Smart Reading:跟美国学生同步练阅读(英文原版)(Grade8)(txt+pdf+epub+mobi电子书下载)

作者：(加)韦恩·埃弗里特

出版社：天津人民出版社

格式: AZW3, DOCX, EPUB, MOBI, PDF, TXT

Smart Reading:跟美国学生同步练阅读(英文原版)(Grade8)试读：

From Ponce De Leon, who searched for"the fountain of youth"in the 16th century, to the modern theory of cryogenics, people have always been fascinated by the idea of eternal life. Many myths have also grown around the idea of longevity.Some believe it is a matter of diet and exer-cise alone.Others seek treatments that are supposed to slow or reverse aging.Science says the human body has the capacity to live for about 90 years, but one in every five thousand people lives to be one hundred.

There are several places in the world where centenarians are not un-common. The Nuoro Province, off the coast of Italy has ten times the number of 100 year olds than are found in the rest of the world.And the island of Okinawa in Japan is known to have the longest disability-free lifespan in the world.

What is so different about these places and people?Researchers have come to some conclusions. First of all, these people don't exercise-at least they don't jog or go to the gym.Movement, however, is built into their lifestyles.They walk where they need to go, and many of them work in their garden.Another commonality is that these populations do not live life in a hurry, and they appreciate and make time for leisure.They also have a strong sense of purpose.They have a reason to get up in the morning, and they feel that their lives are meaningful.None of them are vegetarians, but they all eat a plant-based diet and practice strategies for not overeating.These people connect to others, put family first, and be-long to faith based communities.They also surround themselves with equally healthy, positive, and spiritual people.

I. Word List

reverse:to make something travel in the opposite direction

longevity:living a long life

centenarians:those who are 100 or more years old

II. Answer the following questions.

1.What are some myths about longevity?

___________________________________________________________.

2.What are some places in the world that have a lot of centenarians?

___________________________________________________________.

3.What do many centenarians have in common?

___________________________________________________________.

4.What is a surprising fact about many centenarians?

___________________________________________________________.

5.Would you like to live to be a centenarian?Why or why not?

___________________________________________________________.

III. What's the word?Using the clues, write the correct words from the reading.

1.a real meaning-p______

2.to believe in something-f____

3.those who don't eat meat-v_________

4.places where people live-c__________

5.stories that are not true-m____

IV. True, False, or Not Given-Read these sentences carefully.Write T（true）,F（false）,or NG（not given）for each one.

___1. Most centenarians are vegetarians.

___2. Centenarians usually drink a lot of red wine.

___3. Centenarians tend to exercise a lot.

___4. Most centenarians work hard.

___5.Centenarians usually eat mostly vegetables.Lesson 2Animals Have Feelings, Too!

Although we may not think about it too much, products are tested on animals everyday. Cosmetics, hair care products, and medications are just a few of the products that have been tested on animals for many decades.Animal testing is done to make sure products are safe for humans and has been proven effective in creating a vaccine for polio, for example.However, animal testing is often cruel, and if people were more aware of what goes on, it might be easier to get laws passed to stop it.

Animals endure various kinds of tests. Rabbits are often used for an eye irritancy test.The rabbit is placed in a neck restraint so that only its head is sticking out.Its eyelids are clipped open so the chemical isn't rubbed out of the eye.The rabbit is then observed anywhere form three to eighteen days, by which point the rabbit is usually blind.Other common side effects are swollen or bleeding eyes.Rabbits also sometimes break their necks while trying to escape from the restraints.

Another common test is the Acute Toxicity Test or the Poisoning Test, which is done to determine how much of a certain chemical is required to kill an animal. Chemicals are injected into the veins, stomach, nasal cavities, and other organs.Reactions include bleeding from the mouth, eyes, and nose as well as strenuous breathing.Based on these results, scientists decide whether or not the chemical is fit for human consumption.

The LD 50 test, or the Lethal Dose 50 test, continues until at least 50 percent of the animals in the experiment die. Then the scientists look at the dosage amount and determine how much is safe for humans to ingest.

Not only are these tests cruel to animals, they don't always yield valid results. This is because drugs don't always have the same effect on animals as they have on humans.Also, the doses that are given to animals often far exceed the dosage that humans are exposed to.A good test subject should have the same neurobiological mechanisms, the same symptoms, the same treatment responses, and the same origin of disease.Some animals may be able to meet some of these criteria, but there are no animals that meet all four.

I. Word List

cruel:mean, not nice

restraint:something that limits or stops movement

strenuous:very difficult

dosage:the amount of something, usually medicine

ingest:to take into the body

II. Answer the following questions.

1.How do we know that animal testing is cruel?

___________________________________________________________.

2.Why is animal testing actually not very useful?

___________________________________________________________.

3.What are some common side effects of animal testing?

___________________________________________________________.

4.Why is the LD 50 test particularly cruel?

___________________________________________________________.

5.Do you think animal testing should be against the law?Why or why not?

___________________________________________________________.

III. Wrong Sentences-Each sentence contains a mistake.Correct them.

1.Raccoons are often used for an eye irritancy test.__________

2.In the LD 50 Test, all the animals die.__________

3.Drugs always have the same effect on humans and animals.__________

4.Many people think animal testing should be more common.__________

5.Humans are usually given the same dosage as animals.__________

IV. True, False, or Not Given-Read these sentences carefully.Write T（true）,F（false）,or NG（not given）for each one.

___1. Animal testing is done in all countries.

___2. Eye irritancy tests often make the subjects blind.

___3.Rabbits sometimes injure themselves while trying to escape from restraints.

___4. All the results from animal testing are useful.

5.Animal testing is becoming more common.Lesson 3Time to Go Outside!

Kids these days are often criticized for being couch potatoes. Everything from television to video games is blamed for this.However, a recent study has shown that the real culprit limiting children's outdoor time is parents!

About 80%of children who were surveyed said they would rather be playing outside, but around 50%of parents or caregivers won't let them leave the house or yard. In fact, only about a third will allow children to go as far as the end of the street.Although these same parents grew up with significantly less supervision, concern for their children's safety motivates them to keep a much closer eye on their children than their parents kept on them.Consequently, it is becoming increasingly rare to see kids playing outside after school and in the summer.And at the same time, problems like obesity and diabetes are on the rise.

The study concludes that parents need to be provided with the tools and confidence to allow their children more freedom to play outside, otherwise children will become more and more housebound.

I. Word List

couch potatoes:people who are lazy and inactive

culprit:the one who is guilty

housebound:only staying in the house

II. Answer the following questions.

1.Why are kids often criticized for being couch potatoes?

___________________________________________________________.

2.Who is to blame for kids being inactive nowadays?

___________________________________________________________.

3.What do you think is a solution to this problem?

___________________________________________________________.

4.Would you rather play indoors or outdoors?Why?

___________________________________________________________.

5.Do you think children will become more or less housebound in the future?Why?

___________________________________________________________.

III. What's the word?Using the clues, write the correct words from the reading.

1.people who take care of children-c_________

2.not common-r___

3.being too fat-o______

4.doing what you want-f______

5.people watching children-s__________

IV. True, False, or Not Given-Read these sentences carefully.Write T（true）,F（false）or NG（not given）for each.

___1. Children are generally more housebound than they used to be.

___2. A study shows that most children prefer playing indoors.

___3. Parents are often the problem when children are house-bound.

___4. Most parents worry about their children too much.

___5. Children need more exercise than adults.Lesson 4Early Drug Testing

When 6th grader Jonas Walker tried out for the soccer team, he was told he would need to take a drug test. His father said they couldn't believe that 6th graders had to take drug tests.However, while most people think that middle school is too young to be thinking about drug testing, some coaches and administrators think it is necessary.They feel that it is another way to deter kids from even considering drugs.From their perspective, the program is merely another layer in a drug prevention program that reaches wide and deep.So far there haven't been any middle school students who have tested positive for performance enhancing drugs like steroids or human growth hormone, but it has turned up a few cases of marijuana use.

Ultimately, the idea behind the program is that if you get in early and plant the seeds of prevention, it will be more effective than if you wait until grade 11 or 12,when most of them have already made their choice. Most 6th graders are still making decisions, and deterrents can help them a great deal.

I. Word List

administrators:people who make important decisions

merely:only, just

deterrents:methods of prevention

II. Answer the following questions.

1.What was Jonas Walker's father so surprised about?

___________________________________________________________.

2.Why do some people think the drug program is a good idea?

___________________________________________________________.

3.Why is it better to start drug testing with younger kids rather than older kids?

___________________________________________________________.

4.Is there drug testing in your school?

___________________________________________________________.

5.What do you think are some other deterrents to stop kids from using drugs?

___________________________________________________________.

III. Word groups-Complete the following word groups with words from the reading.

1.football, rugby, s_____

2.big, large, w___

3.children, youngsters, k___

4.primary school, high school, m_____s_____

5.mother, brother, f_____

IV. True, False, or Not Given-Read these sentences carefully.Write T（true）,F（false）or NG（not given）for each one.

___1. Jonas Walker's father had to take a drug test.

___2. Jonas Walker is a rugby player.

___3. Many 6th graders take drugs.

___4. Most 12th graders take drugs.

___5. Many people disagree with drug testing for 6th graders.Lesson 5Cursive Writing

When we think of a generation gap, we usually think of conflicting tastes in music or pastimes. However, in recent years, the gap has been widening in terms of handwriting.It has been found that many students nowadays can't read cursive writing.Many teachers think that it should once again be taught in schools because it is as one journalist describes it"a link to our human heritage".

Opponents to bringing cursive writing back to the school system say that it is obsolete in the modern world and that typed words are now the primary form of communication. Not only is cursive writing not used by the vast majority of people, many people argue that the time it would take to teach it could be put to better use, such as teaching the technical skills that students need in order to excel in a increasingly technological world.

On the other hand, even in today's world, there are reasons to pick up a pen and put it to paper. Many American institutions still require original signatures, for example.And original signatures are much more difficult to forge than their digital counterparts.There is also strong evidence that writing by hand is good for the mind.It activates a different part of the brain, and helps develop fine motor skills in children.The process of handwriting has also been shown to stimulate ideas.Studies have also shown that students who do cursive writing learn to read and spell earlier than those who don't.Furthermore, handwriting is aesthetically pleasing.People don't tend to type love letters.Calligraphy also remains popular as an art form.

I. Word List

conflicting:opposite

heritage:culture, history

forge:to copy illegally

excel:to do very well

aesthetically:visually

II. Answer the following questions.

1.Why do some people think that learning cursive writing isn't useful nowadays?

___________________________________________________________.

2.Why do some people think cursive writing is still important to learn?

___________________________________________________________.

3.What advantages does cursive writing have over typing?

___________________________________________________________.

4.Do you think cursive writing is useful to learn?Why or why not?

___________________________________________________________.

5.Do you know cursive writing?If not, would you like to learn it?

___________________________________________________________.

III. What's the word?Using the clues, write the correct words from the reading.

1.a difference in something-g__

2.main, most common-p______

3.companies, schools,-i____________

4.to help things happen-s________

5.when many people like something-p______

IV. True, False, or Not Given-Read these sentences carefully.Write T（true）,F（false）,or NG（not given）for each.

___1. Cursive writing is more popular than ever today.

___2. Most people think cursive writing looks better than typing.

___3. Cursive writing is better for the brain than typing.

___4. Cursive writing used to be more common than it is now.

___5. Cursive writing is more difficult to do than typing.Lesson 6Education vs Experience

Many people tell you that without a college education, your life is going nowhere. This motivates a lot of students to strive for straight As in hopes of getting into a good college.In support of this view, many employers are now requiring that prospective employees have college degrees.They say that they get a better return on investment from college educated people.So if you spend your college years aimlessly wandering the country in a van, then it may be true you will have little interest to employers.However, if you spend those years doing internships, working your way up in a company, or managing your own start up, you may actually end up with an advantage over your college educated peers.

College itself will not teach you how to be successful. Success comes to people with leadership skills, maturity, passion, and drive.It comes to people who have learned how to negotiate and apply themselves.Therefore, success has very little to do with education.Successful people learn by doing.They aren't necessarily the most talented people, but they don't give up.Many companies want to hire smart people who already know things.They are also looking for people with certain personality traits.They want people who are responsible, approachable, and punctual.These people should also communicate well.

In short, you may stand to gain more by becoming a well-rounded person than by focusing on getting straight As and securing a scholarship. Certainly you should study, but you should also join clubs, travel, and volunteer, as you seek your special place in the world.Meeting various types of people will enlarge your world, and help you see it through the eyes of others.If you pursue your own interests, have a diversity of experiences, and never stop learning, you will always be a desirable job candidate.

I. Word List

prospective:possible

aimlessly:with no goal

II. Answer the following questions.

1.What advantage do college graduates have over those without a college education?

___________________________________________________________.

2.What kind of people are many employers looking for?

___________________________________________________________.

3.According to the reading, what makes people successful?

___________________________________________________________.

4.What kind of experiences are valuable for a person to have?

___________________________________________________________.

5.Do you agree that it is important to never stop learning?Why or why not?

___________________________________________________________.

III. What's the word?Find the correct words in the reading.

1.post secondary school-c______

2.people who are around the same age as you-p____

3.having a lot of skills-t_______

4.on time-p_______

5.to go after/try to get-p_____

IV. True, False, or Not Given-Write T（true）,F（false）,or NG（not given）for each sentence.

___1. Going to college makes you successful.

___2. Having different types of experiences can help you get a good job.

___3. More employers require a college education than they did in the past.

___4. Getting straight As guarantees success in the future.

___5. The most successful companies are run by college graduates.Lesson 7The Link Between Sleep and Health

Everyone knows that a good night's sleep is very important for good health. However, did you know that a good night's sleep is also linked to memory?Think about the last time you did something really new like starting a new school, a new job, or some kind of new activity.If you're like most people, you dreamed about that new activity when you went to sleep at night.That's because sleep strengthens memories by by"practising"new things that you learned during the day.Your intense and active dreams are your mind's way of getting you acclimated to your new activity.You probably notice that once you get used the new activity, the crazy dreams stop.Sleep is linked to memory in other ways, too.During sleep, your brain recognizes and reorganizes memories.Researchers believe that this function of sleep provides a vital link between memory and creativity.People who get an average of at least 6.5 hours of sleep per night have also been shown to live longer than those who only average 5 hours per night.

I. Word List

linked:closely related to

acclimated:used to something

vital:very important

II. Answer the following questions.

1.Why is it important to get a good night's sleep?

___________________________________________________________.

2.What does your brain do while you are sleeping?

___________________________________________________________.

3.How much sleep do you usually get?

___________________________________________________________.

4.What is something that you do when you have trouble sleeping?

___________________________________________________________.

5.Have you noticed that you have dreams when you start a new activity?

___________________________________________________________.

III. Wrong Sentences-Each sentence contains a mistake.Correct them.

1.Five hours of sleep per night is enough for most people.__________

2.Getting enough sleep can help us be more hungry.__________

3.We often dream about old activities.__________

4.When you sleep, your brain erases your memories.__________

5.Sleeping can help us drink longer.__________

IV. Opposites-Find the opposites to these words in the reading.

1.different from-l___

2.weakens-s__________

3.passive-a_____

4.shorter-l_____

5.usual, normal-c____

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