Reading 阅读
The Benefits of Walking
Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise. It does not require expensive equipment, special training, or a gym membership. Most people can walk almost anywhere and at any time. For these reasons, health experts often recommend walking as an easy way to become more active.
Regular walking can provide several health benefits. First, it can make the heart stronger and improve blood circulation. It can also help people maintain a healthy weight. A person does not need to walk very fast to benefit from this activity. Even a 30-minute walk at a comfortable speed can be useful, especially when it is done regularly.
Walking can also have a positive effect on mental health. Many people find that taking a walk helps them relax after a stressful day. Spending time outdoors can also improve a person’s mood. Some people prefer to walk alone because it gives them time to think, while others enjoy walking with friends or family members. Walking with other people can make exercise more enjoyable and provide an opportunity to talk.
Another advantage of walking is that it can easily become part of a person’s daily routine. Instead of driving a short distance, people can walk to a nearby store. Office workers can take the stairs instead of the elevator or go for a short walk during their lunch break. Small changes like these can increase the amount of physical activity people get each day.
However, starting a new exercise routine can sometimes be difficult. People who are not used to exercising should begin slowly. They can start with short walks and gradually increase the distance and speed. Comfortable shoes are also important, especially for longer walks. During hot weather, walkers should drink enough water and avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day.
Walking alone cannot solve every health problem, but it is a simple way for many people to become more active. The most important thing is to make it a regular habit. A short walk every day may be more beneficial than a long walk that happens only once a month.
Questions 练习题
Questions 1–5
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this
1. People need special training before they begin walking for exercise.
2. Walking regularly can help people control their weight.
3. People must walk quickly in order to receive health benefits.
4. Some people enjoy walking because it gives them time to think.
5. Walking in the morning is better for health than walking in the evening.
Questions 6–9
Choose the correct answer, A, B, C or D.
6. Why do health experts often recommend walking?
A. It is an easy way to become more active.
B. It is more effective than all other forms of exercise.
C. It helps people become professional athletes.
D. It requires special equipment.
7. According to the passage, walking with other people can
A. help people walk much faster.
B. make exercise more enjoyable.
C. improve their work performance.
D. help them lose weight more quickly.
8. What does the writer suggest office workers can do?
A. Exercise at a gym during lunch.
B. Drive to a nearby store.
C. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
D. Work fewer hours each day.
9. What should people who are new to exercise do?
A. Begin with long walks.
B. Start slowly.
C. Walk as fast as possible.
D. Buy expensive shoes.
Questions 10–13
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
10. Walking can make the heart stronger and improve __________.
11. People can take a short walk during their __________.
12. Beginners can gradually increase their walking distance and __________.
13. In hot weather, people should drink enough __________.
Vocabulary 词汇
| equipment | /ɪˈkwɪpmənt/ | 设备；器材 |
| require | /rɪˈkwaɪər/ | 需要；要求 |
| membership | /ˈmɛmbərʃɪp/ | 会员资格；会员身份 |
| recommend | /ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd/ | 推荐；建议 |
| regular | /ˈrɛɡyələr/ | 经常的；规律的 |
| benefit | /ˈbɛnəfɪt/ | 好处；益处；使受益 |
| circulation | /ˌsɜrkyəˈleɪʃən/ | 循环；血液循环 |
| maintain | /meɪnˈteɪn/ | 保持；维持 |
| positive | /ˈpɑzətɪv/ | 积极的；正面的 |
| mental | /ˈmɛntl/ | 精神的；心理的 |
| stressful | /ˈstrɛsfəl/ | 压力大的；令人紧张的 |
| mood | /mud/ | 情绪；心情 |
| opportunity | /ˌɑpərˈtunəti/ | 机会 |
| advantage | /ədˈvæntɪdʒ/ | 优点；优势 |
| routine | /ruˈtin/ | 日常惯例；常规 |
| physical | /ˈfɪzɪkəl/ | 身体的；物理的 |
| gradually | /ˈɡrædʒuəli/ | 逐渐地 |
| increase | /ɪnˈkris/ | 增加；提高 |
| distance | /ˈdɪstəns/ | 距离 |
| beneficial | /ˌbɛnəˈfɪʃəl/ | 有益的；有好处的 |
Useful Structures 常用结构
benefit from something 从某事中受益
Regular exercise can help people benefit from a healthier lifestyle.
经常锻炼可以帮助人们从更健康的生活方式中受益。
have a positive effect on something 对某事产生积极影响
Walking regularly can have a positive effect on your mental health.
经常散步可以对心理健康产生积极影响。
help someone do something 帮助某人做某事
Regular exercise can help people maintain a healthy weight.
经常锻炼可以帮助人们保持健康的体重。
give someone time to do something 给某人时间做某事
Walking alone gives me time to think about my day.
独自散步给了我时间思考一天发生的事情。
provide an opportunity to do something 提供做某事的机会
Walking with friends provides an opportunity to talk and relax.
和朋友一起散步提供了聊天和放松的机会。
instead of doing something 而不是做某事
You can walk to the store instead of driving there.
你可以步行去商店，而不是开车去。
be used to doing something 习惯于做某事
She is used to walking to work every morning.
她习惯每天早上步行去上班。
avoid doing something 避免做某事
You should avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day.
你应该避免在一天中最热的时候锻炼。