Children are getting so fat they may be the first generation to die before their parents, an expert claimed yesterday. Today’s youngsters are already falling prey to potential killers such as diabetes(糖尿病) because of their weight. Fatty fast-food diets combined with sedentary(长坐的) lifestyles dominated by televisions and computers could mean kids will die tragically young, says Professor Andrew Prentice, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

　　At the same time, the shape of the human body is going through a huge evolutionary shift because adults are getting so fat. Here in Britain, latest research shows that the average waist size for a man is 36-38in, and may be 42-44, by 2032. This compares with only 32.6in. in 1972.Women’s waists have grown from an average of 22in. in 1920 to 24in. in the Fifties and 30in. now. One of the major reasons why children now are at greater risk is that we are getting fatter younger.

　　In the UK alone, more than one million under-16s are classed as overweight or obese(过度肥胖的)—double the number in the mid Eighties. One in ten four-year-olds are also medically classified as obese.

　　The obesity(肥胖症) pandemic(流行病)—an extensive epidemic—which started in the US, has now spread to Europe, Australasia, Central America and the Middle East. Many nations now record more than 20 per cent of their population as clinically obese and well over half the population as overweight.

　　Prof. Prentice said the change in our shape has been caused by an oversupply of easily available high-energy foods combined with a dramatic drop in the energy we use as a result of technology developments.

　　He is not alone in his concern. Only last week one medical journal revealed how obesity was fuelling a rise in cancer cases. Obesity also increases the risk factor for strokes and heart disease as well as diabetes. An averagely obese person’s lifespan is shortened by around nine years while a severely obese person by many more.

　　Prof. Prentice said: ”So will parents outlive their children, as claimed recently by an American obesity specialist? The answer is yes and no. Yes, when the offspring become grossly obese. This is now becoming an alarmingly common occurrence in the US. Such children and adolescents have a greatly reduced quality of life in terms of both their physical and psychosocial health.”

　　So say” No” to that doughnut and burger.

　　(423 words)

　　1. Prof. Andrew Prentice said that the life of an extremely fat child________

　　A. might be shorter

　　B. might be longer

　　C. shorter than his father, but longer than his mother

　　D. might be longer than his father, but shorter than his mother

　　2. The word “prey”(Line 3, Para.1) means________

　　A. victim

　　B. vitamin

　　C. food

　　D. fool

　　3. Which of the following fails to refer to an obese child?

　　A. An extremely weighty child.

　　B. An extremely fat child.

　　C. An extremely fatty child.

　　D. An over weight child.

　　4. According to the passage, obesity is an extensive epidemic starting in __________

　　A. Asia

　　B. North America

　　C. Europe

　　D. Central America

　　5. Which of the following disease is NOT mentioned in the passage?

　　A. pneumonia

　　B. diabetes

　　C. heart disease

　　D. stroke

　　1. A 推论题。根据第一段第一句“Children are getting…”推出此结论。

　　2. A 猜测词义题。根据第一段第二句“Today’s youngsters are already…”得出此结论。

　　3. A 猜测词义题。只有A项的含义与“an obese child”不符。

　　4. B 细节理解题。根据第四段第一句“The obesity pandemic…”得出此结论。

　　5. A 细节理解题。根据第六段第三句“Obesity also increases…”得出此结论。

　　

　　One day they’re crawling around in the sandbox; the next day they’re prowling(巡游)the alleys of the castle. The teens like to think of themselves as all grown up—but they still need plenty of support and guidance from parents. Here are some tips:

　　Girls may begin to develop breasts as early as eight, and some now get at ten. To prepare for puberty(青春期),many boys’ and girls’ bodies also bulk up in teen years. Experts warn against putting children on diets or making them feel about their weight. Instead, reassure kids that there’s a wide definition of “normal” at this age.

　　Classes get harder and homework increases as kids move to middle school and junior high. If they’re trying hard but still not doing well, parents should talk to teachers about potential learning disabilities that may require special instruction. Overall, parents should coach and support children in homework, but should never be trapped into actually doing it. For general catch-up, after-school tutors can help.

　　For young children, family is the center of the universe. But friends and peer approval become increasingly important during teen years. Cliques emerge and fashion begins to define what’s “cool”. Still, parents continue to exert the biggest influence on children when it comes to morals and lifelong goals. Get to know your children’s and their parent. Ask your kids about peer pressure, rather than waiting for them to raise the issue themselves. And act as a role model, exhibiting the kind of behavior around friends and family that you hope to foster in your kids.

　　Teens have one foot in childhood, the other in adolescence. But they’re eager to grow up. Experts say the rush is partly due to popular media—especially teen magazines and television shows. It can also accelerate their desire for independence if they’re raised by single parents or in families where both parents work. Parents should not expect to have absolute control over their teens, but they should set limits. Regulate the number of hours kids watch TV, and monitor movies; say no to too much violence or graphic sexuality. Make sure you know what they’re doing online as well.

　　Peer pressure and new academic challenges can overwhelm teens. Look for symptoms of stress: headaches, stomachaches, sleeping or eating problems. Shifts in hormone(荷尔蒙)levels as teens advance toward puberty can also cause temporary mood swings. Don’t ignore or punish teens when they become emotional: encourage them to air their feelings. Internalizing sadness or anger is unhealthy. Some teens can even be clinically depressed. Early signs: feelings of hopelessness, withdrawal and irritability. Parents should intervene and seek professional counseling.

　　(451 words)

　　1. The author thinks that parents should _________ when they find classes are hard to their kids.

　　A. do homework for kids

　　B. give kids more time for games

　　C. coach children in homework

　　D. forbid kids to watch TV

　　2. The word ”cliques”(Line 3, Para.4)refers to _________

　　A. a small group of friends

　　B. a group of fashion models

　　C. a kind of behavior around friends

　　D. clothes in fashion

　　3. If children get emotional, parents should _________

　　A. send them to hospital

　　B. encourage them to tell about their feelings

　　C. criticize them

　　D. ignore them

　　4. According to the passage, all the following statements are true EXCEPT that ________.

　　A. children need support and guidance from parents

　　B. parents exert the biggest influence on children

　　C. parents have absolute control over children

　　D. friends’ opinions are also important to teens

　　5. The main idea of the passage is that ________

　　A. teens should be on diets

　　B. teens should be given complete freedom

　　C. friends become the most important persons for teens

　　D. parents should give teens their support and guidance