In recent years, many Americans of both sexes and various ages have become interested in improving their bodies. They have become devoted to physical fitness. The need to exercise has almost become natural with many people who have a strong desire to be more physically fit.
By nature, Americans are enthusiastic and energetic about their hobbies and pastimes. They apply their energy to running. As a result, there are running clubs to join and many books and magazines to read about running.
The desire to be physically fit is explained by a “passion” for good health. The high rate of heart attacks in the 1960s caused an increase on the part of the public in improving the human body. Middleaged men especially suffered from heart attacks. Thus, they are one group strongly interested in more physical exercise. In fact, many doctors encourage their patients to become more physically active, especially those who have sedentary jobs. It is interesting to note that the rate of heart attacks began to decrease in the 1970s and it is still decreasing. Physical fitness enjoys a favored role in the United States at present. It is a new “love” that Americans have valued very much. Will it last long? Only time will tell—or until another “new passion” comes along.
本文是一篇说明文。近年来，美国人都对改善自己的体质感兴趣，许多人希望身体健康，他们开始致力于健身。
1．We can learn from the passage that ________.
A．people's interest in physical exercise has something to do with their health condition
B．by nature, Americans are stronger and more energetic than others
C．the love for physical exercise won't last long in American
D．men have a stronger desire than women to take exercise
答案：A
解析：细节理解题。由第三段The high rate of heart attacks in the 1960s caused an increase on the part of the public in improving the human body.可知，心脏病发作率高增加了公众对改善体质的兴趣。即人们对体育锻炼的兴趣与他们的健康状况有关，故正确答案为A。
2．In recent years, many Americans have become interested in improving their bodies because ________.
A．there are many running clubs to join
B．they are eager for their hobbies and pastimes
C．they have a strong desire to be more physically fit
D．there are many books and magazines about running
答案：C
解析：细节理解题。由第一段最后一句The need to exercise has almost become natural with many people who have a strong desire to be more physically fit.可知，近年来，许多美国人对改善他们的体质感兴趣，是因为他们想要更健康，故选C。
3．According to the passage, the underlined word in the last paragraph “sedentary” means ________.
A．challenging intelligence
B．energytaking
C．needing much sitting
D．sleepingproducing
答案：C
解析：词义猜测题。In fact, many doctors encourage their patients to become more physically active，especially those who have sedentary jobs. 事实上，许多医生鼓励病人多运动，特别是那些在工作中需要久坐的人。故正确答案为C。
