2 . These days, many gyms require clients to wear masks or face coverings. The good news: research suggests they don't actually hold up your performance.

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan gathered a group of 7 men and 7 women, ranging from slightly inactive to excellent cyclists and tested the effects of wearing a three-layer cloth face mask, a surgical mask, and no mask on their exercise performance.

The study participants started with a brief warm-up on a fixed bike, then took a progressive intensity exercise test, during which it was vital for them to keep the same pedal rate while the resistance was continually increased until exhaustion (疲惫不堪). Something like the heart rate was recorded every 30 seconds.

The results suggested that wearing a mask had no effect on performance or muscle oxygen levels. Since there was no difference in time to exhaustion between conditions, the highest power reached at the end of each test was similar in mask and no-mask conditions for all participants, Professor Chilibeck explained. Researchers also did not see any effects of the masks during exercise on blood oxygen levels, which wouldn't decrease if breathing was not affected.

And while droplet (飞沫) spread was not measured, all masks used were tested in a previous study in which they were shown to effectively minimize droplet spread, according to Chilibeck. Though the participants represented a wide range of fitness levels, it's important to note that these tests were conducted on a very small sample size, and more research is needed on larger populations to draw sweeping conclusions about the general population.

1. How did the researchers draw the conclusion?

A．By conducting an experiment.	B．By making brief analysis.
C．By observing normal cyclists.	D．By doing medical tests.

2. What will happen if masks block your performance?

A．Your heart rate may keep stable.	B．You might produce less droplet.
C．Your blood oxygen levels will drop.	D．You will feel more tired than before.

3. What is the author's attitude to the study?

A．Doubtful.

B．Favorable.

C．Disapproving.

D．Objective.

4. Which of the following could be the best title for the text?

A．Why Should We Train with Masks?

B．Why Don't Masks Worsen Our Performance?

C．Do Masks Affect Our Performance?

D．Can We Train While Wearing Masks?

3 . Readers’ Favorite Running Routes

Paul Ghent, Belgium

I love running in Ghent. It is completely flat, so encouraging for beginners and people aiming for personal bests. There is a rowing lake with a 5km track. This connects with a nature reserve on an 8km loop. If that isn’t enough, there is another nature reserve, full of birds and canals surrounded by a 10km loop. I will be running my first marathon in Ghent in March 2022. Anyone?

Jennifer Nice, France

In Nice Provence, I really enjoyed joining the local joggers running along what is one of the most beautiful streets in the world—the Promenade des Anglais. You have the fresh salty sea breezes filling your lungs, the sun shining on the waves of the sea, and the beautiful buildings standing along the running route. Feel free to grab some fresh shellfish and a glass of wine on the beach as a reward.

Lisa Offa, UK

The Offa’s Dyke path, which runs from Prestatyn to Chepstow, provides stunning scenery and is just perfect to focus on the run. The sections of the route I like the most include the slopes (坡地) of Moel Famau and the section from Llangollen to Bodfari, where there is an excellent pub (The Dinorben Arms) to refuel in comfort. Perfect.

Richard Protaras, Cyprus

My favorite route is in Protaras, Cyprus. There is a path that runs from Fig Tree bay to Polyxenia beach and you have wonderful views of the bays and beaches while running. The amazing clear seas and sandy beaches make it very pleasant. The best time to go is early morning when the sun isn’t blazing and the paths aren’t too busy with holidaymakers.

1. Which route best suits people who enjoy nature reserves?

A．Nice, France.	B．Offa, UK.
C．Ghent, Belgium.	D．Protaras, Cyprus.

2. What do the routes shared by Jennifer and Richard have in common?

A．They have beautiful streets.	B．They have lovely sea views.
C．They are famous for seafood.	D．They are fit for morning runners.

3. Where can the text be found?

A．In a science paper.	B．In a history novel.
C．In a sports magazine.	D．In a geography textbook.

4 . 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。

Chen Xi was chosen as the best athlete in the school. He is giving a speech at a ceremony.

Thank you for choosing me as the best athlete in our school. I’m really happy    1    (share) with you how passionate I am about sports and what I do to keep fit. I am a big fan of many sports,     2    (include) basketball, football and gymnastics. I love to watch these    3    (event) on TV at the weekend. I also exercise regularly, too.     4    the morning, I often go jogging on running track for about half an hour. I don’t run too fast or for too long so    5     I have enough energy for the day. In the afternoon, I     6    (usual) play football or basketball. I’m on the school football team. The training is always tough, but we all do    7     (we) best, since we all want to earn a place on the team when playing against other schools. Believe it or not, we also occasionally do yoga in the gym. It     8     (help) relax our muscles and focus our minds. If you want to become fit and healthy, my    9    (advise) is to try different sports and activities to see    10    one you enjoy the most.