C
The spread of Western eating habits around the world is bad for human health and the environment. Those findings come from a new report in the journal Nature.
There are ways to solve this diet-health-environment problem. But they will require a change in eating habits. And what we eat can be a product of culture, personal taste, price and ease.
David Tilman , a professor of ecology, examined information from 100 countries to identify what people ate and how diet affected health and found as nations industrialized, population increased and earnings rose, more people began to adopt what has been called the Western diet.
The Western diet is high in refined or processed sugar, fat, oil and meat. By eating these foods, people began to get fatter -- and sicker.
David Tillman says overweight people are at greater risk for non-infectious diseases like diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
Unfortunately when people become industrialized, if they adopt this Western diet, they are going to have these same health impacts, and in some cases if you are Asian, you have them more seriously than what happens in the West."
China, he says, is an example where the number of diabetes cases has jumped. And that’s happening all across the world, in Mexico, Nigeria and so on.
A diet bad for human beings is also bad for the environment. As the world's population grows, experts say more forests will become farmland for crops or grasslands for grazing cattle.
"We are likely to have more greenhouse gas released in the future from agriculture because of this dietary shift than all the greenhouse gas that comes out of cars, airplanes, boats and ships. So our change in diet is likely to be worse for the world for climate warming than all the transportation sources we use right now."
He says one possible solution is leaving the Western diet behind.What is the main idea of the passage?
| A．The advantage of the Western diet |
| B．The disadvantage of the Western diet. |
| C．The diseases caused by the Western diet. |
| D．The popularity of the Western diet. |
Why do more and more people eat Western diet?
| A．Because Western diet is good for health. |
| B．Because people have more money. |
| C．Because Western diet is cheaper. |
| D．Because Western diet can make people thin. |
According to the passage, what is good for our environment?
| A．Giving up the Western diet. |
| B．Returning to Chinese diet. |
| C．Growing more crops |
| D．Raising more cattle. |
In which section of a newspaper can you find this passage?
| A．Science and Technology. |
| B．Education and Culture. |
| C．Environment and Health. |
| D．Agriculture and Climate. |
Which statement is true?
| A．The Western diet has little effect on Asians . |
| B．The China diet is rich in fat and oil. |
| C．Leaving the Western diet behind is easy for people. |
| D．More forests will become farmland as the world's population grows . |
What is the nature of the scientific attitude, the attitude of the man or woman who studies and applies physics, biology, chemistry, geology, engineering, medicine or any other science?
We all know that science plays an important role in the societies in which we live. Many people believe, however, that our progress depends on two different aspects of science. The first of these is the application of the machines, products and systems of applied knowledge that scientists and technologists develop. Through technology, science improves the structure of society and helps man to gain increasing control over his environment.
The second aspect is the application by all members of society of the special methods of thought and action that scientists use in their work.
What are these special methods of thinking and acting? First of all, it seems that a successful scientist is full of curiosity-----he wants to find out how and why the universe works. He usually directs his attention towards problems which he notices have no satisfactory explanation, and his curiosity makes him look for underlying relationships even if the data available seem to be unconnected. Moreover, he thinks he can improve the existing conditions and enjoys trying to solve the problems which this involves.
He is a good observer, accurate, patient and objective and applies logical thought to the observations he makes. He utilizes the facts he observes to the fullest extent. For example, trained observers obtain a very large amount of information about a star mainly from the accurate analysis of the simple lines that appear in a spectrum(光谱).
He is skeptical ------ he does not accept statements which are not based on the most complete evidence available------and therefore rejects authority as the sole basis for truth. Scientists always check statements and make experiments carefully and objectively to verify them.
Furthermore, he is not only critical of the work of others, but also of his own, since he knows that man is the least reliable of scientific instruments and that a number of factors tend to disturb objective investigation.
Lastly, he is highly imaginative since he often has to look for relationships in data which are not only complex but also frequently incomplete. Furthermore, he needs imagination if he wants to make hypotheses of how processes work and how events take place.
These seem to be some of the ways in which a successful scientist or technologist thinks and acts.Many people believe that science helps society to progress through__________.
| A．applied knowledge. |
| B．more than one aspect. |
| C．technology only. |
| D．the use of machines. |
According to this passage, a successful scientist would not _______.
| A．easily believe in unchecked statements. |
| B．easily criticize others’ research work. |
| C．always use his imagination in work. |
| D．always use evidence from observation. |
What does the passage mainly discuss?
| A．Application of technology. |
| B．Progress in modern society. |
| C．Scientists’ ways of thinking and acting. |
| D．How to become a successful scientist. |
One reaction to all the concern about tropical deforestation(砍伐森林) is a blank stare that asks the question, "Since I don't live there, what does it have to do with me?"
The answer is that your way of life, wherever you live in the world, is tied to the tropics in many ways. If you live in a house, wash your hair, eat fruits and vegetables, drink soda, or drive a car, you can be certain that you are affected by the loss of tropical forests.
Take rubber（橡胶） for example. For many uses, only natural rubber from trees will do. Synthetics are not good enough. Today over half the world's commercial（商业的）rubber is produced in Malaysia and Indonesia, while the Amazon's rubber industry produces much of the world's four million tons. And rubber is an important material in making gloves, balloons, footwear and many sporting goods. Thousands of other tropical plants are valuable for their industrial use.
Many scientists strongly believe that deforestation contributes to the greenhouse effect—or heating of the earth from increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. As we destroy forests, we lose their ability to change carbon dioxide into oxygen.
Carbon dioxide levels could double within the next half-century, warming the earth by as much as 4.5 degrees. The result? A partial melt-down of polar ice caps, raising sea levels as much as 24 feet; even 15 feet could threaten anyone living within 35 miles of the coast. Unbelievable? Maybe. But scientists warn that by the time we realize the severe effects of tropical deforestation, it will be 20 years too late.
Can tropical deforestation affect our everyday lives? Now, you should have got the answer.The underlined word "synthetics" probably means a kind of __________.
| A．natural rubber | B．tropical grass |
| C．man-made material | D．tropical tree |
In the last paragraph the author tries to _________.
| A．tell people how to avoid the tropical deforestation |
| B．show us how important it is to protect the tropical forests |
| C．persuade people to buy something synthetic |
| D．let people realize the good effect of tropical deforestation |
The author's attitude towards the tropical deforestation is __________.
| A．puzzling | B．cold |
| C．supporting | D．opposed |
Why buy art? To answer this question, ask yourself what your reasons are for thinking of acquiring a piece of art. An artwork can cost a considerable sum, but if it meets your needs, it's worth every penny.
| Art Is for Enjoyment Art is meant to be displayed. Don't ever feel pressured to buy something you won't appreciate looking at day after day, no matter what other people may say. Don't buy something that doesn't appeal to you just because it is trendy（流行的）, because the artist is famous, or because you have been advised that the artwork will make a good investment. If you don't like the artwork at all, don't buy it! |
| Art Improves Your Environment Have you ever noticed that all beautiful homes have art as an essential part of the decoration? Art lends life and color to otherwise plain and ordinary walls. A well thought-out art collection will help create a unique pattern in your home and make it more attractive. For similar reasons, art often graces commercial buildings, such as reception rooms and the offices of top executives. |
| Art Makes a Statement The kind of art you surround yourself says much about your personality, tastes and values. Art truly is a mirror of the soul. It's an expression of who you are. Be true to yourself, and choose art which is meaningful to you. |
| Art Can Be an Investment Art can pay handsome returns, but this very rarely happens overnight. If you're hoping to make a fast buck, art may not be the right avenue for you. There are investors, of course, who like to put their money in art. They do this for two main reasons: emotional as well as financial benefits. |
| Art Enriches Your Life At a conference on health and aging, held in Australia, a professor from Melbourne's RMIT University shared his findings that love—even the love of an activity or a work of art contributes to healthier living and a longer lifespan. |
| Art Makes an Impression When you need to give a gift which will make a lasting impression, a fine piece of artwork is hard to beat. Any recipient(接受者) will appreciate receiving such an exclusive gift, and be honored that you valued her enough to give her something so unique and precious. Just remember to select something which will appeal to your recipient's tastes, and keep to a sensible budget. Good art needn't cost an arm and a leg. |
We can find something about the host's personality, tastes and values through looking at________ .
| A．the expression on the face |
| B．the mirror on the wall |
| C．the kind of art around him |
| D．the truth of the art in his home |
What does the underlined sentence "Good art needn't cost an arm and a leg" mean?
| A．Good art can purify humans' soul |
| B．Good art makes you work fast |
| C．Good art creates a good life |
| D．Good art does not always cost huge money |
From the passage we can learn that art __________.
| A．is a good way to become rich overnight |
| B．can awaken people to protect the environment |
| C．can help people to keep fit and live longer |
| D．can hardly serve as a present |
The passage is mainly about__________ .
| A．what function art has in people's life |
| B．how to choose artworks for your life |
| C．what attitudes people have to art |
| D．how to make a fortune from artworks |
Recently, a study was carried out to determine who was the greatest American president. Sixty-five presidential historians took part in it, and they judged the past forty-two American leaders based on ten leadership qualities, including public persuasiveness(信服), crisis leadership, management of the economy, moral leadership, and conduct of international relations. The historians also looked at administrative ability (管理能力), relations with Congress, ability to set goals, and the pursuit of equal justice for all. Finally, the experts took into consideration the historical period in which the president lived.
The historians chose Abraham Lincoln as American’s greatest president. He had also been named the greatest president in a similar study in 2000. Abraham Lincoln was the president who led the nation through the Civil War in the 1860s, and was able to unite it in the end. He also took the first steps to abolish(废除) slavery in America.
Edna Medford, a professor of history at Howard University in Washington, D.C., was an adviser on this study and the earlier one. She says Abraham Lincoln is seen to represent the values the nation most honors, such as truthfulness, moderation, and respect for human rights.
The historians put American’s first president, George Washington, second on the list, while Franklin D. Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, and Harry Truman follow in that order. John F. Kennedy, the country’s first Roman Catholic president, is sixth on the list. Like Lincoln, Kennedy was murdered while in office.
Among recent presidents, Ronald Reagan was named the tenth best and Bill Clinton rated fifteenth, while the historians put former president George W. Bush at number thirty-six. His father, George H.W. Bush, did much better, being placed at number eighteen.We learn from the text that ___________.
| A．this is the second time Abraham Lincoln has been chosen as America’s greatest president |
| B．Edna Medford didn’t take part in the study conducted in 2000 |
| C．George H.W. Bush was thought to have done worse in office than George W.Bush |
| D．Harry Truman was rated the fourth-best president by the study |
Which of the following belong to the ten leadership qualities considered?
a. Being able to persuade the public.
b. Taking effective measures during a financial crisis.
c. Balancing home life and career.
d. Pursuing equal justice for all.
| A．a,b,c | B．b,c,d | C．a,b,d | D．a,c,d |
Who is rated worst among the following four presidents?
| A．John F. Kennedy | B．George W. Bush |
| C．Bill Clinton | D．George Washington |
The text is mainly about ________.
| A．the ten qualities a great president needs |
| B．how Abraham Lincoln improved the country |
| C．the values the American nation honors most |
| D．a study of American presidents |
Have you ever played the video dance game? Now such games are used to help lose weight!
Like many other teenage boys, Jones loved sports. But at 5 feet, 175 pounds, he found his weight a trouble. His doctor wanted him to lose 50 pounds so that he may catch up with the football game by the end of summer.
Jones chose the popular dance Revolution video game at home to increase his activity. He had lost about 10 pounds by changing his diet. Now, after two weeks playing the game, he has lost another 10!
In West Virginia, 43% of the nearly 6,000 children examined for heart disease risk were considered over-weighted; more than 25% were too fat. “we are in a crisis of childhood obesity not only in West Virginia but in America,” said a researcher.
Researchers are looking at the potential for improving effects by using the game. A teacher in West Virginia has been using the video game in her classes since last fall. She reported that the game does improve heart health as well as eye-hand coordination, and her students take the video game as a great alternative to jumping rope or ball games.
The US Education Department is putting the game in 20 schools to control childhood obesity. Well, are you going to try such a game to dance away your extra weight?Jones’ main problem was that.
| A．he was too short |
| B．he was over-weighted |
| C．he lacked the skill in football |
| D．he didn’t keep a healthy diet |
The underlined word means.
| A．being unfriendly | B．being unhappy |
| C．being unhealthy | D．being overweight |
It can be learned that.
| A．in West Virginia 25% of the children were too fat |
| B．after playing the game, Jones has lost weight |
| C．the teacher is a failure in using the video game |
| D．the US Education Department is promoting the game all over the country |
The most suitable title for the passage is.
| A．Dance Away Your Weight |
| B．Play the Video Dance Game |
| C．Solve the Problem of Obesity |
| D．A Magic Video Dance Game |