1 . Walking is good for you.It’s good for your heart, for your lungs, for the muscle and bone growth of your children.Strong scientific evidence now supports the many benefits to health of regular walking.
Walking is connected with reduced death rates for both older and younger adults.In other words, walkers live longer!
In particular, walking has a great effect on cardiovascular disease(心血管病).Fit and active people have around half the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to unfit inactive people.
Even 10-minute walks can increase fitness.One study at Loughbrough University found that women walking continuously for 30 minutes 5 days a week had almost the same increases in fitness as women who divide their 30 minutes into three 10-minute walks.
The majority of studies of young people indicate falling participation in physical activity.Only half of 11-36-year-olds currently walk for ten minutes a day.Children in Britain walk 50 miles a year less than they did a decade ago.Around 20% of children can be classed as overweight.TV, computers, cultural changes and fears for children’s safety out of doors play a large part.
Walking offers a great way to help kids get the active habit.If parents express excitement about the prospect (前景) of a walk in the countryside, they are more likely to pass this feeling to their children.It’s important to treat the walk as an exploration or adventure and to go at the child’s pace, no matter how often they want to stop and look at things, take treats to eat and plenty to drink, and head for some landmarks that will attract them such as a castle, a playground, an ice cream car or a boating pond.If children experience walking as part of a fun activity, they are more likely to want to go again.
1. We know from the passage that regular walking __________.| A．can make people live longer and healthier |
| B．has nothing to do with cardiovascular disease |
| C．increases fitness only if you walk as fast as you can |
| D．will help you put on much weight in a short time |
| A．They have more homework to do. |
| B．They have fitness equipment at home. |
| C．Their parents worry about their safety. |
| D．They want to learn more knowledge on TV. |
| A．children should be led by parents when they play outdoors |
| B．parents should help their children form a habit of walking |
| C．parents should not care about their children too much |
| D．children should do more explorative and adventure activities |
2 . It is no secret that physical activity is necessary to a person’s wellbeing.Because children are continuously developing physically and emotionally，they are especially affected by the benefits of activity.Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s initiative “Let’s Move！” reports that nearly onethird of US children are overweight or obese，and that “schools are a key setting for kids to get their 60 minutes of play with moderate activity，given the significant portion(部分) of time they spend there.”
Physical education programs in schools directly benefit students’ physical health.Regular exercise promotes muscles and bone development.In addition to participating in physical activity，students in P. E.learn the fundamentals of a healthful lifestyle，the building blocks upon which they can develop into healthy，knowledgeable adults.
Though the lack of attention on P. E.is often justified as an opportunity to spend more time in the classroom，studies show that physical activity contributes to improved academic performance.Regular activity during the school day is strongly associated with higher concentration levels.A statewide policy in North Carolina requires that children from kindergarten to eighth grade participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
Activities in P. E.help children develop healthful social interactions.From a young age，children learn cooperation through group activities and form a positive sense of identity as part of a team.Such group activities are continually important as children grow older.The International Platform on Sport and Development states that sport has been used as a practical tool to engage young people in their communities through volunteering，resulting in higher levels of leadership and community engagement among young people.
The benefits of P. E.to a child’s mental health are both complex and comprehensive.Improved physical health，academics and social interactions all contribute to good mental health.Physical activity sets the stage for a good night’s sleep，provides more energy to participate in hobbies and interact with others.
1. The first paragraph implies that .| A．children are becoming much lazier nowadays |
| B．some schools have forbidden physical activity |
| C．most parents are dissatisfied with school education |
| D．schools must pay more attention to physical education |
| A．children dislike taking physical activity |
| B．schools are worried about children’s safety |
| C．students should have more time for study |
| D．less sporting equipment is available to school children |
| A．Sceptical. | B．Favorable. |
| C．Ambiguous. | D．Objective. |
3 . If you're out for a run, what difference does it make if you're able to tough it out for another 50 seconds? If you're less than a minute from the top of the hill, that extra time can make the difference between having reached your goal and snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
How do you get those extra seconds of energy? A research team at the Texes Tech University developed a study to measure what effect listening to music would have on exercise tolerance. The researchers based the study on a stress testing. As part of the testing, they noted any changes in heart rate and blood pressure as participants underwent physically stressful exercise.
The tests were done on treadmills (跑步机), which increased in both speed and incline (坡度) through three stages. In the final stage, the treadmills moved at 10 miles per hour at a 14-percent grade. Most of these tests were designed to last up to 40 minutes. The average gym-goers lasted 30 minutes. For this study, they divided 127 participants into two groups. One listened to upbeat(快节奏) music, while the other group had earbuds in but did not listen to music.
The group that listened to music was able to outlast the non-music group by an average of 50.6 seconds. Again, being able to go an extra minute may seem like a no-brainer ,but “after 30 minutes, you feel like you are running up a mountain, so even being able to go 50 seconds longer means a lot," said the study's lead author, Waseem Shami, MD.
The study has confirmed something runners and gym-goers have suspected for years: Listening to music during workout can be beneficial to your endurance. "Our findings reinforce the idea that upbeat music can help you exercise longer and stick with a daily exercise routine," said Shami. When doctors are recommending exercise, they might suggest listening to music, too."
1. Why did Shami’s team conduct the research?| A．To test the effect of music on health. | B．To know the cause of failure in sports. |
| C．To improve runners' exercise tolerance. | D．To record the body change of participants |
| A．They ran much faster than average runners. | B．They created a new record of indoor sports. |
| C．They could run a little longer with music on. | D．They all enjoyed extreme physical challenge |
| A．A dull activity. | B．A foolish action. |
| C．A demanding task. | D．An easy practice |
| A．Developing a daily exercise routine. | B．Listening to music while working out |
| C．Participating in physical stress testing. | D．Taking exercise as doctors recommend. |
4 . 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. |
| 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. |
| A．Getting experts’ opinions. |
| B．Having a medical checkup. |
| C．Hiring an experienced coach. |
| D．Doing regular exercises. |
| A．Skeptical. | B．Objective. |
| C．Tolerant. | D．Conservative. |
5 . BEST BODY FITNESS
About us
You don’t want just gym membership. You want membership that means something. And that means you need support, expert help and a community.
Best Body Fitness isn’t just a gym: it’s full-service fitness membership made for you.
Here’s how it works:
STEP ONE: Your assessment
We begin with an assessment session. This is a chance for you to see what we do at Best Body. Our assessment plans are no-cost and no-risk. We’ll also make a training plan specifically for you.
STEP TWO: Your training
When you decide to become a Best Body member, we show you what to do, how to do it and why you are doing it. After a few sessions with an expert private trainer you will feel comfortable working out on your own. But don’t worry, we’ll always be nearby if you have questions.
STEP THREE: Your membership
Membership works on a month-to-month basis. There are no sign-up fees and no cancellation fees. Start and stop whenever you want. And the best part? Our fees are the most competitive in the whole downtown area.
STEP FOUR: Your community
At Best Body Fitness, we see everyone as part of a big team. And when you work with a team, you can do great things. Join any of our specialized classes, led by expert instructors. Come to our nutrition classes. Participate in our regular social events. Everything is included in your fee.
Finally, share some reasons why our members have chosen us over any other fitness centre in the city.
It’s so EASY
Easy to start, stop, cancel or refund membership
Easy to access — we’re open 24/7, we never close
Easy to do exercise — we have lots of equipment, no long wait
Easy to find — in the centre of town, near public transport and with parking
1. Which statement about Best Body Fitness is correct?| A．It provides you with a fitness assessment after training. |
| B．It offers you a customized training plan. |
| C．It allows you to work out without any fees. |
| D．It asks you to work out on your own. |
| A．Its price is quite good. | B．Its time is enough. |
| C．Its classes are no-risk. | D．Its trainers are experienced. |
| A．News report. | B．Speech. |
| C．Announcement. | D．Advertisement. |
6 . This activity will melt away the pounds, build your body and leave you on an emotional high. Yet the form of exercise, the fitness trend of the year, does not require gym membership or a personal trainer. All you need to do is walk.
“Walking is a refreshing alternative to complicated aerobic (氧) routines and overpriced gym membership,” says personal trainer Lucy Knight, author of a new book on the exercise. “It is free, enjoyable and already a part of everyday life. All you need to do is correct your technique, walk faster and for longer and you will lose weight.”
There is much evidence of the benefits of walking. Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh recently discovered that overweight people who walked briskly (快) for 30 to 60 minutes a day lost weight even if they didn’t change any other lifestyle habits. Another American study found that people who walked for at least four hours a week gained less weight than couch potatoes as they got older. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts medical school found that people who walked every day had 25 percent fewer colds than those who sat a lot. Best of all, walking makes you feel good about yourself. “For people suffering from depression, walking three to four times a week for 30 minutes has been shown to lift their mood,” says Knight.
But how to walk your way to weight loss and wellness? Health experts recommend that we should walk 10,000 steps a day to stay healthy. Actually you would probably need to walk at least 16,000 steps a day to lose weight. “Your workout plans depend on your level of fitness. You should aim to progress by increasing your walking time by five minutes every two weeks, and walk a bit faster. In just three months, the results should speak for themselves,” says Knight.
1. What is the latest fitness trend according to the passage?| A．Brisk walking. |
| B．Losing weight. |
| C．Working out in a gym. |
| D．Exercising with a personal trainer. |
| A．is gaining increasing popularity |
| B．benefits people in different aspects |
| C．is an enjoyable way to lose weight |
| D．involves different groups of people |
| A．1600 steps a day is needed for weight losses |
| B．the effect of walking is noticeable over time |
| C．your fitness level depends on your health experts |
| D．changing the walking time every day is necessary |
7 . All over the world people enjoy sports. Sports help to keep people healthy, happy and help them to live longer.
Sports change with the season. People play different games in winter and summer. Games and sports often grow out of people's work and everyday activities. The Arabs use horses or camels in much of their everyday life; they use them in their sports, too.
Some sports are so interesting that people everywhere go in for them. Football, for example, has spread around the world. Swimming is popular in all countries near the sea or in those with many rivers.
Some sports or games go back thousands of years, like running or jumping. Chinese boxing, for example, has a very long history. But basketball and volleyball are rather new. Neither one is a hundred years old yet. People are inventing new sports or games all the time.
People from different countries may not be able to understand each other, but after a game they often become good friends. Sports help to train a person's character (性格). One learns to fight hard but fight fair, to win without pride and to lose with grace (优雅).
1. According to this passage, which of the following isn't true?| A．Sports help to train a person's character. |
| B．People swim only because there are a lot of rivers in their country. |
| C．People from different countries may not be able to understand each other before a game. |
| D．Sports and games can develop the friendship between peoples all over the world. |
| A．basketball was invented in America |
| B．sports change with the seasons |
| C．games and sports often grow out of people's work and everyday activities |
| D．football is played all over the world |
| A．sports and games are unimportant things that people do |
| B．sports and games should be treated (对待) only as amusement (娱乐活动) |
| C．sports and games are only useful to the old |
| D．none of the above is true |
8 . When it comes to making healthy lifestyle changes, which should come first-changing your diet or becoming more physically active?
Previous studies suggested that providing people with too much information about nutrition and physical activity at once tends (趋向) to be discouraging. That has led to the popularity of advising people to make changes gradually, and set smaller goals.
So the scientists divided 200 inactive participants who were 45 or older into four groups. One group was instructed in making diet and fitness changes at the same time; the second group was taught about diet changes first, and then fitness changes four months later; the third group changed their exercise habits first and made changes in their eating habits four months later; and the final, control group was not instructed in either diet or fitness changes but in how to manage their stress.
The researchers followed the groups for a full year. Compared to the control group, the three intervention (干预) groups made healthy changes in their diet. Those who changed their fitness habits first significantly increased the amount of exercise they received daily compared to the other groups after four months. However, at the end of the year, the group that changed both diet and exercise at the same time was the only one that met the nationally recommended targets for both exercise and nutrition levels, while those who worked on improving their nutrition first were unable to meet the recommended levels of fitness after a year. The researchers suspect that changes to diet are easier to make than changes to physical activity.
The findings show, however, that pairing diet and exercise changes may help to overcome some of the barriers people face in adding more physical activity into their lives. If folks change diet and exercise orderly, the scientists say, they may end up placing more importance on the first set of behavior changes and feel less pressured to address the second set.
1. How is Paragraph 3 developed?| A．By giving examples. | B．By making comparisons. |
| C．By analyzing causes. | D．By making classifications. |
| A．The first group. | B．The second group. |
| C．The third group. | D．The control group. |
| A．Changing eating habits first may be reasonable. |
| B．Diet and exercise changes should be made orderly. |
| C．Diet and exercise changes are equally hard to make. |
| D．Diet and exercise should be processed at the same time. |
| A．Changing your habits for better health |
| B．Ways to lead a healthy and balanced life |
| C．Making healthy lifestyle changes really counts |
| D．Timing matters in making diet and exercise changes |
9 . Brazil is the greatest football nation in the world. There are 170 million Brazilians. How many of them are football fans? 100 million! All of them think that they know all about football. This makes life very difficult for the Brazilian team managers. When things go bad for the Brazilian team, the newspapers would demand that the team manager should leave his job. “If we win, they put me in heaven,” a manager once said. “If we lose, they put me in hell (地狱).”
You can’t escape football in Brazil. There are football matches on every street and beach. On television, the results of football matches come before the main news programs. There are six television channels (频道) in Rio de Janeiro. On Sundays each channel shows a different football match.
Brazil is not the richest country in the world, but the government spends lots of money on football. It cost more than one billion pounds to prepare for the 1978 World Cup. That’s 10 pounds for every Brazilian man, woman, and child. And many Brazilians don’t earn as much as 10 pounds a week. Is it worth it?
“Brazil must have a great football team,” says one journalist. “If it costs one billion pounds, that’s all right. If the government doesn’t give us a good team, then it will become unpopular. Football is more than a game in Brazil.”
Football is more than a game in Brazil. This is certainly true in its largest city, San Paulo. The most popular team is Corinthians. Corinthians’ fans are the most loyal and emotional in Brazil. When Corinthians win, production in the Sao Paulo car factories increases by fifteen per cent. When they lose, it drops. At one time Corinthians won the national championship for the first time. For four days fans danced and sang in the streets.
Why are people so loyal to one football team? What makes a football fan? One man says, “Without Corinthians my life would be sad. Corinthians bring some joy and excitement into my life. We all need that, don’t we?”
1. In paragraph 1, what the manager said means _______.| A．he is respected by newspapers | B．he will probably be killed by fans |
| C．he is judged on his team’s results | D．it’s difficult for him to get good scores |
| A．all the Brazilians know all about football |
| B．football has an influence on politics(政治) in Brazil |
| C．the Brazilians spend a lot of money on football |
| D．Corinthians’ fans are always supporting their team |
| A．production in the Sao Paulo car factories increased |
| B．Corinthians won a national football championship |
| C．Corinthians won the World Cup |
| D．the newspapers put a team manager in heaven |
10 . The latest sports craze is not even a sport. According to a recent article, “e-sports” are attracting a large number of audience.
In e-sports, players and teams compete in popular video computer games such as Dota 2 and Ovenvatch. Fans fill arenas to watch the action live on huge television screens.
The games have gone way past kids playing against each other while sitting on a sofa at home. The International, a major competition for players of Dota 2, awarded $24 million in prizes, with the winner taking home almost $11 million. A recent e-sports competition attracted more than 80,000 fans to the Olympic Stadium in Beijing, China.
I have to admit that I am not a big fan of computer games. I know that some games can be educational, but I think too many kids spend too much time sitting in front of a screen shooting space aliens. I think it would be better if kids spent more time reading or playing real sports such as basketball, baseball and soccer.
And please don’t tell me that competitive gaming is real sport because it requires hand-eye coordination. According to my American Heritage Dictionary, a sport is “an activity involving physical exertion and skill.” I don’t think anyone works up much of a sweat playing video games.
Too often, regular sports send kids a kind of message. Competition starts early, when lots of kids are not ready for the ups and downs of games. Tryouts and travel teams come next, giving too many kids the message they are “not good” at sports. So lots of kids quit sports and start playing more video games.
Maybe everyone in youth sports, including coaches, parents and kids, should think more about the advantages of real sports.
1. What are “e-sports” according to the text?| A．Sports events on television screens. |
| B．Video computer game competitions. |
| C．The latest sports in the Olympic Games. |
| D．Easy sports games for kids. |
| A．They are not instructive. |
| B．They should be banned in school. |
| C．They need too much time and money. |
| D．They have some negative influence on children. |
| A．Growth. | B．Fitness. |
| C．Effort. | D．Energy. |
| A．To introduce a new kind of sport. |
| B．To introduce a competition held in Beijing. |
| C．To explain the importance of playing sports. |
| D．To call on people to pay more attention to traditional sports. |
