1 . Is It a Healthy Interest?

The Guinness Book of World Records describes Ranulph Fiennes as the world’s greatest living explorer. His journeys include the first polar circumnavigation (极地环行) and the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic continent on foot. So when he suffered a heart attack, it came as something of a surprise.

Exercise is highly beneficial as it reduces both the pulse (脉搏) rate and the blood pressure so reducing stress on the heart as it brings blood round the body. It also helps to keep the artery (动脉) walls more elastic (有弹性的).

But can you push yourself too much? On the subject of exercise, it is good to take several parts of “moderate” exercise a week，which is a little more than quick walking. “We need to be careful when we’re doing extreme sports,” says expert Len Almond. “Extreme stress can make almost impossible demands on the body’s ability to recover. The stress of extreme sports forces biochemical changes in the body, and the physical response to that kind of activity will be too extreme.”

We all know how the Olympics began. The man who ran 26 miles from the town of Marathon to Athens with news of a victory died as soon as he arrived，and the cause of his sudden death might be the heart attack. Further research was done by scientists. They studied cyclists (自行车运动员) on a race that covers 230km with a height change of 5,500m. They were interested in one particular enzyme (酶), high concentrations of which are found in those who have suffered a heart attack. The scientists found that levels of this chemical increased in most of the cyclists who completed the race. The largest increases were seen in the fastest cyclists who had trained the hardest.

Most of us will never put our bodies to such extreme sports. But if, when you hear about someone like Fiennes，you ask whether exercise is worth it. I advise you to consider your own condition. Personally, I agree with the saying: “Run not to add years to your life but to add life to your years.”

1. According to the passage, taking exercise can_______ .

A．speed up the heart rate	B．increase stress on the heart
C．reduce the blood pressure	D．keep the artery walls straight

2. What does expert Len Almond suggest?

A．Our bodies can easily deal with physical stress.

B．Playing extreme sports is harmful to the human body.

C．We need a long period of recovery after extreme sports.

D．There is more to learn about the effect of physical stress.

3. Why is the research on the cyclists mentioned in Paragraph 4?

A．To suggest a different area of research.

B．To support the activity of taking part in sports.

C．To explain the effect of a height change on cyclists.

D．To prove that extreme sports may cause heart attacks.

4. The author believes that exercise_______.

A．helps you have a regular life	B．adds years to your life
C．should be done in moderation	D．will be worth the effort

2 . One major reason Americans don’t get enough exercise is that they feel they don’t have enough time. It can be difficult to squeeze in the 75 minutes of aerobic (有氧的) exercise per week that federal guidelines recommend.    1    .

In a new analysis of 14 studies, researchers tracked deaths among more than 232,000 people from the U.S., Denmark, the U.K. and China over at least five years, and compared the findings with people’s self-reports about how much they ran. People who said they ran any amount were less likely to die than those who didn’t run at all.    2     This was true even for those who didn’t log a great deal of time. The analysis divided people into groups, with 50 minutes or less per week representing the group that ran the least―but still ran. ‘‘Regardless of how much you run, you can expect such benefits,” says Zeljko Pedisic, one of the authors of the new analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

The analysis is the latest to illustrate the benefits of running on the human body. It’s what we evolved (进化) to do.     3     But as leisure-time exercise, running keeps us healthy. “One of the best ways to avoid having to see a doctor,” Zeljko says, “is to stay physically active.”

    4     Running is good at guarding against cancer partly because it uses up blood sugar, starving the cancer cells that rely on it for fuel. And it protects you in other ways not necessarily measured in the latest research: by decreasing inflammation (炎症), for example, which is at the root of many diseases, and stimulating the production of a protein that improves brain health.

    5     Neither were how often people ran and the pace they kept. As long as you’re running, more isn’t always better, especially given that the risk of injury increases with repetition.

A．People may no longer hunt wild animals for their next meal.

B．The physical demands of running affect our body in a beneficial way.

C．Some people run to prevent disease, and others run because it makes them feel better.

D．Runners were 27% less likely to die for any reason, compared with nonrunners.

E．But researchers point out, to infer something like that, they need the whole population measured.

F．But new research suggests people may be able to get life-lengthening benefits by running for far less time.

G．The good news is that running more than 50 minutes per week wasn’t linked to additional protections against dying.

3 . 课文填空

A footballer was     1     of taking money for deliberately not scoring goals so as to let the other team win We went to interview him. He     2     taking money but we were skeptical... It was a dilemma because the footballer could     3     demanded damages if we were wrong.

Remove clothing using scissors if necessary unless it is    4     to the burn… It is best to place burns under gently     5     water for about 10 minutes. (The cool water stops the burning process, prevents the pain becoming unbearable and reduces     6     .

During the Renaissance, new ideas and values gradually replaced     7     held in the Middle Ages. People began to concentrate     8     on religious themes and     9     a more humanistic attitude to life. …    10     coincidence, oil paints were also developed at this time, which made the colors used in paintings look richer and deeper.

4 . The idea that you can use humor, laughter, and play to make you healthier probably seems too simple to be true. However, it is really true and simple. The sense of humor, laughter and play plays an important part in keeping you healthy.

Treat the blues with a sense of humor, which is closely tied to laughter. Laughter is infectious. Have you ever heard a big laugh of a young child and been able to keep yourself from smiling? When laughter is shared between people, it makes them closer to each other and increases their happiness. Smiling is the beginning of laughter and a smile is also just as infectious as laughter is. You can experience something by smiling at everyone around you, and you will feel happier just by sharing a smile, even with a stranger.

Play is an important part of making sure that we stay healthy. We are often encouraged to make sure our children play, and are told of the benefits of being out playing. However, what we often forget is that it is just as important for old people to make play be part of their life as it’s for children. Physical play is important for the old and it certainly helps prevent illness. While the studies are still in the early stages, the studies that have been done have shown that physical play certainly plays a part in preventing cognitive (认知的) falling.

1. What can laughter increase according to the author?

A．Cognitive ability	B．Good relationships
C．A sense of humor	D．Happiness and trust

2. What does the author think the old should do?

A．They should have a good rest.

B．They should play like children.

C．They should prevent cognitive falling.

D．They should take part in physical play.

3. Which of the following would be the best title for the text?

A．Humor, Laughter and Play for Health

B．Always Keep Our Body Healthy

C．Have an Active and Happy Life

D．Let Our Body and Mind Relax

5 . A study has found that a lifetime of regular exercise and activity can slow down the aging process (衰老过程). Researchers say that getting older should not necessarily mean becoming more weak or sick. Their research shows that a devotion to a life of movement and exercise may help us live not only longer, but also healthier.

For their study, the researchers looked at two groups. The first group was made up of 125 non-professional cyclists between the ages of 55 to 79. This group included 84 healthy men and 41 healthy women. We will call this group the “cyclists”.

Researchers then found 130 people to make up a second group. Within this group, 75 people were aged from 57 to 80. The other 55 were between the ages of 20 and 36. The people in this group were also healthy, but they did not exercise regularly. We will call this group the “non-exercisers”. Smokers, heavy drinkers of alcohol and people with other health issues were not included in the study.

Then, researchers gave both groups a series of tests. They tested their muscle mass (肌肉质量), muscular strength, percentage of body fat and the strength of their immune (免疫的) systems. Then the researchers compared the results of the two groups.

Results showed that the cyclists did not experience body changes usually regarded as a normal aging process. For example, they did not lose muscle mass or muscular strength. Also, their body fat did not increase with age.

The researchers also found something they had not expected. The study showed that the immune systems of the cyclists did not age either.

The researchers advise us all to find an exercise that we like in our lives.

1. How did the researchers carry out the study?

A．By comparing.	B．By discussing.
C．By imagining.	D．By reasoning.

2. Which of the following is a result of the research?

A．The cyclists kept a thin body shape.

B．The non-exercisers gained weight easily.

C．The cyclists’ muscles remained strong with age.

D．The non-exercisers usually had health problems.

3. Which is an unexpected result for the researchers?

A．The cyclists had normal aging process.

B．The cyclists’ immune systems didn’t age.

C．The cyclists lost nearly all their fat.

D．Everyone needed an exercise in their lives.

4. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?

A．Healthy People Need More Exercise

B．Take an Exercise, the Harder, the Better

C．Cycling Is the Best Way to Prevent Aging

D．A Lifetime of Exercise Slows Aging Process

6 . In the world, soccer of football is the most popular sport. This is because many countries have wonderful teams for the World Cup. The World Cup is held every four years.

To remember 2002 FIFA World Cup ,children from different countries and more than 60 children from Japanese schools came together and spent three weekends drawing a big picture called “Dream World Cups ”in Japan. The children drew animals, flowers and people playing soccer under a blue bright sky. They wished each football team good luck by drawing the flags of all the countries that will take part in the World Cup in Japan and South Korea.The picture was put up in a park near a playground in Yokohama .Some football teams will have games there.

Are you a football fan? The World Cup makes more and more people interested in football Teenagers like playing and watching football. Many of them love some football stars so much that they get the pictures of their favourite players on the walls of their rooms. That is the way to show their love for the World Cup as children in Japan.

1. The next World Cup will be held in_______.

A．2006

B．2007

C．2005

D．2004

2. From the passage, in the picture children drew many things except_________.

A．people playing football

B．pictures of some football stars

C．a sunny sky

D．flowers

3. In “Dream World Cup”, the children drew the flags of some countries ______

A．to show their love for their owe country	B．to tell the people their stories
C．to show their good wishes for the football teams	D．to show their new ideas about football

4. Many teenagers owe the pictures of some football stars because______.

A．they are interested in football	B．they are football fans
C．they think their favourite players are great	D．all of A, B and C

7 . Sports can help you keep fit and get in touch with nature. However, whether you are on the mountains, in the waves, or on the grassland, you should be aware that your sport of choice might have great influence on the environment.

Some sports are resource-hungry. Golf, as you may know, eats up not only large areas of countryside, but also tons of water. Besides, all sorts of chemicals and huge amounts of energy are used to keep its courses （球场） in good condition. This causes major environmental effects. For example, in the dry regions of Portugal and Spain, golf is often held responsible for serious water shortage in some local areas.

There are many environment-friendly sports. Power walking is one of them that you could take up today. You don’t need any special equipment except a good pair of shoes; and you don’t have to worry about resources and your purse. Simple and free, power walking can also keep you fit. If you walk regularly, it will be good for your heart and bones. Experts say that 20 minutes of power walking daily can make you feel less anxious, sleep well and have better weight control.

Whatever sport you take up, you can make it greener by using environment-friendly equipment and buying products made from recycled materials. But the final goal should be “green gyms”. They are better replacements for traditional health clubs and modern sports centers. Members of green gyms play sports outdoors, in the countryside or other open spaces. There is no special requirement for you to start your membership. And best of all, it’s free.

1. Which of the following is the author most probably in favor of?

A．Cycling around a lake.

B．Motor racing in the desert.

C．Playing basketball in a gym.

D．Swimming in a sports center.

2. What do we know about golf from the passage?

A．It is popular in Portugal and Spain.

B．It causes water shortages around the world.

C．It pollutes the earth with chemicals and wastes.

D．It needs water and electricity to keep its courses green.

3. The author uses power walking as an example mainly because _________.

A．it is an outdoor sport

B．it improves our health

C．it uses fewer resources

D．it is recommended by experts

4. The author writes the passage to _________.

A．show us the function of major sports

B．encourage us to go in for green sports

C．discuss the major influence of popular sports

D．introduce different types of environment-friendly sports

8 . 阅读理解
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项。
Canyoning (蹦谷运动)
The sports of canyoning explore the high-energy environment where water meets rock on the coast. Protected by wetsuits and helmets (头盔), people jump from cliffs (悬崖) and waterfalls and discover caves that would not normally be arrived at.
It was first done in the U.K. by TYF Adventure (01437 721611, www.tyf.com) and several thousand people jump from the cliffs near St David’s each year. A half day canyoning trip costs ￡50 (￡30 for children under 16).
Diving (潜水)
Diving is not popular with British people. The difficulties of wild waters are greater because the water is colder and not clear enough, but the coasts of Cornwall, Wales and Scotland have some of the best diving in the world.
The British Sub Aqua Club (0870 112 9133, www.bsac.com) and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (01580 819688, www.padi.com) run courses teaching the important skills.
Surfing (冲浪)
The best surfing places in the UK are on the southwest coast where it is warmer, especially in Cornwall. The best time of year to surf in the UK is late summer and autumn when water temperatures are warmer.
The British Surfing Association (01479 861256, www.britsurf.co.uk) has a list of famous surf schools around the country.
Rock climbing
The most popular natural rocks in Britain include the Peak District, the Lake District, while large areas of Scotland are a climber’s ideal place. Climbing courses and climbing walls can be found on the website of the British Mountaineering Council (0870 010 4878, www.thebmc.co.uk) which offers a series of short films that take the new climber through a step-by-step guide to visiting a climbing wall for the first time.
1. If a couple with their child of 15 join in Canyoning for a day, they will pay ______.

A．￡130

B．￡160

C．￡260

D．￡320

2. To go surfing, you may phone ______.

A．01479 861256	B．0870 010 4878
C．01437 721611	D．0870 112 9133

3. Which of the following is NOT well accepted by British people?

A．Canyoning.	B．Diving.
C．Surfing.	D．Rock climbing.

9 . As is known,     1     (play) team sport is popular all over the world, and participation in sporting     2     (activity), such as football or basketball, is     3     (benefit) to us in many aspects.

To begin     4    , it can build up our bodies and help us keep fit physically,     5     in turn enables us     6     (avoid) overweight and other problems, such as high blood pressure.     7     (add), it is a good way to develop some useful team skills, teamwork and strategies     8     (include). Last but not     9     (little), we often play sport for social reasons, for it is a good way of making new friends.

    10    , everyone should take an active part in team sports.

10 . The World Health Organization report compared the “obesity-related behaviors” for youngsters across 42 nations. And it reveals UK kids are among the laziest.

Among teenage girls, the Scots topped the league table for most screen time, with 80 per cent spending at least two hours a day on computers. Wales came fourth with 76 per cent, and England seventh with 75 per cent. Girls in Armenia and Albania were least likely to spend hours idling online.

Screen time figures for boys were even higher. Wales was second in the European “couch potato” league, with 85 per cent glued to their screens for at least two hours. Scotland was third with 84 per cent, and England 15th with 77 per cent. Boys in Switzerland and Portugal were least likely to dedicate two hours a day to sitting in front of a computer.

Lead researcher Dr. Jo Inchley, from the University of St Andrews, said social media was impacting on kids' health. She said,“We know there are risks, such as cyber bullying and impact on mental health. Also, there are longer-term impacts on physical health from being sedentary. One of the main challenges is that this kind of activity (social media and computer use) is so much part of young people's lives these days.” She said more needs to be done to get kids moving throughout the day.

Dr. Steven Mann, research director for UK Active said the findings were “alarming”. He said, “Modern life has changed, but when teens are spending hours having fun with Facebook, Instagram and videogames, they simply aren't getting the exercise that they need. These alarming inactivity figures show that playtime is over before it has started for too many children, putting them at far greater risk of future conditions like heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.”

Tam Fry, from the National Obesity Forum, warned Brit teens are now“slaves to hand-held devices”. And the WHO warns four in five fat teens will continue to struggle with their weight throughout life. The report also shows less than half of UK youngsters consume fruit or veg daily.

1. What do we know about the“obesity-related behaviors”for youngsters across 42 nations?

A．UK kids didn't exercise enough.

B．Girls spent more time on computers than boys.

C．Girls in Wales ranked the first in terms of screen time.

D．Only Swiss boys are among the laziest.

2. What does the underlined word “sedentary” in Paragraph 4 mean?

A．Cyber bullying.	B．Computer using.
C．Exercising.	D．Sitting or little activity.

3. What is the main reason for obesity for UK teens?

A．Less fruit or veg consuming.	B．Too much use of electronic devices.
C．Too much playtime.	D．Lack of physical education.

4. Why are these screen time figures alarming?

A．UK kids will be beaten.

B．All UK kids will suffer from overweight.

C．Risk of certain diseases will increase.

D．More hand－held devices need to be produced.