1 . Brushing your teeth effectively lowers your chances of getting a host of chronic diseases, as well as keeping your teeth and gums (牙龈) healthy. But the majority of us are doing it wrong.

In Sweden, one study found as few as one in 10 people practice the best brushing technique. The British health insurer Bupa found that almost half of respondents did not know how to brush their teeth properly in a survey of 2,000 people in the UK.

So what exactly are most of us getting wrong, and how can we change our routine to make sure we brush our teeth effectively? Here’s how to properly brush your teeth, according to experts.

“Lots of patients understand that what they need to do is remove food remains,” says Josefine Hirschfeld, associate professor and specialist in restorative dentistry at the University of Birmingham in the UK. “That is only partially true. It’s much more important to remove bacteria from the teeth.” These bacteria and other microorganisms grow inside everyone’s mouth, and form a sticky biofilm commonly known as dental plaque (牙菌斑). It is made up of around 700 different species of bacteria, the second-greatest diversity in the human body after the gut, as well as a host of fungi and viruses. “They are living in the sticky film stuck to the teeth and also to the soft tissues,” says Hirschfeld. “This sticky film can't be easily rinsed off — it really needs to be manually cleaned.”

The most important place to remove it from is not in fact the teeth, but the gum. This is where microbes are best able to sink the gum tissue and do damage to teeth. In fact, “brushing your teeth” is something of a misnomer. “Think of brushing your gum, rather than the teeth themselves,” says Hirschfeld. “The teeth will then be brushed automatically.”

Brushing too hard, especially with a firmer-bristled brush, can cause injury to the gums. Small tears in the soft tissue caused by overzealous brushing are an opportunity for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. And grating the brush’s bristles over the enamel can wear tiny grooves in the tooth, which add up to significant erosion over time.

1. When brushing teeth most people’s practices are __________.

A．healthy

B．effective

C．faulty

D．uncertain

2. The majority of patients hold the view that _________.

A．They are practicing the best brushing skills

B．Bacteria and microorganisms are not common inside their mouths

C．It’s the most important to remove the sticky film from the gum

D．The aim of brushing teeth is to remove food remains

3. What does the underlined word “overzealous” in paragraph 6 probably mean?

A．Attentive.

B．Overdone.

C．Overlooked.

D．Slight.

4. What should we bear in mind so as to brush our teeth appropriately?

A．When our gum is brushed, our teeth is cleaned together.

B．It’s much more important to remove food remains from the teeth .

C．The greater care we take to brush our teeth, the healthier the teeth will be.

D．Dental plaque containing species of bacteria only exists on teeth.

2 . For some of us, going to the dentist for routine check-ups is a thing of the ordinary. But for many people around the world, especially those in impoverished (贫困的) areas, having dental improvement and their teeth checked simply isn’t possible. A Brazilian dentist Felipe Rossi has devoted himself to helping changing that situation.

Growing up in USA, Felipe Rossi had just obtained the Bachelor of Medicine Degree and was about to start a master’s degree in Pediatric Dentistry (儿童口腔学) when a journey to his father’s home — Balsabo in Brazil — converted his initial plan. “All locals didn’t have access to dental care, and consequently, many of them suffered deformed teeth or even loss of teeth, leading to many people not daring to laugh with mouth open.” Felipe Rossi recalled. “A desire was planted in my heart. That is, to use my skills to bring healthy smiles to people suffering from dental problems.”

With the support of his parents, Felipe formed an NGO (non-government organization) called Porsorriso to give free oral treatments to individuals with low incomes who require cleaning. fillings, crowns, restoration work and more. His team is composed of approximately 30 registered volunteers who go with him to poor towns and villages in Brazil.

Sponsorship is generally provided by two private companies. Individuals may also make donations through the ‘Smile Solidarity’ program, where they can choose monthly amounts to contribute. Porsorriso also holds regular fundraisers to afford the cost of providing free dental services around the country.

As noble as its objective is, Felipe admits that Porsorriso is “struggling to survive” because of the huge cost of providing dental work and the constant fundraising events they have to hold to keep the NGO in normal functioning. “Challenging as it is, it did bring healthy teeth as well as renewed confidence to the locals. We will continue this transformative act whatever difficulties we will face”. Felipe said with a strong will.

1. How does the author introduce the topic of the text?

A．By posing a contrast.

B．By reporting an event.

C．By assuming a situation.

D．By making an appeal.

2. What motivated Felipe to offer dental treatments to Brazilians?

A．The support from his parents.

B．The passion for dental health.

C．The encounter with local s lacking dental care.

D．The professional skills and knowledge from college.

3. Which of the following can best describe Felipe Rossi?

A．Hopeful and diligent.

B．Faithful and ambitious.

C．Intelligent and creative.

D．Charitable and dedicated.

4. What do we know about Porsorriso?

A．It gives free oral treatments to anyone in need.

B．It is cooperated by Felipe Rossi and the local authority.

C．It is financially supported by corporations and individuals.

D．It holds regular fundraisers to educate people about dental care.

3 . Sensory-based food education given to 3-5 year-old children in the kindergarten increases their willingness to choose vegetables and fruit, according to a new study from the University of Eastern Finland.

The researchers used the sensory-based food education method Sapere, which makes use of children’s natural way of relying on all of the five senses when learning new things. In the Sapere method, children are given an active role around food, and they are encouraged to share their sensory experiences. For example, kindergartens can introduce different vegetables and fruit to children in hands-on sessions, they can involve children in baking and cooking, and they can offer children opportunities for growing their own vegetables in the kindergarten backyard. Food-related themes can also be included in books and games.

“There are several different ways to do this. However, it always starts from sensory-based learning and child engagement. Doing and experiencing things together is also an important aspect,” says Kaisa Kähkönen, a researcher and nutritionist from the University of Eastern Finland.

The researchers compared children in different kindergarten groups. Some were offered sensory-based food education, while others weren’t. Children were offered a snack buffet containing different vegetables and fruit to choose from, and the researchers took photos of their plates to analyse their willingness to choose and eat these food items.

The findings show that sensory-based food education increased children’s willingness to choose vegetables and fruit, especially among children whose mothers have a lower educational background. On average, children of lower educated parents tend to eat less vegetables and fruit. This is how food education given in the kindergarten can help even out dietary gap between families.

“Another interesting finding is that the Sapere food education method also seems to improve the eating atmosphere in kindergarten groups. This encouraged children who were picky eaters to choose a more diverse selection on their plate,” Kähkönen explains.

Positive and personal food-related experiences gained in the kindergarten can help adjust dietary preferences in a direction that is beneficial for health. Dietary preferences learned in early childhood often stick with a person all the way to adolescence and adulthood.

1. What can we know about the Sapere method?

A．It improves kids’ five senses.

B．It enables kids to read more books.

C．It supplies various healthy food to kids.

D．It involves kids in active food-related activities.

2. What is paragraph 4 mainly about?

A．The research purpose.	B．The research process.
C．The research findings.	D．The research evaluation.

3. What does the underlined part “even out” in paragraph 5 probably mean?

A．Narrow.	B．Identify.
C．Analyze.	D．Examine.

4. What might be the best title for the text?

A．Benefits of eating fruit and vegetables.

B．Differences in family dietary preferences.

C．Necessity for kids to form learning habits.

D．New method to promote kids’ healthy eating.

4 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Which is a superfood according to the man?

A．Yogurt.

B．Noodles.

C．Rice.

2. Why are superfoods healthy?

A．Because they cure some terrible diseases.

B．Because they fight against some cancers.

C．Because they reduce the risks of some diseases.

3. Which food will the woman be adding to their family diet?

A．Fish.

B．Tomatoes.

C．Brown rice.

5 . My weight gain began while I was in veterinary (兽医的) school at Purdue University ten years ago, and it continued to increase quickly once I got married and had three children, all while running my own photography business. Needless to say, my busy schedule and caring for others took away from caring for myself. I knew I needed to work out and eat better; I was just too scared to ask for help on where to begin.

My turning point took place on January 20, 2021. It was the day before my husband and I celebrated our ninth anniversary (周年纪念日) that I decided to better myself. I was 32 years old and over 260 pounds. I thought to myself, “My kids are so little, and the route I am on isn’t going to allow me to be here long enough to watch them grow in life.” It just destroyed my happiness.

I began running at STRIDE in January 2022. My first class there was just power walking. After the class was done, I thought to myself, “Man, I think I could push myself a little harder next time.” And I did.

With love and encouragement from all the members surrounding me and the guidance and support from the coaches, I have been running ever since and loving it. I have never been a runner. Now I feel like my day doesn’t start without running, and that makes me so proud to say. I have come so far since joining STRIDE, but not just physically. Running has helped my mind and soul in more ways than one, and I’m so grateful for that. Running has given me a purpose again — a purpose to be a better mom, a purpose to be a better wife, a purpose to do better with my career, and a purpose to just better myself, which I so enjoy again.

If you’re in the same situation I was in, don’t hesitate to take action. I’ve made it and you can, too.

1. What does the author think played an important role in her weight gain?

A．Having nobody to ask for help.

B．Being unaware of her unhealthy body.

C．A very busy life after getting married.

D．Considerable pressure from her veterinary school.

2. Why did the author decide to lose weight?

A．She feared she’d die early.

B．She was warned by her doctor.

C．She intended to enjoy her anniversary.

D．She wanted to set a good example for her children.

3. In what way has the author changed?

A．She has changed her dietary habits.

B．She is very hopeful about her life.

C．She gets along well with her family.

D．She has chosen her health over her career.

4. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To recommend a running club.

B．To show the value of a balanced life.

C．To tell people how to lose weight quickly.

D．To encourage people with a weight problem.

6 . Shakespeare described sleep as “the main course in life’s feast, and the most nourishing”. New research suggests it may also be a key nutrient in defend us against Alzheimer’s disease.

Poor sleep has long been linked to Alzheimer’s, but the relationship is similar to the chicken-and-egg puzzle. It isn’t clear which came first. During deep sleep, the brain produces slow electrical waves and flushes out neurotoxins (神经毒素) including amyloid (淀粉样蛋白) and tau (微管蛋白) , two indicators of the disease.

Studies have shown that even one night of terrible deep sleep can lead to an increase of amyloid. A week of disrupted sleep can raise the amount of tau, which is especially insidious because over time it can strangle neurons from the inside out.

A study in the Annals of Neurology found that a sleep pill called suvorexant could reduce amyloid and tau in middle-aged adults with no cognitive problems. The two-night trial showed that amyloid dropped 10%to 20%, and a key form of tau 10%to 15%in people who received a high dose compared to a placebo (安慰剂) group. But these effects need to be studied over longer periods of time—including in older adults at higher risk of Alzheimers. But the study suggests that improving sleep quality among middle-aged adults could help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life.

What has puzzled neurologists, however, is that some people with high levels of amyloid who may appear to have Alzheimer’s based on brain scans nonetheless function normally. Neurologists assume that this is because some people have higher levels of “cognitive reserve.” which enables them to function normally despite neurological damage. But there’s another X factor, which scientists have struggled to identify. A new study suggests it may be sleep, and in particular deep sleep.

“Think of deep sleep almost like a life raft that keeps memory afloat, rather than memory getting dragged down by the weight of Alzheimer’s disease,” says Matthew Walker, a neuroscience professor at UC Berkeley.

1. What is the relationship between sleep and Alzheimer’s disease according to the new research?

A．Inadequate sleep will indicate Alzheimer’s disease.

B．The disease may be prevented if we can sleep well.

C．Neurotoxins produced during sleep cause the disease.

D．A good sleep will raise the indicators of the disease.

2. What can we infer from paragraph four?

A．It’s too early to use the sleeping pill to treat Alzheimer’s.

B．It’s advisable that adults turn to suvorexant to sleep well.

C．Suvorexant is a desirable pill to improve our sleep quality.

D．The amount of Amyloid and tau decreased due to placebo.

3. What is the main idea of paragraph five?

A．Researchers’ great confusion about the high levels of amyloid.

B．Low level cognitive reserve resulting in abnormal brain function.

C．Potential determinants related to the possibility of Alzheimer’s.

D．Neurologists’ assumption about our brain function and damage.

4. Why dose Matthew Walker make the comparison in his remarks?

A．To advocate a healthy lifestyle among adults.

B．To emphasize the significance of sleep quality.

C．To demonstrate the crucial role of our memory.

D．To detail the damage brought by Alzheimer’s.

7 . New research from the American non-profit organization Consumer Reports finds that plastics have a “widespread” presence in food. The group called on the United States government to examine the safety of food that comes into contact with plastics during production.

In a report released Thursday, Consumer Reports said that 84 out of 85 food products it recently tested contained “plasticizers” called phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics last longer. The researchers also said 79 percent of the examined foods contained bisphenol A (BPA), another chemical found in plastics.

In these tests, the researchers checked a wider variety of foods to see how much of the chemicals Americans actually consume. The answer is quite a lot. The tests found that bisphenols and phthalates remain widespread in food, almost in every food we tested. The levels did not depend on packaging type, and no one particular type of food — say, dairy products or prepared meals — was more likely than another to have them. Consumer Reports said all the levels were within limits set by U.S. and European regulators. All the foods tested remained within the limits. However, does that mean it is safe to eat?

Beyond highlighting these concerns, Consumer Reports is actively working on issues related to consumer safety. This includes advocating for the banning of harmful chemicals in food. The widespread presence of plastics in food is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention from both regulators and consumers. While we wait for policy changes, there are steps individuals can take to reduce exposure to these chemicals. Some of these measures include avoiding plastic food storage containers, limiting consumption of fast food. Replacing plastic kitchen tools with those made of wood and stainless steel can also help. Using glass or steel water bottles can further reduce exposure. It’s also important to air your home regularly to reduce exposure to phthalates in household dust.

1. What is the finding of the research?

A．Plastic containers are widely used nowadays.	B．Plastics can pollute food during production.
C．Plastics contain many harmful materials.	D．Plastics are related to food safety issue.

2. Why does the author mention phthalate?

A．To stress its key role in making plastics.	B．To show it will do harm to our health.
C．To offer basic information to consumers.	D．To tell what food products are made up of.

3. Why are researchers so worried?

A．Bisphenols and phthalates are not used.	B．The set limits may not be suitable at present.
C．The regulators don’t perform their duty.	D．The packaging types are still the same.

4. How is the passage mainly organized?

A．By discussing research experiments.	B．By comparing different results.
C．By analyzing cause and effect.	D．By presenting problem and solution.

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。

Everybody knows that eating carrots on     1     daily basis is good for our eyesight. A new study suggests that grapes are also     2     (benefit) to our eyes. The study     3     (publish) in the scientific journal Food & Function investigated the benefits of regular     4     (consume) of grapes to eye health. Researchers have found that eating just a few grapes a day can improve our vision. This is     5     (particular) so for people who are older. Science has shown that an aging population has a higher risk of eye disease and vision problems. “Grapes have a positive impact     6     eye health in humans, which is very exciting, especially for older people. Our study is the first     7    (reveal) it,” said Dr. Kim, the lead researcher.

The study involved 34 adults and     8     (design) to test the effects of grapes. Half of the participants ate grapes per day; the other half ate a placebo (安慰剂）snack.     9     (conduct) a series of experiments over a span of 16 weeks, Dr. Kim found that people who ate the grapes had increased muscle strength around the retina (视网膜),     10     function is to pass information about light to the brain via electrical signals.

9 . On-campus Meal Plans

Our on-campus dining prides itself on providing nutritious food choices to meet the wide variety of dietary needs within our community. Our meal plans offer the highest quality food and create opportunities for students to engage in academic and lively discussions over meals with each other. Community is one of the great reasons why students in residence halls are required to have a meal plan. While students are automatically signed up in the Blue Plan, three meal plans are available to meet your needs.

Available plans

Three meal plans are available and our meal plans are made up of two components:

●Meal Credits: Any unused meal credits at the dining halls will run out on Saturday at midnight each week and reset for the upcoming week. Meal credits can only be used by the meal plan holder.
●Flex Dollars: Flex dollars can be used to pay for anyone, such as family, friends, or guests.

	Current Plan	Upgrade Options
Plans	Blue Plan	Gold Plan	Ultimate Plan
Meal Credits	12 meal credits per week	18 meal credits per week	Unlimited meal credits per week
Flex Dollars	600 flex dollars	1,200 flex dollars	2,000 flex/dollars
Cost	Included in your Housing Contract	+$350 per year	+$950 per year

Upgrades and changes

Want more flexibility to meet your needs? Upgrade and maximize your plan. Simply fill out the On-campus Meal Plan Change Form during the limited change period:

Fall: March 1 — September 14

Spring: December 2 — February 8

1. What is a benefit for students to have a meal plan?

A．Simplifying dining process.

B．Boosting social connections.

C．Ensuring access to delicious food.

D．Maximizing profit for dining services.

2. How much do you pay to upgrade the Gold Plan?

A．$350 per year.	B．$600 per year.
C．$950 per year.	D．$1,200 per year.

3. When can students request changes to their meal plans?

A．Jan. 24.	B．Feb. 21.
C．Sept. 18.	D．Oct. 3.

10 . When Chandra saw his baby girl, Karunia, for the first time, he wept. But as he looked upon his little daughter’s face and hands, the dreams and hopes he had prayed for came _______.

The girl’s fingers were formed together into a club (一团), where there had five _______ tiny fingers and nails because of Apert syndrome (综合征), which _______ hands and feet while there is no cure. He wrapped the baby in a blanket to cover her feet and hands before handing her to his wife with a(n) _______ smile. Then Chandra called his friend to help break the news of their daughter’s _______ to his wife, Angelina. “I just cried and wondered why,” said Angelina.

Neither Chandra nor Angelina had a good education and they _______ to care for the baby girl who needed _______ care. But help came from the local Compassion Survival Program when the girl was a year old.

_______, the couple had a better understanding of their baby’s disability. Their fears and anxieties _______, and they accepted her condition.

Early intervention and monthly ________ checkups helped Karunia to become healthy. Staff helped the family to ________ a government program for low-income earners that funded a special surgery to create fingers on her right hand, while the program ________ the costs of her medicine. A second surgery ________ to provide her with more ________ in her right hand.

“She is our own flesh and blood, and we have to ________ her for she came into our life,” said Angelina.

1.

A．turning over

B．picking up

C．taking off

D．crashing down

2.

A．perfect

B．strange

C．regular

D．close

3.

A．ignores

B．affects

C．chooses

D．attacks

4.

A．formal

B．ashamed

C．shaky

D．joyful

5.

A．story

B．example

C．condition

D．danger

6.

A．attempted

B．struggled

C．pretended

D．hesitated

7.

A．specialized

B．unknown

C．direct

D．accurate

8.

A．Obviously

B．Generally

C．Additionally

D．Gradually

9.

A．broadened

B．replied

C．lessened

D．abandoned

10.

A．medical

B．disabled

C．educational

D．mental

11.

A．discover

B．access

C．count

D．list

12.

A．ordered

B．refused

C．covered

D．calculated

13.

A．mended

B．created

C．delayed

D．followed

14.

A．mobility

B．behaviour

C．operation

D．connection

15.

A．attend

B．train

C．teach

D．influence