When we say older people shrink, we don’t mean they become tiny enough to fit in your pocket! We just mean that it’s common for older people to become a little shorter over time. This kind of shrinking can’t be reversed, although people can slow or stop this process. But why does shrinking happen at all?

Because of gravity (that force that keeps your feet on the ground) , cushions between the bones in the spine (脊骨), get compressed (压缩), which makes a person lose a little height and become shorter.

Another reason why some older people shrink is because of osteoporosis (骨质疏松). Osteoporosis occurs when bone is broken down and not enough new bone material is made. Over time, bone is said to be lost because it’s not being replaced. Bones become smaller and weaker and can easily break if someone with osteoporosis is injured.

Older people — especially women, who generally have smaller and lighter bones to begin with — are more likely to develop osteoporosis. As years go by, a person with osteoporosis can get small breaks in bones that are called compression fractures. These breaks cause collapse of the spine and over time the person with osteoporosis can become hunched over (驼背).

Did you know that every day you shrink a little, too? You aren’t as tall at the end of the day as you are at the beginning. That’s because as the day goes on, water in the disks of the spine gets compressed due to gravity, making you just a tiny bit shorter. Don’t worry, though. Once you get a good night’s rest, your body recovers, and the next morning, you’re standing tall again!

Smoking and drinking alcohol can make this problem worse. Want to do something right now to build strong bones? I believe what I say will help you.

1.Which of the following statements is true?

A．For shrinking, people can do nothing about it.

B．If someone is injured, he will become shorter.

C．Women have smaller and lighter bones than men.

D．We aren’t as tall at the end of the day as we are at the beginning.

2.What should we do if we don’t want to shrink faster?

A．We should try to reduce gravity.

B．We should be careful not to be hurt by others.

C．We should sleep as long as possible.

D．We should keep away from smoking and drinking alcohol.

3.What is the topic of the passage?

A．How can we stop shrinking?

B．Why do we shrink?

C．Some tips on how to keep tall.

D．How to live a healthy life.

4.About osteoporosis we know that _______.

A．gravity is one of the causes of osteoporosis

B．once our bone is broken down, osteoporosis will occur

C．women are more likely to develop osteoporosis

D．if we develop osteoporosis, we are more likely to be shorter

5.What will the author talk about in the paragraph to be followed?

A．Tell us how to grow taller.

B．Tell us how to become healthier.

C．Tell us how to avoid being shrinking.

D．Tell us what to do to have strong bones.

Prague is an ancient European city, featuring one of the most magnificent Old Towns in Europe, along with delicious food, inexpensive shopping and friendly people. Prague is also famous as being home to one of the most famous 20th century writers, Franz Kafka. The famous Czech beer is also one of the reasons to visit Prague.

The narrow streets of the older parts of the town are appealing the visitors to take nice long walk and settle in some of the many restaurants, which offer top-quality foods at a low price. The buildings there are mostly tower-shaped，and so Prague is called “city of a hundred spires.”

Mauritius

Also known as the Paradise on Earth, Mauritius lies about 560 miles (900 km) east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. It is a place of magnificent natural beauty coupled with excellent customer service, which makes for an unforgettable romantic experience at the edge of the world’s warmest ocean.

There are lots to see and do in Mauritius: the coral reefs (珊瑚礁) surrounding the island offer stunning beauty and great underwater adventures to those who want to dive into the precious waters. The nature of Mauritius mostly resembles that of Paradise, allowing every couple visiting this island to feel like Adam and Eve. That is an experience nobody would want to miss!

Cyprus

The very name Cyprus, it has been said, glitters with an age-old myth. Today, history and hedonism (快乐论) are comfortably mixed on the island. Some five-star resorts within walking distance of well-preserved Greek and Roman ruins offer the convenience the modern traveler has come to expect.

Cyprus features a romantic history, as it was Anthony’s gift to his beloved Cleopatra during the glorious days of the Roman Empire. Maybe that is why you feel always a little special once you set foot on Cyprus.

For more information about many other most romantic places in the world, just log on at http://www.jurgita.com.

The underlined word “spires” in Paragraph 2 means         .

   A. narrow streets                                                B. inexpensive restaurants

   C. top-quality foods                                           D. tower-shaped buildings    

We learn from the text that Mauritius         .

   A. is part of Madagascar                                     B. is an ideal destination for couples

   C. is in central Indian Ocean                               D. is most famous for its good service

What makes Cyprus different from the other two places?

   A. It is located on an island.                                B. It offers charming resorts.

   C. It was given as a present.                                D. It has a very long history.

A common feature of Mauritius and Cyprus is that they are         .

   A. old                                                               B. romantic

   C. rich                                                              D. mysterious

What is the main purpose of the author?

A. To attract more visitors.                                B. To tell traveling experiences.

C. To sell information on line.                                 D. To introduce historical places.

The London Eye is a giant 135---meter tall Ferris wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames in the British capital. Since 20 January 2011, it has been officially known as the EDF Energy London Eye following a three---year deal with the company. It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, visited by over 3.5 million people every year. The London Eye is located at the western end of Jubilee Gardens, on the South Bank of the River Thames In the London Borough of Lambeth in England, between Westminster Bridge( which has longer history than the famous Severn Bridge to the west of London) and Hungerford Bridge. When erected in 1999, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, until surpassed first by the 160 m Star of Nanchang in 2006, and the 165m Singapore Flyer in 2008. A breathtaking feat of design and engineering, passengers in the London Eye’s capsules can see up to 40 kilometers in all directions. The London Eye is the vision of David Marks and Julia Barfield, a husband and wife architect team. The wheel design was used as a metaphor for the end of the 20^th century, and time turning into the new millennium(千禧年). Back in 2000, the London Eye was known as the Millennium wheel. In 2009, a 4D Film Experience was added as a free extra to enjoy before your ride on the Eye. Once you get high enough and start coming down the other side, you will see people reach for their cameras. Here’s where the good stuff is right at your fingertips(or seems so). Parliament and Big Ben are beneath you, as are so many other historical things . If you are interested in other attractions in London, you can refer to the homepage.

1.Which of the following statements is NOT correct ?

A. It is so popular that every year, more than 3.5 million people visit the London Eye.

B. London Eye is called the EDF Energy London Eye from 2011 because the company bought it.

C. It is designed by David Marks and Julia Barfield, a husband and wife architect team.

D. It is 135---meter tall and is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe.

2.What cannot be seen from the London Eye ?

    A. The beautiful sights of the River Thames.

    B. The Westminster Bridge.

    C. The famous Seven Bridge.

    D. Big Ben

3.We can infer from the passage that___________.

    A. London Eye is the third tallest Ferris wheel in the world.

    B. London Eye was named the Millennium Wheel at first.

    C. London Eye is free of charge, and that's why so many people come here.

    D. Before your ride on the London Eye, you can first enjoy a 4D film now.

4.You can find this passage_________.

    A. in a magazine    B. in a newspaper       C. from a guidebook D. on a website