1 . Move over soccer, basketball and football, there’s a new competition sweeping Australia. It’s competitive bird calling. Yes, bird calling!
Scores of kids in New South Wales are spending their spare time practicing for the Bournda Bird Olympics, an event that aims at young bird-callers against each other to see who can deliver the clearest, most enthusiastic and most accurate bird call. The principal of the Bournda Environmental Education Centre, Doug Reckord, encourages the kids to listen to bird calls on YouTube to prepare for the event. The children also work on identifying birds by their beaks, claws and calls.
Surprisingly, the Bournda Bird Olympics isn’t Australia’s first competition with competitive bird calling. The first competition took place in Sydney in 1912. It was supported by the Gould League of Bird Lovers, a foundation that encouraged children to bird watch and learn about birds.
Even back then, New South Wales was the country’s bird calling leader. Students from the New South Wales region had access to much more bird sounds than city kids. They won the Dawson Memorial Shield for best bird calling six times between 1953 and 1962. Today, New South Wales is bringing back the bird calls. Led by the Bournda Environmental Education Centre, the Bournda Bird Olympics renewed in 2018. The event now features former bird calling champion, Bruce Chapman, as the “celebrity” judge.
When showtime finally arrives, three judges at the Bournda Bird Olympics rate people taking part on their enthusiasm, accuracy and clearness. The players can earn a maximum of three points in each type. Some 45 children took part in the 2022 event. The most popular bird call to imitate (模仿) was the kookaburra’s unique laugh. But the winner that year came from a girl copying a king parrot. Her call sounded so accurate that a king parrot in the trees actually called back to her.
1. What’s Doug Reckord’s attitude to bird calling?| A．Curious. | B．Positive. | C．Uncaring. | D．Objective. |
| A．A project. | B．A school club. | C．A game. | D．An organization. |
| A．The basic rules of bird calling. | B．The bright future of bird calling. |
| C．New South Wales’ participation. | D．New South Wales’ training. |
| A．It was true to life. | B．It was the sweetest. |
| C．It was the most popular. | D．It was full of enthusiasm. |
2 . More and more teenagers are becoming unwilling to exercise worldwide. Australia, a nation that prides itself on its outdoor culture, is doing particularly poorly. It is currently ranked (排名) 140th out of 146 countries for teenage exercise levels. The data shows that 85%of girls are physically inactive compared to 78% of boys. In Australia, less than 1 in 10 teenagers aged 12 to 18 are meeting the recommended levels of physical activity.
The current guidelines and evidence show that teenagers should be doing at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. This should include muscle and bone strengthening activities on at least three days per week, meanwhile limiting recreational screen time to a maximum of 2 hours per day.
Not being active can cause a range of health conditions leading to early adulthood and beyond. Adolescents may have decreased bone and cardio-metabolic (心脏代谢的) health which leaves them facing an increased risk of chronic disease (慢性病) in later life, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and decreased fitness. If you’re not moving enough you’re also at an increased risk of being overweight or obese, with data already showing that 29.8% of teenagers (14-17) are classified as overweight or obese.
So how can we get teenagers to exercise more? Firstly, high schools should place more importance on lunchtime and allow 1-hour breaks that increase physical activity. We should also encourage teenagers to be active on their lunch break. Parents and guardians also have an important role to play and should aim to devote 1 hour a day to moving more. This does not need to be 1 full hour and can be broken down into two 30-minute parts. The most important factor is to identify your teenager’s interests and needs surrounding their physical activity.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help in finding a safe and fun exercise program. A qualified exercise physiologist or exercise scientist can help your child find a way to be more active that is suited to their needs, age of development, and interests.
1. How does the writer show teenagers in Australia lack enough exercise in Paragraph 1?| A．By analyzing reasons. | B．By listing data. |
| C．By making comparison. | D．By giving examples. |
| A．A lack of exercise does lasting harm to health. |
| B．Outdoor activities help build positive characters. |
| C．Most chronic diseases come from getting overweight. |
| D．Teenagers tend to take in more calories than they actually need. |
| A．Parents’ full participation in exercising. |
| B．Arranging a balanced diet for them. |
| C．Taking their interests into consideration. |
| D．Improvement in the school PE course. |
| A．To recommend fun exercise programs. |
| B．To encourage physical activity in teenagers. |
| C．To show the way to build a good living habit. |
| D．To explain the reason for teenagers’ poor health. |
3 . Over the years, I've found some easy tricks to get myself more active daily. Going to the gym and doing a weight workout isn't required.
1.Start small
A lot of people assume they need to run themselves tired in the gym to get more fit, but that's really not true. Experts recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week—that breaks down to a little more than 20 minutes each day. They also recommend strength-training at least two times a week.
2.Get active at work
3.Do exercises you actually like
This is a big one. If you hate exercising, it might be because you aren't doing workouts you enjoy. Very few people actually enjoy running around in circles for miles. So don't. Branch out and try different kinds of workouts until you find one you genuinely enjoy.
4.Make it social
Exercise doesn't need to be alone. In fact, having a workout partner can help keep you motivated and hold you accountable in your routine.
| A．Your work day doesn't have to involve totally sitting long. |
| B．There are actually effective ways to get more exercise day-to-day. |
| C．Thirty minutes is an ideal place to start to fulfill your weekly needs. |
| D．If you don't have one buddy to join you, sign up for a workout class. |
| E．Exercise isn't just about running as fast or lifting as much as possible. |
| F．It'll help improve your flexibility and do wonders for your mental health. |
| G．This requires you to go out of your comfort zone and to be patient as you try things out. |
4 . There is something magical about hiking. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the trails, hiking offers lots of benefits for mind, body and soul.
Boost physical fitness.
Improve mental well-being. Hiking has a profound impact on your mental well-being, offering a much needed break from the stresses of daily life.
In addition to the fun and enjoyment you can experience, there are other real benefits you can start to observe.
Improve cognitive (认知的) function. An amazing added benefit to hiking is improved cognitive function. Engaging in physical activity while being surrounded by nature stimulates the brain, leading it to improve focus, creativity and problem-solving skills. Spending time in nature can improve cognitive function and attention span.
| A．And the opposite is also true. |
| B．Strengthen social connections. |
| C．Experience the joy of getting close to nature. |
| D．Why not make use of the precious time to enjoy yourself? |
| E．Hiking is an excellent way to improve your overall fitness. |
| F．Spending time in nature, including hiking, improves mental health. |
| G．So grab your hiking tools and explore the benefits to make you energized! |
5 . In this post, we’ll introduce some top robotics competitions open to high schoolers. Keep reading to learn more.
Botball Educational Robotics Program
Level: Regional and national competitions available
Grades: 9th, 10th. 11th, 12th
Over a period of about seven weeks, students learn to code(编程) and develop complex strategies to use artificial intelligence. This allows them to create an autonomous robot together that competes in an annual game challenging against other teams in competitions at various levels across the country.
FIRST: Robotics Competition
Level: Local, regional and national competitions available
Grades: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Teams work together with professional teachers to design, assemble(装配), and test an industrial-sized robot .The robot then competes in a head-to-head field game against other teams.
Robo Games
Level: International
Grades: All ages and backgrounds
This self-claimed “Olympics of robots” and current largest open robot competition challenges participants in a wide variety of events to display various skills. Amateurs, professionals, young and old alike are invited to participate with the goal of winning prizes, expanding educational service, and recognizing robot-builders in the public eye.
Zero Robotics High School Tournament
Level: International, including the U.S. and member countries of the European Space Agency
Grades: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
This fascinating competition begins with robots called SPHERES inside the International Space Station. The first phase of the competition is entirely online, in which competitors code the SPHERES to meet a yearly challenge. Finalists compete in person, onboard the International Space Station, conducted live in microgravity by a real astronaut!
1. What do the first and second robotics competitions have in common?| A．Teamwork is a must in competitions. |
| B．They have the same goals and rules. |
| C．The robot is tested before competitions. |
| D．They are completely of the same level. |
| A．Bot ball Educational Robotics Program. | B．FIRST: Robotics Competition. |
| C．Robo Games. | D．Zero Robotics High School Tournament. |
| A．It is held by the European Space Agency. |
| B．It is a local robotics competition. |
| C．The whole competition is conducted online. |
| D．The final competition is held at the International Space Station. |
6 . In a recent game of pickleball, my teammate and I were falling far behind other teams. It was her turn to serve. We were both standing behind the baseline, paddles(球拍) up in ready position, when she nodded at me and said, “In it to win it.”
“Really?” I looked at her, surprised by her use of a catchy expression that was new to me. My inner self was never ready to accept even the tiniest suggestion that we should be trying to win the game.
In my life off the pickleball court, I enjoy yoga, folk dancing—anything but games with winners and losers, and I always prefer to be a observer rather than a participant in the world of sports.
Then pickleball came along. Suddenly, I didn’t want to be an observer any longer. I wanted to be a player myself. Like many people, I was first drawn to the game simply as a safe COVID-19 activity. Playing outdoors with people in my neighborhood allowed me to break out of social isolation(隔离).
But my addiction to the game comes from the sport’s low barrier of entry. The equipment isn’t particularly expensive. It’s a relatively easy game to learn, and a participant doesn’t need to be especially strong, tall or fast. Little wonder that everyone can now be seen throwing a green, orange or yellow plastic ball with holes in it across a net.
Pickleball is the first game I’ve ever wanted to win. I think it’s because of the excitement I feel when I hit an unreturnable ball down the middle of the court and score a point. Participating in a sport myself rather than cheering for others provides real proof that I can still work hard to achieve goals.
So, I’ve made a long-term commitment to it. I am embracing the game as my pickleball buddies embrace me. I’d forgotten how much fun it is to socialize while, doing something active. In that playful space of the court, I am facing directly my fears of winning and losing. In the meantime, doing something outside of my comfort zone feels magical. Now I wonder what contests I might be brave enough to enter next.
1. Why was the author surprised by what her teammate said in the recent game?| A．She thought her teammate was too weak. | B．She hadn’t considered winning or losing. |
| C．She didn’t know what her teammate meant. | D．She misunderstood the rules of the game. |
| A．It is what she is good at. | B．It allows her to make new friends. |
| C．It is affordable and accessible. | D．It has many health benefits. |
| A．She has overcome her fears of competitive sports. | B．She has realized her own limitations. |
| C．She has become a more energetic person. | D．She has recognized her talents for sports. |
| A．Become a professional athlete. | B．Recommend pickleball to more friends. |
| C．Explore some extreme sports. | D．Continue playing pickleball. |
7 . Fitness and healthy well-being have become very popular during recent times with many consumers wanting to look after their body more and more now. Because of this, and especially because we are living in the digital age, many fitness fanatics are using technology to enable them to track their progress and improve how they are working out; due to this, we have created a list of gifts that you can buy for fitness fanatics this Christmas.
The first gift that we have found is perfect for fitness fanatics is actually the NutriBullet that has benefits for not just fitness go-ers but also perfect for every kitchen. The NutriBullet allows for consumers to blend their pre- and post-work out shakes perfectly and can mix virtually anything in them from fruit to nuts to supplements. The best thing about the NutriBullet is how quick and easy it is to use and more importantly how easy it is to clean and tidy up.
Next up for the perfect gift for a fitness goer would be that of a fitness smart watch, specifically a FitBit Sense. FitBit have always been the industry leader when it comes to fitness smart watches as they have hundreds of indicators for you to be able to track how your health is pre, during and post fitness session.
Not only that, but the benefits of messages and phone calls through your phone which is always an added extra for the fitness fans. And finally, a pair of wireless headphones are also a great gift for fitness fanatics and the best on the market are the Bose SoundSport Wireless. Not only do they deliver with the best sound quality, but they are also the comfiest and defo the best for wearing when competing in fitness due to the way they fit in the ear; they certainly won’t be falling out. Reasonably well priced compared to competitors too like the Apple Airpods Pro too so defo worth the gift.
Click here to learn more!
1. With the NutriBullet, people can __________.| A．clean up the kitchen in just several minutes |
| B．do exercise in the kitchen easily |
| C．drink cleaner and healthier water |
| D．mix a variety of things conveniently |
| A．FitBit is a smart watch that can only be used to make phone calls. |
| B．FitBit can track you to the place where you work out. |
| C．FitBit offer you hundreds of indicators for asking about your health problems. |
| D．FitBit can be a good present for those who love taking exercise. |
| A．Their sound quality is the best. |
| B．They are easy to take with and easy to clean. |
| C．They can make phone calls. |
| D．They are comfiest and fit in the ear. |
| A．a magazine | B．a web page | C．a daily newspaper | D．a science fiction |
8 . 2022 was another year for people all around the world to embrace the power and inspiration of sports and for athletes to enjoy victory and progress. The past year, sports brought honor and success as well as failure and frustration, all of which made the world more exciting. Here are 3 memorable moments of sports in 2022.
Friendship
Gu Ailing and Chloe Kim had a heartwarming moment at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games. Kim successfully defended the title and Gu was there to cheer her on. The US athlete went over to Gu in the crowd to give her a huge hug, celebrating the precious moment together.
Freestyle skier Gu Ailing, gaining two golds and a silver, has been the most-talked-about athlete at the Beijing 2022 with her sweeping influence. Kim, the first woman to win two snowboard halfpipe Olympic golds, has raised the women's halfpipe game to a whole new level.
Celebration
Zhang Weili restored her career in New York as she reclaimed the Ultimate Fighting Championship's strawweight title by defeating wrestling specialist Carla Esparza. Zhang first won the strawweight belt in August 2019 in China before losing it to Rose Namajunas in her second defense in April 2021.
“Every day I dreamed of this, my belt coming back. Now I feel like my dream (has come true),” Zhang said emotionally in English in the post-fight interview.
Bhang became the first Chinese and only the third woman in the world to hold the strawweight belt many times, joining Esparza and Namajunas who have both won it twice.
Victory
Argentina won thrilling World Cup final on penalties and Lionel Messi finally has the title that he has lost for so long. But they did it the hard way after what will go down as one of the greatest (if not the greatest) World Cup finals of all time.
Messi carried the team on his own shoulders for much of the tournament and scored twice in the final to finish the campaign with seven goals and three assists, a performance comparable to that of Maradona in 1986.
Messi fell to his knees inside the center circle at Lusail stadium, happiness showed on his face as his Argentina teammates ran towards him and then piled on top of him in cheerful celebration.
This was the best glory of a career that already had everything except for a World Cup.
1. How many metals has Gu Ailing gained in the freestyle skiing at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games?| A．2. | B．1. | C．3. | D．5. |
| A．In 1986. | B．In 2019. | C．In 2021. | D．In 2022. |
| A．he ran too fast | B．his teammates would pile on him |
| C．he just scored a second time | D．Argentina had won the World Cup |
9 . Recently, I had the unexpected pleasure of witnessing a basketball game played by local villagers in Guizhou province. Despite being amateurs, the teams played with professional-level format and refereeing (裁判), creating an intense atmosphere. The rescheduled final game of the Guizhou country basketball league, known as the “Village Basketball Association (VBA),” took place in Taipan Village.
The game attracted a large audience, even on a weekday. The live stream of the game on social media platforms received 5.66 million views, generating buzz with hashtags like “what does ‘sold-out’ look like.” So, why are grassroots competitions like this more attractive to people like me than professional games? I believe it’s because sports arise from the grassroots level, allowing everyone to connect socially and find common ground.
The VBA reminded me of a basketball game I experienced during my visit to Yangshuo in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. Bored of the scenic landscapes, I took a break and joined the locals and other visitors on the sidelines. Sitting on the bare ground, I felt so authentic and free that it released all my thoughts and emotions.
Similarly, in the VBA game, the winning team received modest prizes like live ducks and cooked meat, showcasing the genuine and down-to-earth nature of the competition. I even wondered if the players were cooks or farmers who could prepare the food right off the court.
The sudden popularity of the VBA can originate from the pervasive influence of social media and people’s desire to explore something different from their immediate surroundings. However, what truly resonates (共鸣) and has the potential for further growth is the pursuit (追求) of spiritual fulfillment. Grassroots sports offer an accessible and fulfilling experience, making them an ideal destination for individuals seeking a deeper connection.
1. What made the basketball game in Guizhou attractive?| A．The professional-level players. | B．The large number of viewers. |
| C．The involvement of local villagers. | D．The VBA offers better prizes. |
| A．A connection with other audience. | B．A sense of authenticity and freedom. |
| C．A sense of loneliness from the locals. | D．A sense of boredom from the landscape. |
| A．The impact of social media. |
| B．The attempt to achieve a spiritual satisfaction. |
| C．The eagerness for the newness in their surroundings. |
| D．The perfect opportunity to realize one’s sportsmanship. |
| A．VBA—an Online Hit | B．My Special Encounter with a VBA Game |
| C．The Game for Prosperity and Happiness | D．VBA—a Path to Grassroots’ Success |
10 . At 71 years old, Kathrine Virginia Switzer has run 40 marathons (马拉松赛跑) in her life — and she has no intention of stopping anytime soon.
Switzer first came to the public eye in 1967, when she was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. Back then, she had to use her initials (姓名的首字母), K.V., instead of her first name to sign up because women weren’t allowed to enter. When people realized what Switzer had done, a race manager tried physically pushing her off during the run. But she managed to keep on, finishing in four hours and twenty minutes.
In 2017, Switzer entered again at age 70. She finished in 4:44:31. Two years before the race, Switzer had her plan. She wanted to work out a training plan. “It was important for me not to get injured during that two-year period or get ill,” she says.
In her 20s, Switzer would work out twice a day, and run a marathon distance once a week. She says looking back, that was probably too intense (强烈的), and she cut back for her 2017 Boston run. She ran every other day, doing strength or core training on the opposite days. This gave her body the chance to recover (恢复) between workouts.
The Boston Marathon wasn’t the only thing on Switzer’s bucket list. She also won the New York City Marathon in 1974. Back then the whole race was in Central Park, though, and she’d love to take on the new route.
The marathoner says people talk about seniors the way they talked about women 50 years ago, thinking they’re too weak to be athletes. “Seniors have been changing ideas about what abilities and limits are really about,” she says. “They are full of optimism (乐观). These people are looking forward to getting older. ”
To anyone who think they’re too old to get fit, Switzer says just working up the courage to take that first walk or jump in the pool is the hardest part. If you’re nervous, ask a friend to come along so you can move on together and feel less worried, she says.
1. What happened to Switzer in the 1967 Boston Marathon?| A．She was pushed over and got badly injured. |
| B．She signed up for the race using her first name. |
| C．She became known for taking first place in the run. |
| D．She continued with the race after being asked to stop. |
| A．Doing exercise every other day. |
| B．Working out at the proper intensity. |
| C．Running a marathon distance once a week. |
| D．Doing two months’ hard training before the race. |
| A．They are open to new ideas. |
| B．They are a bit afraid of getting older. |
| C．They are hopeful and still able to do sports. |
| D．They soon become weak and should place their health first. |
| A．Doing it with a friend. | B．Avoiding hard exercise. |
| C．Asking a coach for help. | D．Caring little about looks. |
