1 . Benefits of Sport

On-going physical exercise can be hard for teenagers to try.     1     If you are planning to do exercise regularly, or you’re doing it now, then listen up!

    2     Clearly, regular exercise will make your body stronger by contributing to the development of your muscles, bones and lungs. It can help improve your body’s immune system, making you better prepared to fight off diseases. Sport also has hidden health benefits such as lowering the chance of cancer later in life.

Sport teaches teamwork and problem-solving skills. Fighting for a common goal with a group of players and coaches teaches you how to build teamwork and effectively communicate to solve problems.     3    

Sport improves self-confidence.     4     Achieving a sport goal encourages you to achieve other goals you set. This is an exciting learning process. Moreover, sport builds character and encourages you to keep a positive attitude to life.

Sport reduces pressure and stress.     5     You can also make new friends who can be there for you as a support system. When you feel under pressure or stressed, call up a teammate, head to the gym to talk and play it out.

The world of sport is a fairground of exciting opportunities where you can discover who you really are. Time, I think, to lace up your sports shoes and go play.

A．Sport helps you lose weight.

B．Sport benefits physical health.

C．There is no reason you should exercise.

D．However, it is good for the mind, body and spirit.

E．Exercising is a natural way to relax and let go of stress.

F．This experience is helpful when solving problems at work or at home.

G．Watching your hard work pay off and achieving your goals develop self-confidence.

2 .

EARTH DAY POSTER CONTEST (比赛) THEME: PROTECT OUR EARTH Create a poster that will encourage people to take care of the earth. Time: The closing date for entries (参赛作品) is May 31st. Requirements: • The poster size: 26 cm × 37 cm • The poster should be original (原创的). • One student can only hand in one poster. • Write a description of your work on the back of your poster. • Write your name, phone number, school’s name, grade and teacher’s name on the back of your poster in the lower right corner. There will be four age groups: grades K-2, 3-6, 7-9, and 10-12. For each age group, there will be one first prize, two second prizes and three third prizes. For more information, please call Mr. Lee at 091-3xxx.

1. What’s the purpose of the poster contest?

A．To encourage students’ creativity.	B．To tell people to protect the earth.
C．To improve students’ artistic level.	D．To introduce something about Earth Day.

2. Anyone who takes part in the contest must ________.

A．not copy others’ works	B．hand in at least two posters
C．make sure the poster size is 27 cm×36 cm	D．write a description of their work on a piece of paper

3. Which of the following information is required?
① The teacher’s name.                       ② The student’s grade.
③ The teacher’s phone number.            ④ The student’s school’s name.

A．①②③

B．①③④

C．①②④

D．②③④

3 . The 19th Asian Games was held in Hangzhou, capital of East China’s Zhejiang Province from September 23 to October 8, 2023.

The Asian Games is the largest sporting event in Asia. Its predecessor (前身) was the Far Eastern Games. In 1948, Guru Dutt Sondhi, the leader of Indian sports, felt that the Far Eastern Games were not good enough to reflect the level of Asian sports and the unity spirit of Asian people, and suggested establishing the Asian Games so that all Asian countries could participate.

The Hangzhou Asian Games is the third Asian multi-sport event held in China, with 12,417 athletes from all 45 Asian countries and regions participating. Some rising sports that have recently gone viral among young people made their first appearance at this year’s Games, such as break dance and e-sports. Weiqi, a mind sport, has returned to the Hangzhou Games after a 13-year absence since it appeared at the Guangzhou Games in 2010. Certain regional sports in Asia, especially dragon boat racing, kurash, and sepak takraw, though not recognized as Olympic sports, were medal-awarded events at the Asian Games.

In the lead-up to the sporting event, the design details of the victory ceremony elements, including bouquets (花束), trays, and podiums, were revealed. The bouquet, named “Fruits of Victory”, blends traditional Chinese elements such as rice ears and lotus pods, signifying fruitful harvests, and wishes the athletes a journey of accomplishment and honor. The medal tray’s design is inspired by the ripples of the West Lake and describes the elegance of lakes and hills. The podium sports a purple rainbow on its outside, reflecting energy and innovation (创新). Its surface, painted in white, shows the spirit of unity, harmony and mutual success among Asian nations and regions.

With the Games fully prepared by organizers, it has surely impressed all the athletes and participants, leaving a legacy (遗产) of a smart and green event for people.

1. What is paragraph 2 mainly about?

A．The goal of the Asian Games.	B．The origin of the Asian Games.
C．The participants of the Asian Games.	D．The demand for hosting the Asian Games.

2. What do the underlined words “gone viral” in paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Won a prize	B．Made a promise
C．Become popular instantly	D．Faced great challenges

3. What do the bouquets in the victory ceremony stand for?

A．Unity and harmony.	B．Nobility and elegance.
C．Energy and innovation.	D．Harvest and achievements.

4. Where does this text probably come from?

A．A news report.	B．A travel website.
C．An exhibition guide.	D．A science magazine.

4 . How to Begin Your Running

Running is a fantastic way to improve your fitness, boost your mood, and connect with the great outdoors. If you’re new to running, it can be a bit terrifying, but with the right approach,     1     . Here are five essential tips to help you kickstart your running journey.

Invest in Proper Running Gear: The first step to a successful running journey is investing in the right gear (装备) .     2     . Additionally, comfortable moisture-wicking (排湿吸汗) clothing and a supportive sports bra (for women) can make your runs more enjoyable.

Start with a Walk-Run Strategy: Don’t rush into long-distance runs. Begin with a walk-run strategy to build your stamina (耐力) . For instance, run for 1-2 minutes, then walk for 2-3 minutes.     3     .

Set Realistic Goals: It’s vital to establish achievable running goals. Your initial goals could be as simple as running for 20 minutes without stopping, or completing your first 5K. Having objectives in mind keeps you motivated and on track.

Maintain a Consistent Schedule: Consistency is the key to progress. Decide on a schedule that works for you, whether it’s early morning, during lunch breaks, or in the evening. Stick to your plan to establish a routine.

         4     : Pay attention to your body’s signals. If you experience discomfort or pain, don’t push through it. Rest when needed, and consider cross-training activities like swimming or cycling to prevent overuse injuries.

Starting your running journey can be a rewarding experience, both physically and mentally. With the right gear, a gradual approach, realistic goals, consistency, and a focus on your body's signals,     5     . Lace up those running shoes and take your first steps toward a healthier, more active lifestyle!

A．Listen to Your Body

B．Take It One Step at A Time

C．But don't become a gear enthusiast

D．it can become an enjoyable and sustainable habit

E．A well-fitting pair of running shoes with good support is crucial

F．Gradually increase your running intervals as your endurance improves

G．you’ll be well on your way to becoming a dedicated and successful runner

5 . 运动有很多好处，它在生活中起着非常重要的作用。学会运动也就学会了生活。请你根据自己对运动的理解，用英语谈谈运动对你的好处。
注意：
1. 写作词数应为80左右；
2. 标题已给出；
3. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Sport Benefits Me A Lot

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6 . Our much-loved 100-Word-Story Competition is back!

Our 100-word-story competition is your chance to show the world your storytelling talents!

Your stories should be original, unpublished and exactly 100 words — not a single word shorter or longer! Entries are now open and the submission deadline is January 5, 2024. Multiple entries are allowed per person. We are unfortunately only able to consider UK-based entries.

Rules

Please ensure that submissions are original, not previously published and exactly 100 words long (not including title). Don’t forget to include your full name, address, email and phone number when filling in the form. We may use entries in all print and electronic media.

There are three categories — one for adults and two categories for schools: one for children aged 12-18 and one for children under 12.

Submission

Please submit your stories by 5pm on January 5, 2024 either online or by post addressed to:

Reader’s Digest

100 Word Story Competition

Warners Group Publications

West Street

Bourne

PE109PH

Prizes

The editorial team will pick a short list of entries, and the three best stories in each category will be posted online at readersdigest. co. uk on February1, 2024. You can vote for your favourite, and the one with the most votes will win the top prize and receive ￡1,000. Voting will close on February 29, 2024 and the winning entries will be posted online on April 16, and published in our May 2024 issue.

PS: Reader’s Digest is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism.

1. Who is likely to qualify for the competition?

A．An Indian primary student.	B．A well-known Chinese writer.
C．A British writing lover.	D．An American chief editor.

2. When will the readers appreciate the best winning works in Reader’s Digest magazine?

A．January, 2024.	B．June, 2024.
C．February, 2024.	D．December, 2023.

3. What can we learn about the competition?

A．You have to submit your work before February 1, 2024.

B．Only one story of yours is allowed to be in the competition.

C．Buying one copy of Reader’s Digest is a must to be in the competition.

D．Both preschool children and in-school students can participate in the contest.

7 . Playing tennis might add years to your life, according to a new study of Danish men and women. The study found that adults who frequently participate in tennis or other racket (球拍) and team sports lived longer than people who were spending a lot of time sitting down. They also lived longer than people who took part in activities such as jogging, swimming and cycling. The results raise interesting questions about the role that social interactions might play in enlarging the benefits of exercise.

No one doubts that being physically active improves our health and can extend our longevity (寿命). But whether some activities might be better than others remains in argument. One widely publicized 2017 study of more than 80,000 British men and women found that those who played racket sports like tennis tended to outlive those who jogged.

The researchers widened their inquiry and looked at a variety of sports and their associations with life. To start, they turned to the same data resource they had used for the jogging study, the Copenhagen City Heart Study. The study’s participants had all completed health exams and lengthy questionnaires about their lifestyles and whether and how often they took part in some sports common in Denmark, including cycling, swimming, running, tennis, soccer and, perhaps unexpectedly, badminton.

According to the data, cycling added an average of 3.7 years to riders’ lives, compared to sedentary Danes. Running added 3.2 years while tennis 9.7 years. These associations remained unchanged even when the researchers controlled for people’s education, socioeconomic status and age.

“Why and how some sports might add more years to people’s lives than others is impossible to know from this kind of observational study,” says Dr. James O’Keefe, a study co-author. “But we know that social support probably has unique effects on helping people get more benefits from the exercise.”

For now, people who run or ride alone might consider finding a group or partner to work out together. “Raising your heart rate is important for health,” he says. “But it looks like connecting with other people is, too.”

1. According to the passage, which activity may help people live longer?

A．Cycling.	B．Running marathon.
C．Swimming.	D．Playing badminton.

2. What does the underlined word “sedentary” in the fourth paragraph mean?

A．Inactive.

B．Outgoing.

C．Depressed.

D．Easygoing.

3. Which may Dr. James O’Keefe recommend according to the last paragraph?

A．Exercising alone.	B．Working out together.
C．Working out regularly.	D．Raising one’s heart rate.

4. It is suggested in the passage that ________.

A．women who prefer team sports live longer than men

B．people’s education and socioeconomic status affect their longevity

C．the reason why some sports might add more years to people’s lives is still unknown

D．80,000 Danish men and women participated in the survey

8 . At age 83, Barbara Humbert dreams of taking part in next year’s “Marathon for All” race at the Paris Olympic Games. It is the first ______ of its kind, allowing amateur(业余)athletes to run the same race path as the Olympic marathon athletes. Humbert has a history of success suggesting she could ______ some runners half her age.

Unlike your ______ great-grandmother, the German-born Frenchwoman runs 50 kilometers a week. She has ______ in many marathons and has the medals to show for it. “It's ______ to have the Olympics in my homeland,” said Humbert, “It would be a ______ for my 60th marathon.”

However, Humbert is ______ whether she will receive the paper for admission to the race, as the number for the Marathon for All will be ______ to 20,024. Humbert's husband Jacques is a big supporter, helping where he can. He is waiting to hear from the sports ministry about the ______ to reserve a piece of admission paper for his wife.

Many ______ hang in the entrance of Barbara and Jacques’s home. They ______ Barbara of all the races she has taken part in, from Athens to Boston and many other cities. She figures out that she has ______

about 8,000 kilometers in those races.

Humbert wants others to ______ in her footsteps. She said of running, “It gives you balance. You run, you empty your head, you feel ______ relaxed afterwards.” Barbara is planning for more races ______ just staying on what has been achieved.

1.

A．goal

B．test

C．event

D．reward

2.

A．choose

B．beat

C．respect

D．welcome

3.

A．usual

B．kind

C．special

D．serious

4.

A．served

B．competed

C．volunteered

D．travelled

5.

A．relaxing

B．confusing

C．worrying

D．amazing

6.

A．gift

B．win

C．practice

D．lesson

7.

A．confident

B．happy

C．unsure

D．fortunate

8.

A．reached

B．recognized

C．increased

D．limited

9.

A．honour

B．complaint

C．request

D．command

10.

A．races

B．medals

C．flags

D．T-shirts

11.

A．remind

B．warn

C．tell

D．praise

12.

A．hiked

B．tracked

C．led

D．covered

13.

A．get over

B．stand up

C．run out

D．come along

14.

A．formally

B．extremely

C．hardly

D．secretly

15.

A．but for

B．ahead of

C．rather than

D．other than

9 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Lai Xuanzhi graduated from Wuhan Sports University, majoring in basketball. In 2010, the new graduate     1     (employ) as a PE teacher at a village school. Back then, it was challenging for him. Lacking facilities and funds, the school wasn’t set up     2     (hold) ordinary PE courses, such as basketball, soccer and track and field, so the     3     (ambition) young teacher had to shift his focus to something that was cheaper and easier to organize.

He discovered rope-jumping. With it, he led the students from a village school to participate in many highly competitive international competitions. The very beginning was     4     first World Inter-School Rope Competition, which took place in Dubai in 2015. Lai’s team skipped through, winning 27 of the total of 28 gold     5     (medal). Lai watched the teens standing on the podium (领奖台) singing the national anthem with tears     6     (run) down their faces. It was at that moment     7     Lai came to realize that for students who are educated in a village school, rope-jumping could not only be part of physical education but also provide access     8     more opportunities.

Now, Lai’s jump-rope team has over 200 members. “Children are the future of the country and the hope of the nation,” Lai says. “I hope the effort I     9     (put) into physical education can help them to gain a much     10     (bright) future.”

10 . Billy Mills was born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation for the Oglala Lakota people. His mother died when he was 9 years old. Hurting from the________, young Billy took up sports,________ an article that stated that Olympians are chosen by the gods.

So Billy started running. He ran his first race ________   jeans and basketball shoes. He finished dead last but fell in love with the sport. Then his father ________, and with a broken heart, he stopped running. Being orphaned at 12 and feeling ________, Billy didn’t run again ________   he reached high school.

He came out of high school with the fourth-fastest mile in the nation. He went on to the University of Kansas and ________ hard, hoping to make the Olympic team. He finished second in the trials and was on his way.

At the start of the 10, 000-meter race in that 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, Billy Mills, an orphaned boy from ________ Pine Ridge, South Dakota,________ up to run for his country, his parents, his people. As the race wore on,________   fell behind, lap (一圈) after lap, until four led the pack. With one lap to go, he was nudged out of his lane from behind, then bumped off his stride again. He was ________ at a distant fourth place.

In the last 100 meters, an unheard-of Billy Mills ________ into a dead sprint from lane four and strode his way into the ________ books with an Olympic record.

“It was ________ a belief,” Billy remembers. “Beliefs ________ us or destroy us, but we have that opportunity to create our own journey. ”

1.

A．affair

B．case

C．loss

D．situation

2.

A．believing

B．reading

C．noticing

D．writing

3.

A．in

B．with

C．for

D．on

4.

A．passed out

B．passed away

C．passed off

D．passed up

5.

A．independent

B．free

C．bored

D．alone

6.

A．until

B．before

C．after

D．when

7.

A．studied

B．trained

C．ran

D．performed

8.

A．accessible

B．damp

C．advanced

D．unknown

9.

A．grew

B．came

C．boiled

D．lined

10.

A．professionals

B．judges

C．pedestrians

D．runners

11.

A．wandering

B．fighting

C．struggling

D．breathing

12.

A．developed

B．circled

C．broke

D．entered

13.

A．national

B．history

C．diverse

D．contemporary

14.

A．mostly

B．nearly

C．simply

D．only

15.

A．create

B．fix

C．freeze

D．hide