1 . Tai chi, a traditional, slow-moving form of Chinese physical exercise, is known to increase flexibility and improve balance. New research has been conducted to determine whether tai chi has an influence on lowering blood pressure in people with prehypertension (高血压前期).

In the study, Chinese scientists put 342 adults with prehypertension into two groups. The average age of people taking part in the study was 49. About half the participants (参与者) took part in aerobic exercise, including jogging, climbing stairs and cycling. The other half was trained to practice tai chi. Both groups got hour-long exercises four times a week.

Nearly 22% of the people who practiced tai chi saw their blood pressure fall to be normal, compared with nearly 16% of people in the aerobic exercise group. And fewer patients in the tai chi group went on to develop high blood pressure than patients in the aerobic exercise group.

So what is it about tai chi that helps lower blood pressure? “The practice tends to get more of a response from the parasympathetic (副交感的) nervous system, which is the network of nerves that relaxes your body after periods of stress or danger,” says Ruth Taylor-Piliae, a professor at the University of Arizona’s College of Nursing.

“I think the beauty of tai chi is that you don’t have to have a special gym membership, you don’t have to have special clothing,” Taylor-Piliae says. “Once you learn tai chi, you can do it anytime and anyplace. And it does provide a calming and relaxing effect.”

Evidence suggests it can also help protect against cognitive fall and even improve memory. But you have to practice it continually to get the most benefit.

1. What is the function of paragraph 1?

A．To offer some examples.	B．To explain a definition.
C．To introduce the topic.	D．To give people suggestions.

2. What can we know about the participants in the study?

A．They were divided into two groups.	B．They suffered from heart disease.
C．They were 49 years old.	D．They got exercises five times a week.

3. What might Taylor-Piliae agree with about tai chi?

A．It can make people calm down.

B．It requires training and specialized equipment.

C．It has no influence on the parasympathetic nervous system.

D．It is suitable for individuals with aerobic exercise experience.

4. Which is the most suitable title for the text?

A．A Traditional Sport	B．The Benefits of Aerobic Exercise
C．Exploring Chinese Physical Exercise	D．Managing Blood Pressure with Tai Chi

2 . The holidays can be a difficult time to stay on track with your fitness goals.     1    . Even the most disciplined people can find it difficult to stick to their fitness routines during the holiday season. Here are some expert-recommended tips that can help you stay on track.

    2    .

Planning is the best way to make sure you don’t lose track of your goals. Plan your workouts for the week and mark them in your schedule to assure they are a part of your day.

Exercise early.

    3    . Make sure workouts are in the morning and you’ll set yourself up for a productive day. Then you can enjoy holiday activities and time with family without worrying about when you’ll have time to exercise.

Keep moving.

Research shows that getting up for just five minutes every 30 to 60 minutes and performing light activities reduces the risk of heart disease risk factors. Small efforts to get moving can help your overall health during the holidays. In addition to staying active, try to avoid sitting for long periods of time, such as when watching football games or eating.     4    .

Think out of the box.

The holidays are busy, but do your best to avoid the “all or nothing” mentality when it comes to physical activity.     5     — like taking a family walk around the neighborhood before opening Christmas presents.

A．Plan ahead

B．Plan out your route before you go

C．Exercising in the morning is one of the biggest tips

D．Remember: too much sitting is harmful to your health

E．Your schedule will be filled with family gatherings and celebrations

F．Get creative with exercise and make physical activity a family affair

G．Rather than skipping the gym altogether, make time for a quick workout

3 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Why did the woman quit her school basketball team?

A．She was badly injured.

B．She was bad at playing basketball.

C．She had to spend more time on her studies.

2. How often does the woman play basketball each week now?

A．Once.

B．Twice.

C．Three times.

3. Which sport is the woman planning to try this year?

A．Swimming.

B．Tennis.

C．Running.

5 . 听下面一段对话，回答以下小题。
1. How did the man learn to do skateboarding at first?

A．By taking a few lessons.

B．By watching some videos.

C．By asking his cousin for help.

2. Where does the man like to do skateboarding?

A．Around the city square.

B．On the basketball court.

C．By the beach.

3. What does the man often do to keep fit?

A．Cycle.

B．Jog.

C．Swim.

4. What is the man’s latest plan?

A．To train for a skateboard competition.

B．To visit children’s skateboard camps.

C．To take part in a skateboard advert.

6 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What sport does Frank like playing?

A．Football.

B．Basketball.

C．Baseball.

2. How does Frank feel about the coming game?

A．Excited.

B．Nervous.

C．Bored.

3. What is the woman busy doing these days?

A．Applying for a tennis club.

B．Looking for a partner.

C．Preparing for a match.

7 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题｡
1. What is one problem with arm exercises?

A．They won’t make your arms thinner.

B．They could damage arm muscles.

C．They can raise one’s blood pressure.

2. How did the woman get the information about arm exercises?

A．By talking to an expert.

B．By reading an article.

C．By attending an exercise class.

3. What are the experts now recommending?

A．Exercising the entire body.

B．Cycling instead of walking.

C．Wearing leg weights.

9 . What is the main reason for doctors to recommend bike riding?

A．It can make legs slim.

B．It can make you put on weight.

C．It can build up the body.