阅读理解。
America is a country on the move. In unheard of number, people of all ages are exercising their way to
better health. According to the latest figures, 59 percent of American adults exercise regularly-up 12 percent
from just two years ago and more than double the figure of 25 years ago. Even non-exercisers believe they
would be more attractive and confident if they were more attractive.
It is hard not to get the message. The advantage of physical fitness are shown on magazine covers, postage
stamps, and television ads for everything from beauty soaps to travel books. Exercise as a part of daily life did
not catch on until the 1960s when research by military doctors began to show the health benefits of doing
regular physical exercises. Growing publicity for races held in American cities helped increase a strong interest
in the ancient sport of running. Although running has leveled off in recent years as Americans have discovered
equally rewarding-and something safer-forms of exercise, such as walking and swimming, running remains the
most popular form of exercise.
As the popularity of exercise continues to increase, so does scientific evidence of its health benefits. The
key to fitness is exercising the major muscle group strongly enough to double the heart rate and keep it doubled
for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Doing such physical exercises three times or more a week will produce
considerable improvements in physical health in about three months.
1. According to the passage, what was the percentage of American adults doing regular physical exercises
two years ago?
[ ]
A. About 70%
B. Nearly 60%
C. More than 12%
D. Almost 50%
2. Sports in daily life began to become popular as _____.
[ ]
A. people got the message from magazine covers and postage stamps
B. Scientific evidence of health benefits was shown on TV ads
C. research showed their health benefits
D. an increasing number of races were held in American cities
3. The author's purpose in writing the last paragraph is chiefly to show us _____.
[ ]
A. that running stopped increasing in popularity
B. the increase of scientific evidence of advantages of exercising
C. that people have found other ways of exercising besides running
D. about how to improve physical fitness
4. Which of the following would be the best title for this passage?
[ ]
A. Different Forms of Exercise.
B. Scientific Evidence of Health Benefits.
C. Exercise-the Road to Health
D. Running-a Popular Form of Sports