With researchers suggesting that sitting is the new smoking, sit-stand desks (SSD) have become a common tool to interrupt long sitting in an office or classroom environment. As this furniture becomes popular, conflicting opinions have arisen on whether they can work as successfully as they are intended. Dr. April Chambers from the University of Pittsburgh worked with teammates to gather data from 3 studies and published a review article listing present information on the benefits of SSDs.
“There has been a great deal of scientific research about sit-stand desks in the past few years, but we have only scratched the surface of this topic,” said Chambers. I want to gather what we’ve known so far to figure out how we can use these desks to better benefit people in the workplace.
This work was done with Dr. Nancy A. Baker from Tufts University. The review examines the effects of a sit-stand desk in the following aspects: behavior, physiological(生理的), work performance, psychological, discomfort, and posture. Their work showed that using an SSD effectively got participants to sit less and stand more and that the device made users more comfortable at work. However, many frustrations (沮丧) with SSDs came from the physiological outcomes. According to the review, physiological effects were the most studied, but there were no significant results with regards to fatness.
There are many considerations about using an SSD most effectively, such as desk height, monitor height, and the amount of time to stand. Chambers believes that the overall arrangement of the workplace or study place and the amount of work are two factors that should be further studied.
Chambers noted that present research is limited because many of the studies were done with young and healthy subjects who were asked to use the desk for a week or a month at most. Since some of the significant benefits are with heart health or muscle discomfort, it may be beneficial to perform additional studies with middle-aged or overweight workers.
1. The arguments about SSDs mainly lie in .| A．their side effects | B．their popularity |
| C．their practical results | D．their original intentions |
| A．To call on people to stand more. | B．To suggest ways to better use SSDs. |
| C．To contradict the existing opinions. | D．To find out the drawbacks of SSDs. |
| A．Disappointed. | B．Content. |
| C．Positive. | D．Indifferent. |
| A．The height of the desk and the monitor. |
| B．The time people spend in standing. |
| C．Behavior and psychological aspects. |
| D．A broader range of the participants. |
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【推荐1】In Denmark, bicycling is one of the primary forms of transportation. In sunshine, rain and snow, you will see cyclists on their way to work, to the grocery store, or to social events. The bike is a Dane’s best friend. Danish cycling culture is as old as the bicycle itself. Bikes were first introduced to the country in the 1880s, and during the 1920s and 1930s, the bicycle became a widespread symbol of equality and freedom. People of all social classes began biking side by side —in the cities on their way to work and in the countryside on their days off.
The increased prosperity of the late 1950s saw some. Danes replacing bikes with motorcycles and automobiles. Just like their colleagues around the world, Danish urban planners believed the future belonged to cars, trucks, and ever-wider highways. In the early 1970s, however, the Mideast oil crisis terminated that development. “Car Free Sundays” were introduced in Copenhagen, and protests demanding Copenhagen to become car-tree took place. Over time, concerns about air pollution, climate change, and the need for people to get enough exercise have helped bicycles make a big comeback. Denmark’s heavy taxes on petrol and automobiles are a factor, too.
Today, cycling is an inseparable part of Danish culture. Newcomers who do not know how to cycle are encouraged to learn as soon as they arrive. Danish children usually learn to bike before they begin school at the age of six — and often much earlier. In school, children learn about traffic rules, road safety, and the importance of wearing a helmet as well as good cycling habits. Another alternative for families with children is the cargo bike-a sort of oversized tricycle with a large wooden box on the front. It’s estimated that a quarter of all Copenhagen families with two or more children own one of these cargo bikes for transporting kids, groceries, and other necessities. Danish cargo bikes have also won design awards and become a Danish export success.
Commuting by bike is the fastest, easiest and most environmentally friendly way to get around the cities of Denmark. And the numbers speak for themselves: Residents who cycle in Copenhagen request 1.1 million fewer sick days. Cyclists reduce CO2 emissions by 20,000 tonnes a year on average.
1. What can we learn about bicycles in Denmark from paragraph 1?| A．Bicycling was the only form of transportation. |
| B．Danish cycling culture dates back to the 18th century. |
| C．Bicycles had symbolic significance in the early 20th century. |
| D．Bicycles revolutionized transportation |
| A．Facilitated. | B．Permitted. |
| C．Ended. | D．Postponed. |
| A．To demonstrate the commitment to cycling. | B．To compare cycling with driving. |
| C．To highlight the popularity of cycling. | D．To show the benefits of cycling. |
| A．Denmark: A Nation of Cyclists |
| B．Denmark: A Model of Sustainable Living |
| C．The Evolution of Transportation in Denmark |
| D．The Impact of Cargo Bikes on Danish Mobility |
【推荐2】At the beginning of every school year, I feared coming home with the heavy homework of the first day after a summer of fun. And I feared getting another teacher who had a long list of rules and a stare that could kill a cat.
But there was always one part of beginning a new school year that I enjoyed. I always liked going to the store to arm myself with new school supplies—even if I didn’t need them.
Sure, my pencils, erasers and notebooks from the previous school year may have had some life left in them. But this didn’t matter. Every year, Dad would pile us into the car, take us to Wal-Mart and let us buy the newest and coolest pencils, rainbow-coloured erasers and spiral notebooks.
Besides school supplies, many parents also take their kids on annual shopping spree for new clothes and book bags just in time for school. During the whole process, children are in high spirits, buying a lot of stuff and are back home exhausted.
Every year, most of my classmates and I show up to school on the first day with something smelling like a new car. We’d put our new stationery on top of the desks, just to make sure others see them.
Leftover supplies from past years were always stuffed into the living room desk. Used clothes that had lost their appeal were sent to second-hand shops, where they would be sold for 50 cents a piece.
However, all of the new stuff could only make us excited about going to school for one week, after which the usual boredom and fear come back.
1. What is NOT TRUE about the author at the beginning of a new school year in the passage?| A．He often has to face a new teacher. |
| B．He doesn’t enjoy the load of work from school. |
| C．He doesn’t appreciate strict teachers. |
| D．He obtains new school supplies from the school. |
| A．Because the old ones are used up. |
| B．Because new pencils help them to study better. |
| C．Because they want to show their new stuff off. |
| D．Because it’s required by the school. |
| A．competition | B．considerable embarrassment |
| C．wild celebration | D．emotional pain |
| A．They are put aside and forgotten. | B．They are given to poorer children. |
| C．They are sold online . | D．They are treasured by the students. |
【推荐3】According to a new national survey of parents of school-age children, teachers and adults, Americans generally consider math the subject most in need of updating.
Parents and teachers want a more attractive set of math courses with up-to-date lessons that are relevant and applicable to the real world. And most parents agree the changes will help their kids succeed, including preparing them for careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
The results of the nationwide survey of more than 1,500 adults, 730 teachers and 800 parents and corresponding research showed that many people see a disconnect between the K12 math education they believe young people need to develop well in life and the one student’s are actually getting.
At the same time, most people agree that children who excel at math “are more likely to succeed later in life”, as some research showed. From the earliest grades, students are divided into math people and non math people, and that’s tragic. All students can succeed in math, and when students fail it, they’re more likely to drop out and not graduate from school.
Some districts already are trying out new math courses this year. However, many schools are trying to catch students up from math achievement lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, let alone make important course changes. Yet some education experts have argued that while schools are toying with ways to catch students up in math and reading, now is the best time to act. The teachers surveyed said they know they need to better attract students with better math lessons, but they’re struggling to do so in part because they have to put a large number of courses into the school year. Course development and educator training and flexibility are also a few of the barriers preventing immediate changes.
1. What is the public’s attitude to school math courses?| A．Doubtful. | B．Unsatisfied. | C．Approving. | D．Unclear. |
| A．They are unnecessary and useless. | B．They are too difficult and complex. |
| C．They are secondary and irrelevant. | D．They are uninteresting and impractical. |
| A．Be expert. | B．Be impatient. | C．Be interested. | D．Be concerned. |
| A．Fair treatment of students. | B．Educator training and flexibility. |
| C．Criticism of math courses. | D．Development of school courses. |
【推荐1】Organic farming(有机耕作) is a farming method that uses the natural techniques to grow crops and raise farm animals. This approach avoids the use of synthetic(合成的) chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers, and instead relies on natural methods to promote healthy soil and crop growth.
One of the key benefits of organic farming is its sustainability(可持续性). By avoiding the use of harmful substances, organic farmers are able to reduce their impact on the environment and protect the health of both the soil and local ecosystems. This also means that organic farming has a smaller carbon footprint than traditional farming methods, making it a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly option.
In addition to its environmental benefits, organic farming also has important health benefits. By avoiding the use of pesticides and fertilizers, organic farmers are able to produce crops that are free from harmful chemicals. This can lead to a healthier diet and reduced risk of exposure to harmful substances.
Moreover, organic farming can also have positive economic impacts. By supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture, organic farming can help to create more jobs and support local communities. Additionally, organic produce (农产品) is often sold at a higher price, which can provide financial benefits for farmers and help to promote sustainable agriculture as a good business model.
However, there are also challenges associated with organic farming. Because organic farming relies on natural methods to control pests and promote growth, it requires more workers and demand more time than traditional farming methods. Additionally, organic farming may not always be as productive or efficient as traditional farming methods, which can make it more difficult for farmers to meet demand.
Despite these challenges, many farmers and consumers are using organic farming as a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly way. As more people become aware of the environmental and health benefits of organic farming, it is likely that demand for organic produce will continue to grow. This, in turn, may help to promote the growth of sustainable agriculture and support the health of both people and the planet.
1. What do we know about organic farming?| A．It makes crops grow better. | B．It produce lower quality crops. |
| C．It uses natural techniques in farming. | D．It uses fertilizers to promote healthy soil. |
| A．By avoiding the use of harmful substances. |
| B．By using more sustainable synthetic chemicals. |
| C．By increasing their impact on the environment. |
| D．By studying both the soil and local ecosystems. |
| A．Healthier diet to farmers. | B．High demand for traditional produce. |
| C．More job chances in other fields. | D．Higher prices for organic produce. |
| A．It is impossible to control pests. |
| B．It needs more workers and time. |
| C．The farmland cannot meet farmers’ demand. |
| D．It has a negative impact on local ecosystems. |
【推荐2】Technology has made online friendships possible. Online friends are people who have known each other through the Internet. Are online friendships as beneficial as face-to-face friendships?
When you use social networking websites and chat rooms, you can easily find people with similar interests and hobbies. Making friends on the Internet is especially good for shy people who feel uncomfortable in social situations. It’s often easier to share thoughts and feelings online. What’s more, online friends can make people feel less lonely and help them solve problems.
Although the Internet can encourage friendships, it has a major disadvantage. It’s much easier for some people to cheat others because they are not face to face. Online friends only tell you what they want you to know. They sometimes exaggerate their good qualities and hide the less positive ones, so you can’t be sure of what they really like.
Some feel as strongly about their online friends as they do about their offline friends. But it’s not unusual for online friends to become face-to-face friends. However, there are many people who believe that it’s not possible for people to have deep relationships with online friends.
People express different opinions about online friendships. However, most of them would agree that face-to-face friendships cannot be replaced by online friendships.
1. How can you make online friends?| A．By chatting with people personally. |
| B．By exploring social networking websites. |
| C．By finding people with different interests. |
| D．By sharing thoughts face to face. |
| A．Some people may cheat others. |
| B．Disadvantages of online friendship. |
| C．Advantages of friendship in life. |
| D．Advantages of online friendship. |
| A．Praise. | B．Own. | C．Enlarge. | D．Lack. |
| A．Online friendships are dangerous. |
| B．Online friendships are not important. |
| C．Face-to-face friendships are not good. |
| D．Face-to-face friendships will remain. |
【推荐3】Brazil is the greatest football nation in the world. There are 170 million Brazilians. How many of them are football fans? 100 million! All of them think that they know all about football. This makes life very difficult for the Brazilian team managers. When things go bad for the Brazilian team, the newspapers would demand that the team manager should leave his job. “If we win, they put me in heaven,” a manager once said. “If we lose, they put me in hell (地狱).”
You can’t escape football in Brazil. There are football matches on every street and beach. On television, the results of football matches come before the main news programs. There are six television channels (频道) in Rio de Janeiro. On Sundays each channel shows a different football match.
Brazil is not the richest country in the world, but the government spends lots of money on football. It cost more than one billion pounds to prepare for the 1978 World Cup. That’s 10 pounds for every Brazilian man, woman, and child. And many Brazilians don’t earn as much as 10 pounds a week. Is it worth it?
“Brazil must have a great football team,” says one journalist. “If it costs one billion pounds, that’s all right. If the government doesn’t give us a good team, then it will become unpopular. Football is more than a game in Brazil.”
Football is more than a game in Brazil. This is certainly true in its largest city, San Paulo. The most popular team is Corinthians. Corinthians’ fans are the most loyal and emotional in Brazil. When Corinthians win, production in the Sao Paulo car factories increases by fifteen per cent. When they lose, it drops. At one time Corinthians won the national championship for the first time. For four days fans danced and sang in the streets.
Why are people so loyal to one football team? What makes a football fan? One man says, “Without Corinthians my life would be sad. Corinthians bring some joy and excitement into my life. We all need that, don’t we?”
1. In paragraph 1, what the manager said means _______.| A．he is respected by newspapers | B．he will probably be killed by fans |
| C．he is judged on his team’s results | D．it’s difficult for him to get good scores |
| A．all the Brazilians know all about football |
| B．football has an influence on politics(政治) in Brazil |
| C．the Brazilians spend a lot of money on football |
| D．Corinthians’ fans are always supporting their team |
| A．production in the Sao Paulo car factories increased |
| B．Corinthians won a national football championship |
| C．Corinthians won the World Cup |
| D．the newspapers put a team manager in heaven |
