1 . Race walking shares many fitness benefits with running, research shows, while most likely contributing to fewer injuries. It does, however, have its own problem.

Race walkers are conditioned athletes. The longest track and field event at the Summer Olympics is the 50-kilometer race walk, which is about five miles longer than the marathon. But the sport’s rules require that a race walker’s knees stay straight through most of the leg swing and one foot remain in contact (接触) with the ground at all times. It’s this strange form that makes race walking such an attractive activity, however, says Jaclyn Norberg, an assistant professor of exercise science at Salem State University in Salem, Mass.

Like running, race walking is physically demanding, she says, According to most calculations, race walkers moving at a pace of six miles per hour would burn about 800 calories(卡路里) per hour, which is approximately twice as many as they would burn walking, although fewer than running, which would probably burn about 1,000 or more calories per hour.

However, race walking does not pound the body as much as running does, Dr. Norberg says. According to her research, runners hit the ground with as much as four times their body weight per step, while race walkers, who do not leave the ground, create only about 1.4 times their body weight with each step.

As a result, she says, some of the injuries associated with running, such as runner’s knee, are uncommon among race walkers. But the sport’s strange form does place considerable stress on the ankles and hips, so people with a history of such injuries might want to be cautious in adopting the sport. In fact, anyone wishing to try race walking should probably first consult a coach or experienced racer to learn proper technique, she says. It takes some practice.

1. Why are race walkers conditioned athletes?

A．They must run long distances.

B．They are qualified for the marathon.

C．They have to follow special rules.

D．They are good at swinging their legs.

2. What advantage does race walking have over running?

A．It’s more popular at the Olympics.

B．It’s less challenging physically.

C．It’s more effective in body building.

D．It’s less likely to cause knee injuries.

3. What is Dr. Norberg’s suggestion for someone trying race walking?

A．Getting experts’ opinions.

B．Having a medical checkup.

C．Hiring an experienced coach.

D．Doing regular exercises.

4. Which word best describes the author’s attitude to race walking?

A．Skeptical.	B．Objective.
C．Tolerant.	D．Conservative.

2 . Running is often tiring and a lot of hard work, but nothing beats the feeling you get after finishing a long workout around the track.

But while it’s long been believed that endorphins (内啡肽) —chemicals in the body that cause happiness—are behind the so-called “runner’s high”, a study suggested that there may be more to this phenomenon than we previously knew.

According to a recent study published by a group of scientists from several German universities, a group of chemicals called endocannabinoids (内源性大麻素) may actually be responsible for this familiar great feeling.

To test this theory, the scientists turned to mice. Both mice and humans release high levels of endorphins and endocannabinoids after exercise. After exercising on running wheels, the mice seemed happy and relaxed and displayed no signs of anxiety. But after being given a drug to block their endorphins, the mice’s behavior didn’t seem to change. However, when their endocannabinoids were blocked with a different drug, their runners’ high symptoms seemed to fade.

“The long-held notion of endorphins being responsible for the runner’s high is false. Endorphins are effective pain relievers, but only when it comes to the pain in your body and muscles you feel after working out,” Patrick Lucas Austin wrote on science blog Lifchacker.

Similar studies are yet to be carried out on humans, but it’s already known that exercise is a highly effective way to get rid of stress or anxiety. The UK’s National Health Service even prescribes (开药 方) exercise to patients who are suffering from depression. “Being depressed can leave you feeling low in energy, which might put you off being more active. Regular exercise can improve your mood if you have depression, and its especially useful for people with mild to moderate (中等的) depression,” it wrote on its website.

It seems like nothing can beat that feeling we get after a good workout, even if we don’t fully understand where it comes from. At least if we’re feeling down, we know that all we have to do is to put on our running shoes.

1. What did scientists from German universities recently discover?

A．Working out is a highly effective way to treat depression.

B．The runner’s high could be caused by endocannabinoids.

C．Endorphins may contribute to one’s high spirits after running.

D．The level of endorphins and endocannabinoids could affect one’s mood.

2. Why did the scientists give mice drugs in their experiment?

A．To find what reduces the runner’s high symptoms.

B．To see the specific symptoms of the runner’s high.

C．To identify what is responsible for the runner’s high.

D．To test what influences the level of endocannabinoids released.

3. What does the underlined word “notion” mean?

A．Effect.

B．Goal.

C．Opinion.

D．Question

4. What can we know about regular workouts according to the UK’s National Health Service?

A．They can help ease depression symptoms.

B．They are the best way to treat depression.

C．They only work for those with serious depression.

D．They can help people completely recover from depression.

3 . Training for a marathon (马拉松) requires careful preparation and steady, gradual increases in the length of the runs.     1    , buy the best-fitting running shoes you can find. No one can say which brand will work best for you or feel best on your feet, so you have to rely on your experience and on the feel of each pair as you shop. When you have found shoes that seem right, walk in them for a few days to double-check the fit.     2    . As always, you should stretch (伸展) at least ten minutes before each run to prevent injuries.

During the first week, do not think about distance, but run five minutes longer each day.     3    , it is wise to take a day off to rest. But during the next week, set a goal of at least a mile and a half per run.     4    . After two weeks, start timing yourself.     5    . Depending on the kind of race you plan to enter, you can set up a timetable for the remaining weeks before the race.

A．After six days

B．For a good marathon runner

C．Before you begin your training

D．With each day, increase the distance by a half mile

E．If they still feel good, you can begin running in them

F．Time spent for preparation raises the quality of training

G．Now you are ready to figure out a goal of improving distance and time

4 . 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。

In the field of sports there are some famous living legends, such as Lang Ping, and Michael Jordan.

As a player, Lang Ping brought not only honour but also glory to     1     (she) country. As     2     coach, she led the China Women’s volleyball team to medals at world championships as well as the Olympic Games. As a person, she is     3     (love) by fans at home and abroad. Before the 2015 World Cup, she     4     (face) a great challenge — two important     5     (player) had to leave because of health problems. However, Lang Ping didn’t lose heart and she led her volleyball team     6     (win) the championship.

Known as “Air Jordan”, Michael Jordan changed basketball with his graceful moves and jumps. Jordan’s skills were impressive but the mental strength     7     (make) him unique. The secret to his success is learning     8     his failures. In life, Jordan has learnt to share his     9     (succeed) with others. The Boys and Girls Club     10     he started in Chicago has been helping young people since 1996.

5 . Every time I passed boys who were playing basketball, I stopped to silently watch them. I really envied them. But as a girl, I once thought that I could _______ play basketball.

I like playing basketball though I’m not good at it. I’ve had a basketball _______ I was a child. At first, I could play freely because no one _______ when I was just a kid. But as I grew up it seemed harder for me to enjoy basketball. At school, boys always played basketball during PE classes. The girls were _______ allowed to play volleyball or badminton. My parents did not _______ me play basketball at home.

“Basketball is not fit for girls,” they said. _______ I went to play basketball with my friends, boys _______ at me on the court as if I were an alien. I was feeling _______ and had lost hope of playing basketball. _______, something changed the first day of high school. I made some friends who also enjoyed playing basketball. They ________ me to get back on the court.

One of them told me with a smile, “Go your own ________, let others talk.” This girl would always play basketball with me. Even the boy who sat next to me in class talked about ________ with me almost every day.

I was inspired by them. Confidence and passion ________ to my heart. I will play as well as I can, ________ for me, even the sky is boundless (无限的).

Basketball has become an important part of my ________. I am interested in it. I watch matches and enjoy playing almost every day. Through basketball, I not only feel happy and confident, but also ________ a lot.

I’ve heard the NBA star Tracy McGrady say, “Nothing is impossible.” I have ________ to realize that life is just like playing basketball. You should have an ________. After that, just be confident and ________ going. Never give up and you’ll make it sooner or later.

I love the motto of the NBA. It can ________ my strong feelings for basketball, “I love this game!”

1.

A．ever

B．often

C．never

D．always

2.

A．until

B．before

C．after

D．since

3.

A．tried

B．cared

C．enjoyed

D．joined

4.

A．only

B．almost

C．hardly

D．not

5.

A．refuse

B．dislike

C．let

D．invite

6.

A．Still

B．Yet

C．Just

D．Even

7.

A．looked

B．heard

C．settled

D．stared

8.

A．happy

B．down

C．excited

D．satisfied

9.

A．Unluckily

B．Naturally

C．Unexpectedly

D．Clearly

10.

A．encouraged

B．suffered

C．devoted

D．requested

11.

A．vote

B．way

C．business

D．reward

12.

A．basketball

B．homework

C．interests

D．dreams

13.

A．stuck

B．referred

C．turned

D．returned

14.

A．but

B．though

C．and

D．however

15.

A．wish

B．life

C．work

D．study

16.

A．bring

B．borrow

C．learn

D．play

17.

A．come

B．turned

C．refused

D．happened

18.

A．idea

B．aim

C．opinion

D．effort

19.

A．want

B．stop

C．keep

D．make

20.

A．inform

B．connect

C．ignore

D．express

6 . A robot designed to carry things moves quickly across a field to gather equipment at a sports event. Such equipment, like javelins and discuses (铁饼), has been thrown by competitors. Another robot moves a human-sized screen on wheels. It is designed to permit virtual attendance at the event. And then there are the robots designed to look like the smiling, friendly creatures or mascots that act as the Olympic Games’representatives.

All these robots are part of preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor Corporation presented the machines to reporters earlier this week. Toyota is a major supporter of the 2020 Olympic Games.

The mascot robots have moving arms and legs, and their eyes change to the image of stars and hearts. They cannot speak at all or walk very well. But Tomohisa Moridaira, lead engineer, suggested several possibilities, such as getting the robot to hold the Olympic torch using magnets.

The field support robot" is a small bus-shaped machine based on a Toyota ride-sharing vehicle that is still in development. The field support robot can travel as fast as 20 kilometers per hour. It holds three cameras and one special sensor that lets it surroundings. Around the top of its body are special lights that brighten when the vehicle is active. Its artificial intelligence helps it avoid barriers. It is also able to vary its path in order to protect areas of grass.

However, it cannot find the objects, which can weigh up to eight kilograms, or pick them up on its own. A person has to travel with the device, pick up the objects and put them in it. Then, with a press of a button, the vehicle transports the equipment to where it needs to go.

Takeshi Kuwabara took charge of the robots’ development. He said it was designed to team robots and humans. "Our aim was to leverage the strengths of both humans and robots," he said.

The carmaker plans to use the games to present its new vehicle technologies. These include buses fueled by a special kind of battery, and self-driving taxis. Toyota is competing with other carmakers and technology companies to develop low cost , robot-controlled cars and electric vehicles.

1. Why does the author mention robots in the first paragraph?

A．To attract our interest in robot technology.

B．To show us new robot technology in the 21st century.

C．To encourage creation of new robots.

D．To introduce the robots in the Olympic Games.

2. What is the feature of the "field support robot"?

A．It can work individually in the field.

B．It can sense barriers and change its way.

C．It is a Toyota ride-sharing vehicle.

D．It can find and pick up anything.

3. What is the purpose of the carmaker to use many robots in the Olympic Games?

A．To show its new vehicle technologies.

B．To help save the natural resources.

C．To cut down the cost of the service.

D．To free people from heavy work.

4. What can be the best title of the passage?

A．Robot Shows in the 2020 Olympics.

B．Toyota's - Support for the 2020 Olympics.

C．Robot Assistants in the 2020 Olympics.

D．Robot Competition in the 2020 Olympics.

7 . You've probably heard it suggested that you need to move more throughout the day, and as a general rule of thumb, that "more" is often defined as around 10,000 steps. With many Americans tracking their steps via new fitness-tracking wearables, or even just by carrying their phone, more and more people use the 10,000-step rule as their marker for healthy living. Dr. Dreg Hager, professor of computer science at Johns Hopkins, decided to take a closer look at that 10,000-step rule, and he found that using it as a standard may be doing more harm than good for many.

“It turns out that in 1960 in Japan they figured out that the average Japanese man, when he walked 10,000 steps a day burned something like 3,000 calories and that is what they thought the average person should consume so they picked 10,000 steps as a number” Hager said.

According to Hager, asking everyone to shoot for 10,000 steps each day could be harmful to the elderly or those with medical conditions, making it unwise for them to jump into that level of exercise, even if it's walking. The bottom line is that 10,000 steps may be too many for some and too few for others. He also noted that those with shorter legs have an easier time hitting the 10,000-step goal because they have to take more steps than people with longer legs to cover the distance. It seems that 10,000 steps may be suitable for the latter.

A more recent study focused on older women and how many steps can help maintain good health and promote longevity (长寿).The study included nearly 17,000 women with an average age of 72. Researchers found that women who took 4,400 steps per day were about 40% less likely to die during a follow-up period of just over four years: Interestingly, women in the study who walked more than 7,500 steps each day got no extra boost in longevity.

1. What does the underlined word "it' in Paragraph 1 refer to?

A．The phone recording.	B．The 10,000-step rule.
C．The healthy living.	D．The fitness-tracking method.

2. What does Paragraph 2 mainly talk about?

A．How many steps a Japanese walks.

B．How we calculate the number of steps.

C．If burning 3,000 calories daily is scientific.

D．Where 10,000 steps a day came from.

3. Who will probably benefit from 10,000 steps each day according to Hager?

A．Senior citizens.	B．Young short-legged people.
C．Healthy long-legged people	D．Weak individuals.

4. How many steps may the researchers suggest senior citizens take each day?

A．4,400 steps.	B．10,000 steps.
C．2,700 steps.	D．7,500 steps.

8 . 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。

Cuju was developed in China around 500 B. C. and was played with a leather ball. It is considered by FIFA as the     1     ( early ) form of football. During the Han Dynasty, the popularity of Cuju     2     ( spread) from the army to the royal courts and upper classes. It     3     ( say) that Emperor Wu of nan enjoyed the   sport. Cuju     4     ( match) were often held inside the imperial palace.

Cuju was further developed     5    . the Tang Dynasty. There were dozens of well-organized Cuju leagues in Chang'an.     6     was then the capital of the Empire. The rules, fields and facilities for Cuju became more advanced, for example, balls filled with air and Cuju goals appeared during this period.     7     was also during this age that similar games were being played in Korea and Japan, and     8     (gradual) worldwide.

Cuju was most developed during the Song Dynasty because of the social and economic development. At that time,     9     (profession) Cuju players were quite popular. They fell into two groups: One was trained by and performed for the royal court and the other talented civilians who made a     10     (live) as Cuju players.

9 . The true Olympic spirit has been displayed by Canadian cross-country ski coach Justin Wadsworth, who helped Russian athlete Anton Gafarov with his broken ski during the Men’s Sprint Free Semifinals.

Gafarov’s start wasn’t smooth. He fell three times, crashing early in the race and breaking his ski. It was clear that Gafarov was out of the race for the men’s finals and wouldn’t be able to compete for medals. Still, he wanted to finish in front of the home crowd, but his left ski was too badly damaged in the crash and its base had come off. The Russian skier faced finishing the race by walking to the line, not skiing.

However, the Russian’s fall was seen by Canadian coach Justin Wadsworth, who immediately ran on to the course and helped Gafarov. “I went over and gave him one of Alex Harvey’s, a member of the Canadian team who didn’t qualify for the finals. It was about giving Gafarov some dignity (尊严) so he didn’t have to walk to the finish area,” Wadsworth said. “We help because we know everyone works so hard in our sport,” says Wadsworth, who was an Olympic skier for the S before becoming a coach. “Everyone wants fair results. It was a matter of allowing Gafarov to finish the race.”

Gafarov was thoughtful about his performance. “My fall cost me a broken ski and a pole,” said Anton Gafarov, adding that he decided to continue fighting for the finals despite all the difficulties.

Gafarov believed the race should be finished in any way possible. “It was a matter of principle to hold on to the end,” he added. He is not devastated (毁灭) by his failure and is eager to take part in the next Winter Olympics despite back problems due to injuries.

1. What happened to Gafarov during the Men’s Sprint Free Semifinals?

A．He lost his ski in the unlucky crash.

B．He gave up the race after falling three times.

C．He got the gold medal for the men’s finals.

D．He had his ski broken in the early race.

2. What do we know about Wadsworth?

A．He felt happy for Gafarov’s bad luck in the race.

B．He knew what price Gafarov paid for the competition.

C．He was angry with his player’s not qualifying for the finals.

D．He once worked hard to become an Olympic skier for Canada.

3. According to the text, which statement may Gafarov agree to?

A．Every dog has its day.	B．Rome isn’t built overnight.
C．Never give up in face of difficulty.	D．There is no end to learning.

4. Which can be a suitable title for the text?

A．The Olympic Spirit	B．The Unlucky Day
C．The History of Olympic Games	D．The Winning Gold Medal

10 . Former pro basketball player Kobe Bryant won five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers while making himself as one of the game’s all-time greats. He died tragically in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020.

Kobe Bryant was born with basketball already in his blood. His dad was a former NBA star Joe “Jellybean” Bryant. Born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kobe spent his early years in Italy, because his dad started playing basketball in Europe and his family moved there. The family moved back to the United States when Kobe was 13 and he started playing high school basketball.

Kobe knew he was already good enough to play in the NBA, so he skipped college and was selected right after high school. He played in the NBA All-Star Game for the first time in 1998 and by 2000, Kobe had developed into one of the best basketballs players. Kobe and Shaquille O’Neal teamed up to lead the LA Lakers to three straight NBA Championship (冠军) Titles from 2000 to 2002.

In 2003, Kobe was caught by the police. In 2004, the case against Kobe was dropped, but Kobe still had to live with a damaged reputation. In 2004, Kobe tried to prove that he could lead the LA Lakers without Shaq. After Kobe told the Lakers he wouldn’t be wearing the purple and gold if Shaq was in the team, O’Neal was traded to the Miami Heat before the 2004-2005 season.

In 2008, Bryant was named Most Valuable Player and carried his team to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics. In the 2009 NBA Finals, the Lakers beat the Orlando Magic to win the championship.

Although later seasons were affected by injuries, he surpassed (超越) Michael Jordan for third place on the NBA all-time scoring list in December 2014 and retired in 2016 after scoring 60 points in his final game.

1. Kobe Bryant passed away at the age of _______.

A．37

B．40

C．42

D．45

2. What does the underlined sentence in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Kobe’s blood was special when he was born.

B．All of Kobe’s family members are basketball players.

C．Kobe got a basketball when he was born.

D．Kobe was born to be a basketball player.

3. We can infer from the passage that Kobe was _________ about his own ability to play basketball.

A．upset

B．confident

C．doubtful

D．not confident

4. What is the best title for the passage?

A．A Brief Introduction of Kobe	B．How to Become A Basketball Star
C．The NBA All-Star Game	D．The LA Lakers