Question

Being physically active three times a week reduces the odds of being depressed by about 16%, according to new UCL research carried out as part of the Public Health Research Center.

The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, found a two-way relationship between depression and physical activity. People who increased their weekly activity reported fewer depressive symptoms but those with more depressive symptoms were less active, particularly at younger ages.

Researchers followed 11,135 people born in 1958 up until the age of 50, recording depressive symptoms and levels of physical activity at regular intervals in adulthood. They found that each additional activity period per week reduced odds of depression by 6%. In England 19% of men and 26% of women are currently classed as “inactive”, and this study suggests that activity could significantly improve their mental as well as physical health.

“Assuming the association is causal, physical activity has a protective effect against depression. If an adult between their twenties and forties who isn’t physically active became active 3 times per week, they would reduce their risks of depression by about 16%.” says Dr Snehal of the UCL Institute of Child Health, lead author of the study.

Professor Mark, Director of the Public Health Research Center, said, “Many people are already aware of the benefits of physical activity on their general health, but now we are seeing more evidence that suggest it also has a positive effect on a person’s mental well-being. The latest research highlights just how important it is to ensure that people are working and living in environments that allow them to be both physically active and mentally healthy.”

1.What is the author’s purpose in writing the passage?

A.  To tell us a fun story about how to protect us against depression.

B.  To introduce a research on the link between activity and depression.

C.  To persuade readers to increase their weekly activity.

D.  To describe the disadvantages of physical activity.

2.According to the second paragraph, if people increase their weekly activity, ________.

A. their depressive symptoms will be fewer

B. their depressive symptoms will be more

C. they will become much younger

D. they will become more depressive

3.Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Dr. Snehal thinks it important to be both physically and mentally healthy.

B. The research shows men are more active in physical activities than women.

C. Adults who insist on physical activity will reduce depression completely.

D. Increasing physical activities can free people from depression in a way.

4.The author shows his view mainly by ________.

A. doing research

B. comparing and contrasting

C. trying on himself

D. discussing and summarizing

Answer

1.B

2.A

3.D

4.B

【解析】

试题分析:本文介绍了一项最新研究，该研究表明，增加每周锻炼身体的次数，能降低人们患抑郁症的风险。

1. 主旨大意题。本文主要向读者介绍了一项科学研究成果，这份研究讲述的是身体锻炼和抑郁症之间的联系，故B项正确。

2. 细节理解题。根据第二段中的“People who increased their weekly activity were reported to have fewer depressive symptoms”可知，如果人们增加他们每周锻炼的次数，抑郁症状就会减少，故A项正确。

3. 推理判断题。根据第一段中的“Being physically active three times a week reduces the odds of being depressed by about 16%”可推知，增加锻炼身体的次数在某种程度上能降低患抑郁症的可能性，故D项正确。

4. 推理判断题。根据第三段可知，是通过对比来进行的说明，故选B项。

考点：健康类阅读。