1 . Girls should take part in competitive sport to build confidence, and the leaders of a group of girls’ schools will argue this week. Helen Fraser, director of the Girls’ Day School Trust(GDST), will tell the group that sport can help girls deal with failure.
“All girls, not just the sporty ones, should take physical exercise,” Ms. Fraser says. Research that girls are far less active than boys is worrying, she argues. Ms. Fraser will tell the group that she supports “sport for all”. “That’s why I love it when our schools have A, B, C and D teams and beyond,” she says.
The GDST draws on research from the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation which suggests only a quarter of girls in England meet basic levels of activity each week. One in five girls do no activity at all, twice the proportion of boys, the research suggests.
Ms. Fraser says other research suggests that more than 80% of women business leaders played sports while growing up. She uses the examples of former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who once was a skater and tennis player, and the head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, who was in the French national swimming team. Ms. Fraser says Olympic medallists like Jessica Ennis and Katherine Grainger are excellent role models for young women but says women’s sport needs more money and more news reports.
Valerie Dunsford, head of Sheffield High School for Girls, part of GDST, said it was important to offer a large number of sports to attract different types of girls. “Not everyone wants to be out playing the hockey.” said Ms. Dunsford.
1. Which of the following ideas would Ms. Fraser agree with?| A．Boys are born to be sport lovers. | B．Girls are less confident than boys. |
| C．More should be done to make girls do sports. | D．Those taking part in the sport are always successes. |
| A．1/10. | B．1/5. | C．1/4. | D．2/5. |
| A．hard work will pay off | B．it’s not easy to be great |
| C．sport can help girls to succeed | D．it’s necessary to balance work and sport |
| A．To explain the key to success. | B．To show the importance of sport. |
| C．To introduce more sports to girls. | D．To encourage more girls to do sports. |
2 . If you are physically fit but just starting out as a mountaineer, here are a few mountains higher than 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) — to get you started for your first big climb. All of these mountains can be summited by first-timers, but we recommend the assistance of a guide with proper training and experience.
Mount Whitney, California: 14,505ft
It's the highest peak in the continental US, but a trail takes you to the top. A permit is required to hike the trail and you’ll need to participate in a raffle (抽签) to get one. However, for anyone who wants to start climbing and sharpen their skills, Whitney is a winner.
What to bring: Water. Unbelievably, there is no water on the mountain. You are exposed the entire hike up. Besides altitude sickness, dehydration is a serious threat to climbers.
Mount Elbrus, Russia: 18,510ft
Sitting deep within the Caucasus of southwestern Russia, Europe’s highest peak waits for the eager climber to scale her icy face. Screaming to more than 18,000 feet (5500 meters), the thin air of this mountain will be a challenge for any climber, whether a beginner or more advanced.
What to bring: Ice ax, crampons (冰鞋) and physical fitness. This mountain demands strength and perseverance to achieve the summit and will remind you if you are ready or not.
Pico de Orizaba, Mexico: 18, 490ft
Mexico’s highest peak, Pico de Orizaba is a beautifully shaped cone (圆锥体) sticking into the heavens. Although the climb is relatively simple, a guide is highly recommended as well as plenty of time to tackle its summit. Stay at the hut, wake up at the crack of dawn and make your way up North America’s third-highest peak.
What to bring: Physical persistence and a week or two's training. It is highly recommended you do a few hikes up to altitude in training for the summit.
1. What is special about Mount Whitney?| A．It is just suitable for beginning climbers. |
| B．The climbers need to bring plenty of water. |
| C．The climbers are exposed to strong sickness. |
| D．Only trained climbers can reach the summit. |
| A．Mount Whitney. | B．Pico de Orizaba. |
| C．Mount Elbrus. | D．Mexico’s highest peak. |
| A．All mounts are easily to access. |
| B．All mounts climbing needs some training. |
| C．All mounts are accessible by trail. |
| D．All mounts are suitable for first-timers. |
