1 . Recently a study, led by Pedro Hallal of the Federal University of Pelotas, suggests that nearly a third of adults,31%, are not getting enough exercise. That rates of exercise have declined is hardly a new discovery. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, technology and economic growth have helped to create a world in which taking exercise is more and more an option rather than a necessity. But only recently has enough good data been collected from enough places to carry out the sort of analysis Dr Hallal and his colleagues have engaged in.
There are common themes in different places. Unsurprisingly, people in rich countries are less active than those in poor ones, and old people are less active than young ones. Less obviously, women tend to exercise less than men-34% are inactive, compared with 28% of men. But there are exceptions. The women of Croatia, Finland, Iraq and Luxembourg, for example, exercise more than their male countrymen.
Malta wins the race for the most slothful country, with 72%of adults getting too little exercise,and Swaziland and Saudi Arabia are in close behind,with 69%.In Bangladesh,just 5%of adults fail to exercise enough. Surprisingly,six in ten Americans are active enough according to Dr Hallal's study,compared with fewer than four in ten British men.
These high rates of inactivity are worrying. Human beings seem to have evolved(进化)to benefit from exercise while deliberately avoiding it whenever they can. In a state of nature it would be impossible to live a life that did not provide enough of it. Actually lack of enough activity these days has nearly the same effect on lifespan(寿命)as smoking.
1. What can we learn from Paragraph 1?A.The decline of the rates of exercise is newly discovered. |
B.The study suggests 31%of female adults get too little exercise. |
C.The enough good data has been collected from only one country. |
D.The industrial revolution has changed the way people live to some degree. |
A.have little time to exercise |
B.hate to get regular exercise |
C.take more exercise to lose weight |
D.exercise more than men in their country |
A.powerful | B.rich |
C.lazy | D.unpopular |
A.Worldwide Lack of Enough Exercise |
B.A New Health Discovery |
C.Evolvement of Human Beings |
D.Benefits of Taking Exercise |
2 . Have you heard about Post Office Cats in Britain? They are mouse hunters. The post office has actually employed cats since 1868. They are not employed to sort or deliver mail, of course, but to protect the mail and keep the population of mice under control. They make sure your morning post arrives free from damages caused by rats and mice.
London post offices were the first to try out the experiment. Within a few months the population of mice had shrunk sharply. Other post offices all over the country were soon using cats in the war against rats and mice as well. Within ten years the pay of the cats was improved from one and a half old pence a day to six or nine pence a day. Now the average rate of pay is about a few pounds a month.
Some of the hard-working cats have become quite famous. In 1980, a cat named Lucky stopped an attempted robbery in a Worcestershire post office on her own. As the two burglars made their way in through the window, Lucky started an attack and they fled empty-handed. Another excellent cat was Jerry, of Earls Court post office in London. He served the building for 16 years and was on duty for 24 hours every day. He drove all the mice away.
However, there are fewer cats employed by the post office than at any time in the past. With the faster movement of the mail and better surroundings, post office cats are not always needed. But many post offices still employ them and they become great friends with the postmen. According to the post office, there is no plan for their services to be discontinued in the foreseeable future.
1. Cats were introduced to British post offices to ________.A.help sort and deliver mails and papers |
B.guard the building against thieves |
C.keep mails and papers undamaged |
D.search for certain dangers in mails |
A.decreased | B.increased | C.narrowed | D.expanded |
A.She served the post office for 16 years around the clock. |
B.She alone drove two burglars away from the post office. |
C.She protected mails from being bitten by mice. |
D.She was employed to sort and deliver mail. |
A.the duty of the cats has been replaced by machines |
B.all the post offices are now completely mice free |
C.cats are now considered of little use in post offices |
D.cats will still be seen in service for quite a long time |
3 . When I was a kid, I was close to my dad, but as I grew older, my dad and I grew further apart. We always had totally different opinions. He thought that college was a waste of time, but for me it was important to finish college. He wanted me to work my way to the top as he had done in his field, but I wanted a different life. There was a time when we did not talk with each other.
A few months ago, I heard that my 84-year-old dad was in poor health. When he called and asked whether I could move from Colorado back to Tennessee to help him, I knew he was seriously ill. I am his only child and so it was time to meet my father’s requirement.
Two weeks after moving back, we bought a boat and started fishing again. Fishing was one of the few things that we did while I was young and that we both enjoyed. It is strange but true that as we are fishing we are able to put things that have kept us apart for so many years behind us. We are able to talk about things that we have never talked about before. Fishing has been healing the old wounds that have kept us apart.
It is not important how many fish we catch. It is about enjoying the relationship that we have not had for years. I’m 62 and he is 84. When we are on the lake fishing, it is like two kids enjoying life. It is far better to find a way to put the unhappy past behind. I am so lucky to spend the happy time with my father in his last years. Now my heart is filled with love. A smile always graces my lips.
1. The author and his father became further apart because______________.A.they had different views on things |
B.they lived very far from each other |
C.they only communicated by phone |
D.they seldom went to see each other |
A.Because his father invited him to go fishing. |
B.Because he decided to live in a different city. |
C.Because his father is ill and needs caring. |
D.Because he regretted being rude to his father. |
A.helps cure his father’s disease |
B.is a good way to get close to nature |
C.makes him realize the importance of exercise |
D.offers a chance for them to communicate |
A.The writer’s car is always breaking down. |
B.Father intended me to be a fisherman. |
C.I was unwilling to come back. |
D.Father used to think it was useless to attend college.. |
A.Forgiving Is Difficult | B.Fishing Brings Us Together |
C.Memories of Old Days | D.My Beloved Father |
4 . The National Gallery
Description:The National Gallery is the British national art museum built on the north side of Trafalgar Square in London. It houses a diverse collection of more than 2,300 examples of European art ranging from 13th-century religious paintings to more modern ones by Renoir and Van Gogh. The older collections of the gallery are reached through the main entrance while the more modern works in the East Wing are most easily reached from Trafalgar Square by a ground floor entrance.
Layout:The modern Sainsbury Wing on the western side of the building houses 13th-to15th-century paintings, and artists include Duccio, Uccello, Van Eyck, Lippi, Mantegna, Botticelli and Memling.
The main West Wing houses 16th-century paintings, and artists include Leonardo da Vinci, Cranach, Michelangelo, Raphael, Bruegel, Bronzino, Titan and Veronese.
The North Wing houses 17th-century paintings, and artists include Caravaggio, Rubens, Poussin, Van Dyck, Velazquez, Claude and Vermeer.
The East Wing houses 18th-to early 20th-century paintings, and artists include Canaletto, Goya, Turner, Constable, Renoir and Van Gogh.
Opening Hours:The Gallery is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm (Fridays 10 am to 9 pm) and is free, but charges apply to some special exhibitions.
Getting There:Nearest underground stations: Charing Cross (2-minute walk), Leicester Square (3-minute walk), Embankment (7-minute walk), and Piccadilly Circus (8-minute walk).
1. In which century’s collection can you see religious paintings?A.The 20th | B.The 17th |
C.The 18th | D.The 13th |
A.In the East Wing. | B.In the main West Wing. |
C.In the Sainsbury Wing. | D.In the North Wing. |
A.Charing Cross. | B.Leicester Square. |
C.Embankment. | D.Piccadilly Circus. |
5 . China is a land of bicycles. At least it was back in 1992 when I traveled the country. Back then everyone seemed to be riding a bicycle. Millions of them, all black. Cars were rare. Yet since my arrival in Beijing last year, I’ve found the opposite is true. There are millions of cars. However, people still use their bicycles to get around. For many, it’s the easiest and cheapest way to travel today. Bicycles also come in different colors --- silver, green, red, blue, yellow, whatever you want.
It’s fun watching people biking. They rush quickly through crossroads, move skillfully through traffic, and ride even on sidewalks. Bicycles allow people the freedom to move about that cars just can’t provide.
Eager to be part of this aspect of Chinese culture, I decided to buy a bicycle. Great weather accompanied my great buy. I immediately jumped up on my bicycle seat and started home.
My first ride home was orderly (守秩序的). To be safe, I stayed with a “pack” of bikers while cars on the streets came running swiftly out of nowhere at times. I didn’t want to get hit. So I took the ride carefully.
Crossing the streets was the biggest problem. It was a lot like crossing a major highway back in the United States. The streets here were wide, so crossing took time, skill and a little bit of luck.
I finally made it home. The feeling on the bicycle was amazing. The air hitting my face and going through my hair was wonderful. I was sitting on top of the world as I passed by places and people. Biking made me feel alive.
1. According to the author, why are bicycles still popular in China today?A.Because they are traditional and safe. |
B.Because they are convenient and inexpensive. |
C.Because they are colorful and available. |
D.Because they are fast and environment friendly. |
A.to ride it for fun | B.to use it for transport |
C.to experience local culture | D.to improve his riding skills |
A.It was boring. | B.It was difficult. |
C.It was lively. | D.It was wonderful. |
A.The author enjoyed showing off his biking skills. |
B.The author was annoyed by the air while riding. |
C.The author was praised by the other bikers. |
D.The author took great pleasure in biking. |
6 . It is quite reasonable to blame traffic jams, the cost of gas and the great speed of modern life, but manners on the road are becoming horrible. Everybody knows that the nicest men would become fierce tigers behind the wheel. It is all right to have a tiger in a cage, but to have one in the driver’s seat is another matter altogether.
Road politeness is not only good manners, but good sense too. It takes the most cool-headed drivers great patience to give up the desire to beat back when forced to face rude driving. On the other hand, a little politeness goes a long way towards reducing the possibility of quarrelling and fighting. A friendly nod or a wave of thanks in answer to an act of politeness helps to create an atmosphere of good will and calm so necessary in modern traffic condition. But such behaviors of politeness are by no means enough. Many drivers nowadays don’t even seem able to recognize politeness when they see it.
However, misplaced politeness can also be dangerous. Typical examples are the driver who waves a child crossing the street at a wrong place into the path of oncoming cars that may be not able to stop in time. The same goes for encouraging old ladies to cross the road wherever and whenever they want to. It always amazes me that the highways are not covered with the dead bodies of these grannies (奶奶).
An experienced driver, whose manners are faultless, told me it would help if drivers learnt to correctly join in traffic stream without causing total blockages that give rise to unpleasant feelings. Unfortunately, modern drivers can’t even learn to drive. Years ago, experts warned us that the fast increase of the car ownership would demand more give-and-take from all road users. It is high time for all of us to take this message to heart.
1. According to the passage, trouble on the road are often caused by ____________.A.road conditions | B.the speed of modern life |
C.the large number of car | D.the behavior of the drivers |
A.drivers should show road politeness properly |
B.strict traffic rules are badly needed |
C.unskillful drivers should be punished |
D.drivers should avoid traffic jams |
A.politeness and impoliteness | B.willingness to give in to each other’s wishes |
C.offering help to others as much as possible | D.good manners and bad manners |
A.Road Politeness | B.Traffic Problems |
C.Bad Manners on the Road | D.Good Drivers and Bad Driver |
7 . The Value of Tears
Tears can ruin make-up, bring conversation to a stop, and give you a runny nose. Tears leave you embarrassed and without energy. Still, crying is a fact of life, and your tears are very useful. Even when you’re not crying, they make a film over the eye’s surface.
When tears fall, they reduce stress. But we tend to fight them for all sorts of reasons. “People worry about showing their emotions, afraid that once they lose control they’ll never get it back.”
Sometimes people become much stressed and can’t cry. Whatever emotion they are feeling—shock, anger, fear, or sadness—is being held back.
But everyone has the need to cry. Psychologist Vera Diamond explains that her treatment often consists of giving people permission to cry.
In certain situations, such as at work, tears are not appropriate. It’s good not to cry during a tense business discussion.
Tears are a sign of our ability to feel. If you find yourself near someone crying, deal with it. And never be afraid to cry yourself.
A.They too may be holding back a need to cry. |
B.They cry for different reasons. |
C.She gives crying exercises. |
D.It contains a chemical against infection. |
E.The fact is that no emotion lasts forever. |
F.It forms in response to the stress on the surface of the eye. |
G.But once you’re safely behind closed doors, don’t just cry. |
8 . Have you ever dreamed about sending a letter to yourself or your friends in the future? While express mail representing efficiency and speed is prevalent(盛行的)in China , there is another type of mail appearing as a new business : “Future Mail”. “Future Mail” service can make people slow down and let them understand the meaning of “time” in another way. And “Future Mail” letters are “reminders of affection, friendship and love”.
Lin Xiao fan , a senior high school student in Hefei , wrote a letter to her mother in advance to express her love to her mother for next Mother’s Day . Feng Xiao, a youth who feels pressure despite of some achievements in her career decided to write a letter to herself on her 25th birthday and have it delivered five years later on her 30th birthday through a “Future Mail”. She expressed her thoughts about her present life and her expectations for the future to encourage herself to face up to the challenges of her life with courage.
While “Future Mail” is gaining popularity, some people are concerned about what happens if the postal address of the receiver changes or if the company goes broke before letters are delivered. Actually, customers required to complete an acceptance form and make an assessment so they can be compensated if their letters or goods are lost or damaged.
Most of the business’s customers are college students and young white-collar workers . Psychologists said young Chinese might be given a vent(发泄)to their negative feelings through the service . Most people put their hopes and wishes in the letters so they can experience the connection between “past” and “present” while they receive the letters. It can help people reunderstand the meaning of “time” .
1. The underlined word in Para. 3 probably means .A.paid | B.changed | C.bought | D.repaired |
A.People can express their thoughts and feelings to themselves or others through a “Future Mail” . |
B.The “Future Mail” business is not perfect. |
C.Only young people accept the new “Future Mail” service . |
D.“Future Mail” service can let people reunderstand the meaning of “time”. |
A.sports | B.science | C.leisure | D.policy |
A.To encourage herself to face up to the challenges . |
B.To express her thoughts about her present life . |
C.To express her expectations for the future . |
D.To remind herself of something she must do . |
A.The Different Kinds of Letter |
B.“Future Mail” Business Taking off in China |
C.The Advantage of “Future Mail” |
D.The Letter in Future |
Jane Addams (1860 - 1935)
Addams helped the poor and worked for peace. She created shelters, education opportunities and services for people in need. In 1931, Addams became the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Rachel Carson (1907 - 1964)
Rachel Carson was born in the rural river town of Springdale, Pennsylvania in America. The popular 1962 book “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson made people realize the dangers and the harmful effects (影响) of pollution on humans and on the world’s lakes and oceans.
Angela Merkel (1954 - )
In 2005, Germans chose Angela Merkel as their first woman head of the country. She had been a scientist in the past. As Germany’s leader, she has had an effect on the whole world.
Sandra Day O’Connor (1930 - )
When Sandra Day O’Connor finished her class at Stanford Law School, in 1952, she could not find work because she was a woman. However, she became the first woman to join the U.S. Supreme Court (最高法院) in 1981 after years of hard work.
Margaret Thatcher (1925 - )
In 1979, Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s first woman Prime Minister (首相). She served until 1990, which made her the first British leader to serve three terms in a row. Because of her high standards and strong will, people called her Britain’s Iron Lady.
Marie Curie (1867-1934)
Polish-born scientist Marie Curie discovered that some types of metal give off energy called radiation (辐射能). Her research led to new medical treatments and arms. She received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 and in Chemistry in 1911.
1. Who once won the Nobel Prize?
A.Jane Addams and Marie Curie. |
B.Jane Addams and Margaret Thatcher. |
C.Marie Curie and Angela Merkel. |
D.Marie Curie and Rachel Carson. |
A.help the poor |
B.spread geographic knowledge |
C.protect the environment |
D.protect the rights of women |
A.Both of them were scientists before coming to power. |
B.Both of them are the first woman head of their country. |
C.Both of them are famous for being strict. |
D.Both of them have worked for three terms. |
A.Jane Addams. | B.Sandra Day O’Connor. |
C.Rachel Carson. | D.Margaret Thatcher. |
A.Great women | B.Famous scientists |
C.Strong leaders | D.Ways to success for women |
I know lots of women who skip(跳过)breakfast , and they have a ton of different excuses for doing it . Some say they don’t have time.Others think they’re “saving” calories (卡路里), still others just don’t like breakfast food .
But the bottom line is that eating in the morning is very important when you’re trying to lose weight.
“Eating just about anything from 300 to 400 calories would be better than nothing at all,” says Katherine Brooking , R , D , who developed the super-easy eating plan for this year’s “SELF CHALLENGE”. And even pizza can be healthy if it’s loaded with vegetables, and you stick to one small piece.
Breakfast is one meal I never miss, and the same goes for most weight loss success stories. Research shows that eating breakfast keeps you from overeating later in the day. Researchers at the University of Southern California found that breakfast skippers have a bigger chance of gaining weight than those who regularly have a morning meal.
So eat something in the morning, anything. I know plenty of friends who end up having no breakfast altogether, and have just coffee or orange juice. I say, try heating up last night’s leftovers-it may sound crazy, but if it works for you, do it! I find if I tell myself, “You can always eat it tomorrow,” I put away the leftovers instead of eating more that night. Try it…you may save yourself some pre-bedtime calories. And watch your body gain the fat-burning effects.
1. The word “leftovers” in Paragraph 1 probably means__________.
A.food remaining after a meal | B.things left undone |
C.meals made of vegetables | D.pizza topped with fruit |
A.Working women usually have breakfast in a hurry. |
B.Many people have wrong ideas about breakfast. |
C.There are some easy ways of cooking a meal. |
D.Eating vegetables helps save energy. |
A.eat something for breakfast | B.be careful about what you eat |
C.heat up food before eating it | D.eat calorie-controlled food |
A.who go to work early | B.who want to lose weight |
C.who stay up late | D.who eat before sleep |