Next time you make yourself a hot cup of tea or coffee, you might want to let it cool down a bit before drinking.
Researchers say letting your hot drinks cool off could help you avoid some kinds of cancer. Researchers at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found evidence that drinks at temperatures above 65℃, when swallowed, can cause cancer of the esophagus (食道). The researchers examined findings from other studies where tea and coffee were often served at 70℃ or above. Those studies were completed in Iran, China and South America.
In developed countries, health experts have linked esophageal cancer to smoking and alcoholic drinks. However, this form of cancer is more common in areas where people drink beverages at very high temperatures.
In Europe and the United States, many people drink coffee and tea at temperatures around 60℃.And they often add milk which lowers the temperature considerably. However, tea-drinkers in Iran and mate-drinkers in South America often enjoy their beverages at closer to 70℃.
The researchers note that South Americans not only drink their mate very hot, they also drink it through a metal straw. This sends the scalding liquid directly into the throat.
The findings, however, are good news for coffee drinkers. In 1991, the World Health Organization listed coffee as possibly carcinogenic (致癌的).” WHO officials have since changed their position on that listing. They now suggest that the temperature of your hot drink is a greater risk factor than the actual drink itself.
The results suggest that drinking very hot beverages is one probable cause of esophageal cancer and that it is the temperature, rather than the drinks themselves, that appears to be responsible.
1.What might be the cause of esophageal cancer in developed countries?
A. Smoking. B. Alcoholic drinks.
C. Unhealthy vegetables. D. Hot drinks.
2.Where do tea-drinkers like adding milk?
A. In China. B. In Iran.
C. In South America. D. In Europe.
3.What does the underlined word “scalding” in paragraph 5 mean?
A. sweet. B. hot.
C. sour. D. harmful.
4.Which of the following descriptions is TRUE?
A. WHO thought coffee would cause cancer.
B. Drinks above 60℃ can cause esophagus cancer.
C. Temperature should be the primary cause of skin cancer.
D. Drinking milk is a much healthier way to keep away form cancer.
In high school I was very shy, content to hang around with my small group of friends and to concentrate on my courses. I was quickly labeled a "brain." I did so well that by the end of senior year I had perfect grades and enough college credits to give up an entire quarter of coursework.
But in early June of senior year, the principal called me into his office. He asked me to give a speech at graduation. I was surprised to look at him, my heart thumping. This was the reward for my hard work? I murmured something and fled the office, blaming myself for staying away from physics, a subject sure to have broken up my perfect record.
I finally agreed to a compromise. I would share the honor with five other students. I agreed to introduce my friend Judy, who would then give her own, full-length speech.
Graduation day soon arrived, I’d been practicing my speech for days, and I had it memorized. The first half hour of the ceremony passed in a blur, and then my moment came. My name was announced. I managed to reach the stage without falling down. I faced my classmates. My voice trembled a little, but mostly it was clear and strong. But within seconds, I was done and heading back to my seat. I accomplished something I’d never dreamed of — I spoke in front of hundreds of people.
Although I didn’t realize it at the time, the successful completion of that speech gave me the confidence to take part in class at college, to give oral reports, and to eventually break free of my shyness. I never would have chosen to give a speech at graduation — or ever. But I’m glad I did. I no longer hesitate when I’m faced with the prospect of doing something I feared. I know it may very well turn out to be one of my shining moments.
1.Why was the writer called a "brain"?
A. She was the most intelligent student.
B. She was the head of her small group.
C. She was a bookworm all the time.
D. She did more coursework for good grades.
2.What can we learn from the second paragraph?
A. She ruined her health by studying hard.
B. She got the reward as was expected.
C. She was grateful for giving a speech.
D. She wasn't good at physics at school.
3.How did the author feel at the beginning of the graduation speech?
A. Excited. B. Moved.
C. Scared. D. Embarrassed
4.What did the speech bring to the author at last?
A. She had nothing to fear in life,
B. She won enough college credits.
C. She got rid of her sense of shyness.
D. She desired to become a speaker.
The best bikes for the beginners
When it comes to purchasing your first bike, the choice is endless, making it tough to know what to go for. Here are the best buys on the market right now.
1. Boardman Cx Comp
This is a cross-country bike, and it’s so multifunctional that you can handle any terrain(地势) on it, making it a great choice for those wanting to try various cycling subjects.If you leave on the thick tires it comes with, it can ride on various paths and can even handle some less demanding mountain bike routes. Alternatively, put on thin, smooth tires and treat it as a road bike. It has a basket and comes with Shimano Sora gears (变速器)，which are outstanding for its price.
£ 650, Halfords
2. Planet X RT-58 v2
Planet X is based in Yorkshire, which means you’d probably have to buy this bike without seeing it. But it’s worth it, because this is an excellent machine at a lower price. Planet X is a highly rated manufacturer and this model comes with Shimano Sora gears.
£ 585, Planet X
3. Specialized Allez E5
Specialized is one of the biggest and most popular brands in cycling, and this is its hugely popular primary road bike. It comes with solid components from front to back and you’ll look great out on the road.
£575, Evans Cycles
4. Boardman Road Team Carbon
If you can push your budget further still, this bike is worth the extra investment. The frame is made entirely from carbon, which is lighter, faster and more comfortable than the composition metal models above and gives you an all-round and more enjoyable ride.
£800, Halfords
1.What is special about Boardman Cx Comp?
A. Its Shimano Sora gears. B. Its various functions.
C. Its reasonable price. D. Its firm tires.
2.Which one has the lowest price but with Shimano Sora gears?
A. Specialized Allez E5. B. Planet X RT-58 v2.
C. Boardman CX Comp. D. Boardman Road Team Carbon.
3.The passage is likely to appear in ________.
A. a book review B. a science report
C. a vehicle advertisement D. a sports magazine
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.What is the main purpose of the loud noises?
A. To warn people outdoors to get inside.
B. To get people’s attention inside their homes.
C. To inform people without radios about danger.
2.Who decides to turn on the system?
A. Local media. B. Local officials. C. The national weather service.
3.Where should people go when they hear a warning?
A. To a window. B. To a public shelter. C. To the middle of a building.
4.What is the main topic of the talk?
A. A weather report. B. A warning system. C. The safety steps in bad weather.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Why doesn’t Sue have the cake?
A. She dislikes it.
B. She’s trying to lose weight.
C. She’s trying to control a medical problem.
2.What did Jill bring to the party?
A. Salads. B. Sandwiches. C. Soup.
3.Where will Sue probably go next?
A. To the restaurant. B. To the backyard. C. Into the house.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What is the conversation mainly about?
A. How Alexa killed her plants.
B. Where Alexa planted her plants.
C. Why Alexa kept her house green.
2.What did Alexa do with her yellow plant?
A. She put it in the sunlight.
B. She returned it to the shop.
C. She gave it too much water.
3.What does the man suggest Alexa do?
A. Find out more about plants online.
B. Move all her plants out of the sun.
C. Throw all her plants away.
