Our body clock, or natural body rhythm, influences our energy and alertness. Paying attention to it can help us choose the suitable time of the day when we best perform specific tasks.

The reality, however, is that most of us organize the time around work demands, school deadlines, commuting or social events. Doing whatever the body feels like doing is a luxury in today’s fast-paced modern society.

But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth trying. Obeying our body clock has significant health benefits. Disrupting our natural body rhythm, on the other hand, has been linked to problems such as depression, obesity, or headache, says Steve Key, a biology professor.

When the body clock can synchronize (使…同步) the rhythms of its natural processes, it “gives us an advantage in daily life”, says Key.

According to him, when it comes to cognitive (认知的) work, most adults perform best in the late morning. As our body temperature starts to rise just before awakening in the morning and continues to increase until midday, our memory, alertness and concentration gradually improve.

However, he adds, our ability to concentrate typically starts to decrease soon thereafter. Most of us are more easily distracted (分心) between noon and 4 pm.

Alertness also tends to fall after eating a meal and sleepiness tends to peak around 2 pm, making that a good time for a nap.

Surprisingly, tiredness may increase our creative powers. For most adults, problems that require open-ended thinking are often best dealt with in the evening when they are tired, according to a study in the journal Thinking & Reasoning.

When choosing a time of the day to exercise, paying attention to your body clock can improve results. Physical performance is usually best from about 3 to 6 pm, says Michael Smolensky, a professor of biomedical engineering.

Of course, not everyone’s body clock is the same, making it even harder to synchronize natural rhythms with daily plans.

1.If we know our natural body rhythm well, we can ______.

A. find out the suitable time to do specific tasks

B. organize our time around work demands

C. do whatever our body feels like doing

D. be sure to be healthy

2. Which of the following is NOT true?

A. Our alertness is influenced by our natural body rhythm.

B. Doing whatever your body feels like is very difficult in our modern society.

C. Obeying our body clock is good for our health.

D. Disrupting our natural body rhythm can lead to obesity.

3.Inspiration to solve a difficult problem will most probably come to us______.

A. when we get up in the morning

B. when we are tired in the evening

C. when we are full of energy in the late morning

D. when we are asleep at night

4. Which of the following can be the suitable title for the passage?

A. What is natural body rhythm?

B. Natural body rhythm is good for us.

C. natural body rhythm and health

D. The latest research about natural body rhythm.

Boys’schools are the perfect place to teach young men to express their emotions and involve them in activities such as art, dance and music.

Far from the traditional image of a culture of aggressive masculinity(男子气概),the absence of girls gives boys the chance to develop without pressure to be consistent to a stereotype(传统观念),a US study says.

Boys at single-sex schools were said to be more likely to get involved in cultural and artistic activities that helped develop their abilities to express their emotions,rather than feeling they had to obey the “boy code” of hiding their emotions to be a “real man”.

The findings of the study are against the received wisdom that boys do better when taught alongside girls.

Tony Little,headmaster of Eton,warned that boys were being ignored by the British education system because it had become too focused on girls.He criticized teachers for failing to recognize that boys are actually more emotional than girls.

The research argued that boys often perform badly in mixed schools because they become discouraged when their female peers do better earlier in speaking and reading skills.

But in single-sex schools teachers can adjust lessons to boys’ learning style,letting them move around the classroom and getting them to compete in teams to prevent boredom, wrote the study’s author, Abigail James of the University of Virginia.

Teachers could encourage boys to enjoy reading and writing with “boy-focused” approaches such as themes and characters that appeal to them.Because boys generally have sharper vision,learn best through touch, and are physically more active, they need to be given “hands-on” lessons where they are allowed to walk around.” Boys in mixed schools view classical music as feminine(女性的)and prefer the modern type in which violence and sexism are major themes.” James wrote.

Single-sex education also made it less likely that boys would feel they had to give in to a stereotype that men should be “masterful and in charge” in relationships.“In mixed schools boys feel pressed to act like men before they understand themselves well enough to know what that means.” the study reported.

1.The author believes that a single-sex school would

A.force boys to hide their emotions to be “real men”

B.help to form masculine aggressiveness in boys

C.encourage boys to express their emotions more freely

D.naturally place emphasis on the traditional image of a man to boys

2.It is commonly believed that in a mixed school boys

A.perform relatively better

B.grow up more healthily

C.behave more responsibly

D.receive a better education

3.What does Tony Little say about the British education system?

A.It fails more boys than girls academically.

B.It focuses more on mixed school education.

C.It fails to give boys the attention they need.

D.It places more pressure on boys than on girls.

4.According to Abigail James,one of the advantages of single-sex schools is

A. teaching can be designed to promote boys’ team spirit

B.boys can focus on their lessons without being absent-minded

C.boys can choose to learn whatever they are interested in

D. teaching can be adapted to suit the characteristics of boys

阅读下面短文,从短文后各题所给的四个选项(A、B、C和D)中,选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。

Many years have passed, but she still remembers the last day of her whole class. They got together to say goodbye to their ________schooldays. She wonders herself if any of them still remembers their ________ , now that time has cloaked the past memories with layers of dust and ________ each fate beyond any expectations.

The jolly “dwarf” of the class has now ________ a successful businessman. The shy skinny “bookworm” is now a talented Ph.D. Trying his luck in some ________ land in the Western atmosphere. The naughty, tomboy has________ her carefree laughter in exchange for a sheltered, comfortable life. And________ , a literature addict, was driven by an inner force to put her pen aside and become a________ instead.

She decided to ________ her old teacher, who had sowed the seed for the cause of nurturing people in her directionless mind ________ his poetical lessons. She used to dream of the enlightened faces of her ________ and their round eyes running over every page of the books. Yet, at the most ________turn of her life’s course, she didn’t ________ literature for her career, for she had been told that literature is just like a magical paradise to which the way is extremely ________ .

Her hands are so small; ________ can they hold the depths and the fullness that literature can bring? Still, she promises herself to go ________ , bearing in mind the last ________ of her dear teacher, “Don’t ________ what you give or receive. Learn to live generously to enjoy life, even when it’s not generous toward us.”

Now, she is a teacher, yet she has to continue learning numerous difficult ________ of life. The more she ________ , the better she understands the value of her teacher’s last lesson.

1.A. oldest B. dearest C. hardest D. longest

2.A. successes B. failures C. lessons D. promises

3.A. transformed B. supported C. organized D. developed

4.A. fought against B. stood for C. tuned into D. found out

5.A. large B. distant C. poor D. past

6.A. insisted on B. suffered from C. stuck to D.thrown away

7.A. she B. you C. I D. he

8.A. worker B. officer C. teacher D. writer

9.A. assist B. follow C. visit D. leave

10.A. beyond B. among C. across D. through

11.A. students B. roommates C. relatives D. friends

12.A. expensive B. effective C. decisive D. creative

13.A. write B. choose C. elect D. find

14.A. smooth B. perfect C. difficult D. rough

15.A. how B. when C. why D. where

16.A. up B. in C. on D. down

17.A. words B. results C. notes D. chances

18.A. hope for B. search for C. look for D. care about

19.A. problems B. lessons C. vocabularies D. passages

20.A. introduces B. forgets C. experiences D. Donates

China is a land of bicycles.At least it was back in 1992 when I traveled the country.Back then everyone seemed to be riding a bicycle.Millions of them,all black.Cars were rare.Yet since my arrival in Beijing last year, I’ve found the opposite is true.There are millions of cars.However, people still use their bicycles to get around.For many, it's the easiest and cheapest way to travel today.Bicycles also come in different colors—silver, green, red, blue,yellow, whatever you want.

It’s fun people biking.They rush quickly through crossroads, move skillfully through traffic,and ride even on sidewalks.Bicycles allow people the freedom to move about that cars just can’t provide.

Eager to be part of this aspect of Chinese culture,I decided to buy a bicycle.Great weather accompanied my great buy.I immediately jumped up on my bicycle seat and started home.

My first ride home was orderly.To be safe, I stayed with a“pack”of bikers while cars on the streets came running swiftly out of nowhere at times.I didn't want to get hit.So I took the ride carefully.

Crossing the streets was the biggest problem. It was a lot like crossing a major highway back in the United States.The streets here were wide,so crossing took time,skill and a little bit of luck.

I finally made it home.The feeling on the bicycle was amazing. The air hitting my face and going through my hair was wonderful.I was sitting on top of the world as I passed by places and people.Biking made me feel alive.

1.According to the author, why are bicycles still popular in China today?

A. Because they are traditional and safe.

B. Because they are convenient and inexpensive.

C. Because they are colorful and available.

D. Because they are fast and environment friendly.

2.How did the author feel about his street crossing?

A. It was boring. B. It was difficult.

C. It was lively. D. It was wonderful.

3.Which of the following best describes the author’s biking experience?

A. The author enjoyed showing off his biking skills.

B. The author was annoyed by the air while riding.

C. The author was praised by the other bikers.

D. The author took great pleasure in biking.

Britons may like to complain a lot, but they rarely do so right now, explains BBC writer Ruth Margolis. They would rather grumble (发牢骚) afterward. This is because Britons hate to put someone out and cause any embarrassment. Margolis writes, “For instance, I’m much more comfortable just leaving that piece of raw chicken on my plate instead of complaining to restaurant staff. But beware: if this kind of thing happens when you’re dining with an American, they will most likely speak up on your behalf and not understand why you find this ashamed.”

In a BBC blog post comparing cultural differences between the UK and the US, Margolis mentions a few other things that Americans like to do that are offensive to Britons.

● Not making introductions

Margolis says most Britons dislike this approach because “talking to strangers without being introduced gives them a stomachache”. Americans rarely introduce a new friend to their friends at parties. Strangers are supposed to introduce themselves.

● “Quite” good

Using “quite” to mean “very” happens a lot in the US. But if you are invited to a dinner party in Britain, don't describe the meal as “quite good” if you want to express high praise. To Britons’ ears, “quite” detracts from the “good”: the meal was OK but could have been better.

● Money Talk

Americans can talk about money subjects for hours without feeling uncomfortable. For Britons, says Margolis, “Talking about how much we make is unthinkable — even 1ess so than discussing our feelings.”

● Over-politeness

“It’s not that I want shop assistants to be actively rude. But neither do I want to expend energy responding to someone who's been paid to ask: ‘How are you today?’” says Margolis. In the US, it is not unusual to be greeted by a perfect stranger as “honey” or “sweetie”. But Margolis says Britons find put-on friendliness, especially in stores, deeply irritating.

1.Margolis’ dining experience in Paragraph 1 shows that_______.

A. Britons are particular about foods

B. Britons are not good at complaining

C. Americans usually complain directly

D. Americans complain more than Britons

2.Which of the following might Margolis agree with?

A. Britons enjoy talking about their feelings.

B. Americans introduce themselves at parties.

C. Americans dislike talking to strangers at parties.

D. Britons feel happy if treated like close friends.

3.The underlined phrase “detracts from” in the text probably means ____.

A. differs greatly from B. increases the quality of

C. reduces the strength of D. draws attention away from

4.What does the text mainly talk about?

A. How to get on well with westerners.

B. How to start conversations with Britons.

C. Ruth Margolis’ tips on public behavior.

D. Some American habits that annoy Britons.

根据短文内容, 从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。

While serious training is important for all dogs, playtime is just as important. 1. Use these games to help teach your dog how to play.

1. Hide and Seek

Hide and seek isn’t just for kids. Dogs can really enjoy this game. Pick up one of your dog’s favorite toys or treats. Tell your dog to stay. 2. When you are ready, call your dog to come to you. If possible, squeak (使吱吱叫) the toy or shake the treats. Reward your dog with praise and the toy or treat when she finds you.

2. Fetch

Many dogs have a natural ability to fetch. Other dogs can be taught how. 3. Play indoors with a soft toy or outdoors in a fenced-in area with a ball or disc. For dogs that really love to run, try this game of fetch!

3. Find the Treat

Dogs have superior senses of smell, and most love to use their noses to find food. Let your dog use her brain and her nose to find hidden goodies. First, have your dog stay out of sight. Then, hide her favorite treats in various places around the room. 4. If help is needed, you can lead her around or point to areas for her to explore.

Whatever the game, safety comes first! Remember to watch your dog for signs of exhaustion or overheating when you are playing. Stop if your dog seems tired or shows signs of anxiety. 5. When other dogs or people are around, it may create a dangerous distraction.

A. Then, go to find a good hiding place.

B. Try different games to see which your dog responds to best.

C. A good game of fetch can be played almost anywhere.

D. You can include games in training as well.

E. Also be aware of your surroundings when playing with your dog.

F. Encourage your dog to play with other dogs.

G. Bring your dog back in and tell her to “go find!”

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