1 . Are your keys not in the spot you thought you left them? Can’t recall the title of a book? I’ve had those moments. Such instances of “brain freeze” remind us that we should do everything in our power to keep our brains sharp.
A new study finds Tai Chi study can help slow cognitive (认知的) decline and protect against dementia (痴呆). The study included about 300 older adults, in their mid-70s on average, who had all reported that their memory was not as good as it used to be.
As part of the study, all the participants took a 10-mirrute test called the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. A normal score is 26-30. A person who scores between 18 and 25 is considered to have mild impairment (损害), which means they don’t have dementia but they’re not as sharp as they used to be and may need to work harder to maintain everyday activities. Once their score drops under 18, people experience quite a bit of impairment from memory loss and cognitive decline.
The average score of participant s at the start of the study was 25. The study found that people who practiced a simplified form of Tai Chi twice a week for about six months improved their score by 1.5 points, meaning that they’re going to get three extra years before they hit that decline into dementia.
Researchers also tested a more stricter type of Tai Chi, called Cognitively Enhanced Tai Chi, where they provided extra challenges. For example, participants were asked to spell a word, backward and forward, as they moved through a series of Tai Chi moves. The people who practice this type of cognitively enhanced Tai Chi improved their scores by about 3 points, meaning they are given six extra years of cognitive function.
The theory on why Tai Chi is effective is that it combines the memorization of the movements, known as forms, almost like composing dancing moves.
1. Why are two questions raised in the first paragraph?A.To present the author’s doubts. | B.To expect answers from readers. |
C.To analyze the causes of forgetfulness. | D.To introduce the main topic of the text. |
A.Cognitive assessment methods. | B.The process of running the test. |
C.Cognitive measurement criteria. | D.The test results of the participants. |
A.Most of them suffer from, dementia. | B.They remain as quick-minded as before. |
C.Many of them have slight cognitive decline. | D.They can protect themselves against dementia. |
A.It helps resolve challenges. | B.It involves mind-body movements. |
C.It puts off cognitive decline by three years. | D.It improves the participants academic level. |
It was his determination and strong will that
This naughty boy was so lucky to
1. What is the main topic of the talk?
A.Introducing changes within the school. |
B.Welcoming new students to school. |
C.Warning students about new school rules. |
A.Physics. | B.Computing. | C.PE. |
A.It has been made bigger. | B.It has been improved. | C.It has been moved. |
1. Where does Sally want to go?
A.The zoo. | B.The London Eye. | C.The Covent Garden. |
A.Boats. | B.Operas. | C.Paintings. |
A.Do some shopping. | B.Enjoy an opera. | C.Visit her parents. |
A.His mother. | B.His wife. | C.His guide. |
1. Why is the woman dissatisfied with the man?
A.He didn’t talk with her. | B.He came here late again. | C.He ignored her messages. |
A.Wasting much time. | B.Doing harm to our health. | C.Taking us away from real life. |
A.Take a photo. | B.Send a message. | C.Buy some coffee. |
Prepare (准备) breakfast Monday to Wednesday: Mrs. Smith Thursday and Friday: Mr. Smith Saturday: Sam & Bob Sunday: Linda | Help in the kitchen Mrs. Smith cooks dinners. Mr. Smith does the dishes. Sam sets the table. Bob clears the table. Linda cleans the kitchen. |
Tidy the living room Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Mrs. Smith and Linda The other days: Mr. Smith and the boys. ●The kids clean their rooms every Thursday and Sunday. ●The kids take out the rubbish in turn (轮流). |
1. When does Linda prepare breakfast?
A.On Monday. | B.On Friday. | C.On Saturday. | D.On Sunday. |
A.He cleans the kitchen. | B.He does the dishes. |
C.He clears the table. | D.He cooks dinners. |
A.Once a week. | B.Three times a week. |
C.Twice a week. | D.Three times a month. |
8 . All students have bad times. What do they usually do when they get into trouble?
My mom is like my friend. I talk about everything to her. Whenever I have some trouble, I can get good advice from her. I have another good friend — my diary. It knows all my secrets. Talking with my two friends always makes me feel better.
—— Linda
Laughing helps me when I’m upset. I usually watch funny movies and TV shows. I also love spending my hard time with my best friend Dave. He is humorous and always makes me laugh.
—— Peter
Every time I feel bad, I go climbing alone. The study says exercising can help cheer one up (精神振奋). And the beautiful view at the top of the mountain makes me forget all my troubles. Sometimes I shout at the mountain top. It feels fantastic.
—— John
1. Linda’s ________ knows all her secrets.A.sister | B.teacher | C.diary | D.computer |
A.quiet | B.funny | C.careful | D.serious |
A.goes climbing | B.watches movies |
C.talks with his friends | D.reads books |
A.Linda often asks her teacher for advice. |
B.Dave often helps Peter with his homework. |
C.John likes climbing mountains with his friends. |
D.Exercising can help people feel good. |
9 . Things To Remember On Your First Solo Travel Adventure
If you’ve ever thought about just taking a trip yourself instead of waiting for someone to join you, you’re not alone.
Don’t be afraid to talk to random people. Though there is someone who poses a threat, it’s important to remember that not everyone is out to get you.
It’s okay to have bad days.
It’s okay to start small.
A.You are the boss of your own adventure. |
B.You need to make an unusual travel choice. |
C.It’s no secret that solo travel is on the rise. |
D.Sometimes things can go incredibly wrong. |
E.People like you simply don’t know how to start. |
F.Most of the time people are just curious and try to be friendly. |
G.Remember, your first solo trip doesn’t have to be to a whole other continent. |
10 . How to Go Green
The idea of “going green” means that you’ll try to reduce your impact on the environment. It’s a great way to improve the planet.
Walk or bike to places if you live close enough.
Communicate digitally whenever possible, and only print out items when you absolutely must. When you do use paper, recycle it or save it to reuse the other side of it.
Buy second-hand products or borrow items instead of buying something new.
Buying things produces more waste and pollution, so try not to buy things you don’t need. When you do need something, shop at local second-hand market or use online resale shops.
Skip products that have a lot of packaging.
Products that come with a lot of packaging are bad for the environment because the packaging is waste. Even if you recycle the package, it’s still an unnecessary waste of resources.
A.Cars use up a lot of gas |
B.Limit your use of paper |
C.Use reusable bags while you’re shopping |
D.If you’re ready to go green, start from the following good habits |
E.Do your best to pick products that have as little packaging as possible |
F.In order to save money, cut down on the cost of paper you’re using |
G.If you can, borrow items that you don’t use often, like tools, from a friend |