The clock is ticking. David Brunelli has just swallowed a huge burger. The crowd cheers excitedly as he downs fistfuls of fries.
Welcome to the world of competitive eating.
Brunelli is part of a select group who compete to eat massive quantities of food as quickly as possible. Eating contests may seem like harmless fun, but they have a dark side and some critics are saying it’s time for them to stop.
Pouring crazy amounts of food down our throats is nothing new. Gorging banquets (狼吞虎咽会) was a regular part of ancient Roman culture. In the 1800s, some New York City politicians settled bets through eating challenges. Pie-eating contests have been a Fourth of July tradition for more than a century.
For supporters like Brunelli, though, eating contests are more than a custom. They are a path to fortune.
But prize money does nothing to reduce the health risks of competitive eating. Competitive eating can even be life-threatening. In 1991, a man in Virginia suffered a stroke (中风) after eating 38 eggs in 29 seconds; In Florida, in 2012, a man died shortly after winning an eating contest leading a group of doctors to call for a ban on eating contests.
In any event, the risk to competitors is only part of the story. Nearly two-thirds of Americans are overweight, and competitive eating sets a terrible example by encouraging overeating. And in a world where 805 million people go hungry every day, downing ridiculous quantities of food for entertainment seems not just wasteful but also cruel.
For now, though, it seems eating contests are here to stay. Last year, more than three million viewers watched Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on TV. This year, Matt Stonie ate 182 pieces of bacon in 5 minutes, breaking the world record.
What record will be broken next? Do you really want to find out?
1. What does the author try to express in Paragraph 4?| A．Competitive eating is a tradition. |
| B．It’s great to learn from ancient people. |
| C．Competitive eating should be accepted. |
| D．It’s exciting to challenge others to eat. |
| A．For food. | B．For fun. |
| C．For honor. | D．For money. |
| A．use unhealthy food |
| B．waste too much food |
| C．put competitors at risk |
| D．set a bad example to kids |
| A．The author hopes to break the record. |
| B．The author is eager to know the result. |
| C．The author wants readers to find out the result. |
| D．The author disapproves of competitive eating. |
相似题推荐
I am a vegetarian（素食主义者）．Many people are quick to think of vegetarianism as strange behavior．I treasure our Earth, and since we only have one, we should protect it and the wildlife that lives on it．But that’s only one of the reasons to be a vegetarian．
Vegetarians may live longer, healthier lives．There is a connection between red meat consumption and various diseases．From an economic standpoint, it requires less land, money and energy to produce foods for a vegetarian diet．While there are many benefits to being a vegetarian, only a handful of those who attempt to adopt this lifestyle succeed．
The most important quality required to be a vegetarian is firmness since surrounded by the temptation of meat, we tend to give up vegetarianism easily．Creativity is almost as important as commitment．It’s easy to tire of eating nothing but salad． But with a little creativity and some soy products, almost any meal can become vegetarian-friendly．
Not everyone wants to be vegetarian．Accepting this is part of being a vegetarian with style．Forcing your beliefs on others is disrespectful．Stylish vegetarians should also be able to turn down a meaty dish politely without annoying their hosts．
Being a successful vegetarian has been easy for me, but it may not be so for others．A common mistake is quitting before your body has adjusted to the change．It can be difficult to keep the lifestyle in the beginning because of temptation．However, it fades over time．Another common mistake is quitting because you’ve been misinformed about the nutritional wisdom of being a vegetarian．That’s why it is vital to be educated． Countless people will tell you that it’s impossible to obtain the nutrients and protein（蛋白质）your body requires without meat, but they are incorrect．People actually need only 44-55 grams of protein a day, and that is easily found in a vegetarian diet．Many meat eaters are consuming three times that amount, which is not beneficial．It leads to diseases．Vegetables can also supply all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients your body needs．However, if you’re still not convinced, you can take a multi-vitamin．
1. According to the passage, being a vegetarian helps ______．
| A．protect the wildlife |
| B．free people from diseases |
| C．rid people from strange behaviors |
| D．develop a better economy |
| A．Unpleasant taste | B．Extreme attraction |
| C．Great consumption | D．Significant importance |
| A．force others to be vegetarians |
| B．respect other people’s beliefs |
| C．turn down hosts gracefully |
| D．refuse an offer of meat |
| A．Many people give up before their bodies can adjust to the transition． |
| B．Many people quit because they’re poorly educated about nutrition． |
| C．Consuming 150 grams protein a day can be harmful． |
| D．Vegetarians need multi-vitamins to keep healthy． |
| A．Reasons why the author became a vegetarian． |
| B．Important qualities required to be a vegetarian． |
| C．Advantages and disadvantages of being a vegetarian． |
| D．Common mistakes on the way to being a vegetarian． |
【推荐2】Outstanding in the Field, an organization that holds dinners on farms and other currently popular locations(地方), is traveling across the U.S., Canada, France and Bermuda for its annual tour.
Dinners on the farm have become popular in the last several years as the local food movement has grown. A dinner of local foods cooked by local chefs and eaten as close to the source as possible is an enjoyable way to spend an evening. Outstanding in the Field seems to have been ahead of fashion. They’ve been holding these dinners since 1999. In that time, they’ve visited all 50 states and more than 15 countries.
The goal of Outstanding in the Field is “to get people out to the places where the food comes from and honor the people whose good work brings health,” says founder Jim Denevan. “Our moving restaurant without walls may be located wherever good food comes from. There are no limits.
Their main location is a field on a farm, but they also hold events on mountaintops, sea caves, and other places in keeping with their vision.
Their 2018 Tour began on May 5 in California and runs through Nov. 11. Tickets to these dinners on the farm are expensive. Ticket prices ranged from $180 to $300 per person. The price includes a reception with wine and passed appetizers(开胃菜), four courses with wine, all tips, producer discussions and a tour of the farm. The events are intended for adults, and they don’t recommend that children attend.
It’s more than just a meal. The food isn’t the only reason to check out this dining trend. It’s a way to connect in a natural setting with like-minded, food-loving people while also supporting local farmers.
1. Which one of the following statements is right?| A．Outstanding in the Field is a travel agency. |
| B．Dinners on the farm had become popular before 1999. |
| C．A dinner may be held by a pond if you are eating fish. |
| D．Two adults and a kid may spend $600 on a dinner. |
| A．Wine. | B．All tips. | C．A tour. | D．Some small gifts. |
| A．Eating on farms is a win-win activity. | B．The farmers like eating on the farms. |
| C．Any activities besides dinners can be held. | D．Many people like eating with the farmers. |
| A．Indifferent. | B．Welcome. | C．Moved. | D．Angry. |
【推荐3】When it comes to Brazil, you will recall the exciting football game and the Samba.
Originally the formula for Brazilian style barbecue was to roast the whole cattle or sheep strung on the branch. And the meat is cut into pieces to eat with a knife when cooked. Later the style has changed since the coming of the European civilization.
A salt-water baste is used to keep meats properly wet during the cooking. Beef is typically never seasoned. Lamb, however, is spiced with a rich sauce the night before cooking. And they are cooked on long sword-like skewers (烤肉叉) over the fire with fattier items placed on top so that the juices will drip down and flavor the other cuts. Waiters will go around table to table carving off pieces onto your plate. Without moving from your table you can experience virtually unlimited dishes until your stomach fails you.
| A．And a modern version comes out. |
| B．This is truly a great dining experience. |
| C．Barbecue, though, is what Brazilians are proud of. |
| D．Xinjiang barbecue in China earns a good reputation. |
| E．They make a great impression on people in the world. |
| F．In contrast, Xinjiang barbecue features smaller skewers. |
| G．Brazilian barbecue differs from Korean’s and Chinese Xinjiang’s. |
【推荐1】It would be difficult to think of a world without colorful clothes. Still, where do those colors come from? The processes that take place before each garment reaches the wearers’ hands are unknown to most consumers. In the fashion industry, it is behind the scenes that fibers and textiles (纺织品) acquire their final colors. But something is about to change drastically.
While the common garment dyeing (染色) processes require large amounts of water, energy and chemicals, now a lab in Australia has developed a cotton that could grow in a range of different colors that may allow them to entirely skip the dyeing process.
The World Bank estimates that 20 percent of industrial water pollution globally comes from the treatment and dyeing of textiles, including the emission of around 72 poisonous chemicals that reach the water supply. It has also estimated that the annual volume of water used worldwide for fabric dyeing alone is 5 trillion liters, enough to fill two million Olympic-sized swimming pools!
While this is still in the early stages, the scientists will be working during the next few months in growing naturally colored cotton plants that will be able to reproduce by developing flowers and seeds. The goal is that they can be used for fibers that will be woven into colorful garments without the need of any dyes.
“Having the cotton produce its own color is a game changer,” MacMillan told ABC News Australia. “This research can really have the potential to transform the global textile industry, because we’re making fibers that are still biodegradable, still renewable, but still have properties that they don’t currently have.”
This new solution is just one way to create a more conscious fashion. The challenge is big but not impossible. The fashion industry has to think outside the box to keep finding ways that reverse the current situation and inspire hope for a sustainable future.
1. What does the underlined word “drastically” in paragraph 1 mean?| A．Thoroughly. | B．Partly. | C．Casually. | D．Urgently. |
| A．Global water pollution. |
| B．The seriousness of textiles’ pollution. |
| C．Water plays a key role in textile industry. |
| D．The percentage of poisonous chemicals. |
| A．Raise colored cotton plants. | B．Gather flowers and seeds. |
| C．Weave colorful garments. | D．Promote their new products. |
| A．Colorful Clothes Have a Bright Future |
| B．Growing Colored Cotton Becomes a Trend |
| C．New Research about Colored Cotton Shocks the World |
| D．New Research Discovers How to Grow Colored Cotton |
【推荐2】Maybe you have a fairly good command of the English language. Are you looking for a place to practice and improve your English skills?
Get prepared. There is no need to start from the beginning.
Find ways to practice. Now that you know what you want to learn, jump over to Google or Yahoo and do a quick search on your chosen topic of interest.
Make evaluations. Once you finish a day's work, sit down for a few minutes and evaluate how you did.
Make sure you do these four steps every day and you will see your skills progressing steadily.
| A．Put what's learned into use. |
| B．The following steps are sure to help you. |
| C．Did you learn everything that is required? |
| D．Just check up and find out where you are weak. |
| E．From there, you should be able to find some sites. |
| F．Why should you use what you learned on your friends? |
| G．You can find partners online to help you learn English. |
【推荐3】Improving the quality of your sleep can add years to your life and make a big difference in your overall health. Researchers have studied how much sleep you need for decades, but what about the best temperature for a good night’s sleep? A new study shows how changing your bedroom temperature can give your sleep quality a push and help you avoid waking up tired.
The study looked at how different bedroom temperatures might affect sleep quality in senior adults. The results showed that senior adults, in comparison to younger populations, may benefit from slightly warmer temperatures at night, between 68 and 77 °F.
Past research suggests that our body temperature can change by 2 degrees overnight, and that a drop in temperature may help get our bodies and brains ready for a great night’s sleep. Other research shows that people sleeping in warmer temperatures report lower quality of sleep. These are all great reasons to try to turn down your bedroom temperature lower for sleep.
How warm or cool your bedroom is affects the body’s ability to regulate (调节) its temperature during the night, says Raj Dasgupta, chief medical advisor for Sleepopolis. “When we sleep, our body temperature naturally drops and rises, which is very important for achieving quality sleep.” So, if the bedroom temperature is too warm, it may affect the body’s ability to cool down, resulting in difficulty falling asleep, he explains.
The ideal temperature for sleep generally falls between 60 and 69 F, says Dr. Dasgupta. “This range helps your body cool down effectively, and supports your body temperature regulation,” he explains. But as the study found, slightly warmer temperatures may be better for older adults.
1. Whom does the study in paragraph 2 mainly focus on?| A．Older adults. | B．Young people. | C．Female adults. | D．School children. |
| A．Change our body temperature. | B．Sleep in warmer environment. |
| C．Report our quality of sleep. | D．Turn bedroom temperature lower. |
| A．It makes us uncomfortable. | B．It may result in trouble falling asleep. |
| C．It leads to breathing problems. | D．It increases wasteful use of energy. |
| A．How sleep quality adds years to our life | B．How bedroom temperatures affect our sleep |
| C．Why warmer temperatures are bad for health | D．Why lower temperatures are good for our sleep |
【推荐1】I took a job as a receptionist for a vet(兽医)almost five decades ago. As a crazy animal lover, I accepted the position on the condition that I wouldn't have to assist with any wounded animals. I couldn't bear to see any creature in pain.
At the end of my first week, we were closing the office for the day when a young man ran up to us holding a severely injured Doberman pinscher puppy in his arms and begging us to save his life. The four-month-old pup had been hit by a car.
The doctor and I ran back into the operating room. The only place the skin was still attached to this poor little animal's body was around one shoulder. The vet worked tirelessly for what seemed like hours, sewing him back together again. That was the easy part. The puppy had broken multiple bones, including his spine. If he survived the next few days, we were quite sure he would never walk again.
That day forever changed my life. One of my first jobs was to give that Doberman puppy daily physical treatment. I remember moving his tiny legs to try to keep his muscles from weakening.
Weeks went by until one day, I felt this little fighter push back ever so slightly. And he continued to push back till he could finally use his legs.
Fast-forward about a year. I walked into the clinic's crowded waiting room and called the name of the next client. Suddenly, a huge Doberman who had been standing quietly with his owner on the opposite side of the room broke loose and rushed toward me. I found myself pinned against the wall with this huge dog standing on his back legs, his front paws on my shoulder, washing my face with abundant and joyful kisses.
I still tear up in amazement at the display of love and gratitude the dog had for me that day all those years ago.
1. The author didn't want to assist with wounded animals because| A．she didn't have relevant experience to treat animals. |
| B．she couldn't stand watching animals suffering from pain. |
| C．she showed no sympathy for wounded animals. |
| D．she saw no reward if she helped wounded animals. |
| A．The dog survived, but he couldn't walk again. |
| B．The dog was still a great fighter after recovery. |
| C．The dog would never know who saved his life. |
| D．The dog finally got back to his feet again. |
| A．frightened and aggressive |
| B．joyful and grateful |
| C．joyful and nervous |
| D．excited and aggressive |
【推荐2】Volunteering is one of the major wealth of any American city or town. People get together to help others less fortunate than themselves, or victims of a natural or man-made disaster. Since the start of our country this has been one of the noticeable features of our society.
Beginning in the Colonial Period and continuing down to today our country’s history is full of examples of people helping each other. Requiring high school students to take part in voluntary community service projects introduces them to this important part of our society. And while many students complain about this program at first, a large number of them find great individual(个人的) satisfaction when they look back at the things they achieved.
Our son, who graduated in 2005, found that he enjoyed the time he spent with primary school students helping them with their reading. In some ways he became a hero to the young boys and girls he was spending time with, simply because he was a high school student and took the time to get to know them. By the end of his first year in the program he was looking forward to the next school year and a new group of kids. It was particularly satisfying when a child he had helped saw him some place in the community and remembered him.
Having high school students take part in required community service activities helps give them an important sense of belonging to the adult world. It also gives them first-hand experience in activities and situations they might not otherwise experience. And it shows them that they can make a valuable contribution towards the society with just a little effort and a few hours of their time.
1. What kind of feeling is expressed in Paragraph 1?| A．Surprise | B．Doubt | C．Concern | D．Pride |
| A．Think little of | B．Look forward to | C．Jump at | D．Think highly of |
| A．He has been a volunteer for about one year. |
| B．He won much respect for his voluntary work. |
| C．He hoped the children he helped would remember him. |
| D．He felt pleased when he was recognized by other volunteers. |
| A．The benefits of required volunteering |
| B．The importance of first-hand experience |
| C．The requirements for being a volunteer |
| D．The responsibility of contributing to society |
【推荐3】Make 2020 your most adventurous year yet by signing up for one of these trips of a lifetime. Sail to Aldabra Atoll for a fascinating journey, hike along the frontiers of Georgia, explore different habitats of human and animals: These journeys are unlike any trip you've ever taken before.
Exodus Travels
This once -in-a- lifetime journey visits Aldabra Atoll, one of the most remote UNESCO World Heritage sites on the planet. Hidden away from the impact of humans, Aldabra has managed to sustain a population of 152,000 giant tortoises. This is the trip for wild life enthusiasts: The clear waters of the Seychelles are home to 850 species of brilliantly colored fish that you'll visit on snorkel and dive excursions （旅行）.
Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel
Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel's Georgia Walking Tour showcases the country's wild side, with plenty of hikes in the Svaneti Mountains mixed with cultural experiences like a visit to the remote village of Adishi, home to just 12 families.
Natural Habitat Adventures
A nine-day adventure centered around Natural Habitat's unique luxury base camp near the edge of the Greenland ice sheet. You'll be in one of the world's most remote locations （with a maximum of only 11 other travelers in your group）, but still have access to hot showers and well-prepared meals. You'll spend your days exploring the surrounding water, meeting the local Inuit villagers, kayaking （独木舟）,and more.
Mountain Travel Sobek
Accompanied with expert guides, you'll track gorillas through Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, getting a rare chance to see these majestic creatures up close. You'll also focus your search on another rare creature—the golden monkey.
1. Who will be most likely to choose Aldabra Atoll as a perfect destination?| A．A UNESCO officer. | B．An experienced hiker. |
| C．A passionate animal lover. | D．An active environmentalist. |
| A．Travelers don't have to prepare a folding tent. | B．Travelers have to make dinners alone. |
| C．Travelers enjoy a cold bath. | D．Travelers will meet local Indian villagers. |
| A．A culture report. | B．A reference book. |
| C．A tourism magazine. | D．A geography textbook. |
【推荐1】Halloween is a great time in the lives of both children and adults. However, even the best Halloween can be ruined by trees filled with toilet paper and egg residues(残渣)that won't wash of. How can you keep your home safe on Halloween? There are some measures you can take.
Make it known that you're at home. Pranksters are less likely to play a trick if they know someone is at home. You may want to close the glass on your screen door and open your front door so that you can see everyone moving around outside. This also allows pranksters to see that you're at home.
Turn on the lights inside your home and outside. Having all the lights on lets pranksters know that you're not only at home, but you're awake. If a prankster knows you're awake, he'll be more likely to skip (快速溜走)your house and head for another one. Even if you need to get in bed early, keep all the lights on except in your bedroom. Pranksters aren't going to know which room is your bedroom.
Ask the police to patrol the area. It's a policeman's job to keep citizens safe, especially on Halloween. In some cities the crime rate can increase fast on October 31. A polite call to your local police station should get you the service you need. Above all, no pranksters are going to throw eggs at your house when the policemen are patrolling the area.
Set up a neighborhood watch. One of the best ways to keep your home safe on Halloween is to get the neighbors involved. No one wants his trees covered with toilet paper. Ask your neighbors to keep their eyes open and to follow the same steps you've taken to help keep your home safe. If the entire neighborhood is lit up, pranksters are less likely to stop by.
1. The underlined word “Pranksters” in Paragraph 2 probably means those who____________.| A．like Halloween very much | B．play practical jokes on people |
| C．often commit a crime at night | D．enter one's house by force |
| A．By moving around outside your house. |
| B．By closing your front door. |
| C．By turning on inside and outside lights. |
| D．By keeping your house quiet and dark. |
| A．a policeman's main task is to patrol the area |
| B．the crime rate increases fast in some cities |
| C．you have to pay for a policeman to patrol your area |
| D．the policemen can help a lot with your home safety on Halloween |
| A．neighborhood teamwork | B．keeping homes safe |
| C．being on one's guard | D．informing every one of the danger |
【推荐2】The Best Fitness Apps for 2020
Whether you’re looking to slim down, run farther, bike faster or just get healthier, these apps can help you meet your fitness goals in 2020.
 | 8fit ＄59.99 per year;$44.99 per half-year;$19.99 per month for meal plans and more workouts 8fit creates a personalized program for your diet and exercise based on the results you want to see. 8fit covers a lot of details of your fitness plan, such as what time of day you exercise and whether you’re an ambitious cook or just prefer simple meal plans. |
 | Blogilates ＄0.99 per month for workout calendar;$0.99 for some videos Blogilates offers plenty of workouts on-demand, as well as recipes, fitness recommendations, and a healthy dose of body .The majority of the content in the app is free, although the workout calendar costs you $0.99 per month and some videos are an additional $0.99. |
 | Charity Miles ＄12.99 per month; two-week free trial Charity Miles donates money to the organization of your choice when you use the app to record miles running, walking,or bicycling. An included calculator(计算器)shows you how much money you can raise if you meet different goals, such as getting 50 people to fund you at＄0.30 per mile. |
1. Which of the following best describes 8fit?
| A．It presents users with simple meal recipes. |
| B．It costs users $19.99 every month for meals. |
| C．It offers users better and detailed fitness plans. |
| D．It meets users’ personal needs for diet and exercise. |
| A．You’ll get 50 dollars per mile by using it. | B．The calculator in it records your workout. |
| C．Users raise money for charities through it. | D．It provides users with services free of charge. |
| A．help people meet fitness goals | B．introduce top fitness apps |
| C．give suggestions on keeping fit | D．promote a positive lifestyle |
【推荐3】A. Associate Product Manager — New Grad — Beijing
Responsibilities include working with engineers to define products, understanding user needs, researching markets and competitors, and predicting future product directions. As you gain more experience, there’s an opportunity for promotion within the organization .
Requirements:
☆ Bachelor’s degree and more than one year of job experience.
☆Strong organizational and analytical skills .
B. Director of Education — Sylvan Learning Centers — Long Beach, California
Job description: As a successful director of education, your primary responsibility will be to champion the Sylvan developed curriculum, ensure the quality of the education standards and teaching staff as well as grow the business in your center.
We require:
☆ Bachelors degree and at least 2 years of teaching experience.
☆ Managerial experience.
C. Area Export Manager — Beijing Import Export Corporation — Beijing
Highly dynamic company is looking for bright, experienced salesperson who will be responsible for the export of frozen seafood and other commodities between China and the USA, Australia, and Canada.
Qualifications:
☆ Excellent level of English, spoken and written
☆Excellent communication and organizational skills .
☆Experienced salesperson with proven results in fast-moving consumer goods essential, preferable in frozen seafood market.
D. Subeditor — MEDIA CONTACTS — London
Working in the fascinating world of law and enforcement (执法), you will be making sure that you are meeting the exceptionally high standards of copy for this company. As part of a team of six, you will be meeting tight deadlines on a daily basis and ensuring regular flow of articles onto the website. Must have a keen eye for detail and confidence in working with challenging copy. Proven track record in subediting, and a practical knowledge of publishing law are required.
E.
Job title | Casual trainer (first aid) |
Employer | Medilife |
Location | Sydney, NSW Australia 2150 |
Job type | Part-time |
Job description: Medilife requires able, reliable trainers who can demonstrate the qualities of flexibility and loyalty and join their young, fun-living team. Successful applicants will receive excellent hourly rates. Suitable training will be provided for the right applicant.
1. Which of the following are specially required to most of the positions in the ads?| A．Experience and responsibilities. | B．Experience and special skills. |
| C．Special skills and English. | D．Responsibilities and a bachelor’s degree. |
| A．three | B．four | C．five | D．six |
| A．write articles for website | B．copy data from the Internet |
| C．enforce publishing laws | D．examine other people’s writing |
