your own pace, and let the sweat pour! We look forward to meeting you soon.

Still have other questions? Contact us at 212.255.0053 or info@circuitofchange.com.

1. What is Circuit of Change according to the text?

A．A camping club.	B．A health website.
C．A fitness center.	D．A sports school.

2. Which of the following must you bring?

A．The towels.

B．The mats.

C．The water.

D．The tea.

3. If you want to buy classes, you should ______.

A．click the “Opt-In” box	B．visit Class Schedule/ Sign In
C．call 212.255.0053	D．send an email to info@circuitofchange.com