C

A newly-published study has shown that loneliness can spread from one person to another, like a disease. Researchers used information from the Framingham Study, which began in 1948. The Framingham Study gathers information about physical and mental health, personal behavior and diet. At first, the study involved about 5,000 people in the American state of Massachusetts. Now, more than 12,000 individuals are taking part.

Information from the Framingham Study showed earlier that happiness can spread from person to person. So can behaviors like littering and the ability to stop smoking.

University of Chicago psychologist John Cacioppo led the recent study. He and other researchers attempted to show how often people felt lonely. They found that the feeling of loneliness spread through social groups.

Having a social connection with a lonely person increased the chances that another individual would feel lonely. In fact, a friend of a lonely person was 52% more likely to develop feelings of loneliness. A friend of that person was 25% more likely. The researchers say this shows that a person could indirectly be affected by someone’s loneliness.

The effect was strongest among friends. Neighbors were the second most affected group. The effect was weaker on husbands and wives, and brothers and sisters. The researchers also found that loneliness spread more easily among women than men.

The New York Times newspaper reports that, on average, people experience feelings of loneliness about 48 days a year. It also found that every additional friend can decrease loneliness by about five percent, or two and a half fewer lonely days.

Loneliness has been linked to health problems like depression and sleeping difficulties. The researchers believe that knowing the causes of loneliness could help in reducing it.

The study suggests that people can take steps to stop the spread of loneliness. They can do this by helping individuals they know who may be experiencing loneliness. The result can be helpful to the whole social group.

29. What is TRUE about the Framingham Study?

A. It was only conducted in 1948.

B. It involves more than 12,000 participants.

C. It was led by John Cacioppo.

D. It showed that any behavior could spread.

30. Which statement about the spread of loneliness is true?

A. The spreading effect was the second strongest among friends.

B. No spreading effect was found on husbands and wives.

C. Women are more likely to be affected than men.

D. Brothers are more easily affected than neighbors.

31. What is the main idea of the passage?

A. Actions should be taken to help lonely people. 

B. People feel lonely for many reasons.

C. Ways to fight against loneliness.

D. Lonely people can affect others. 

D

Since the end of World War I(WWI) in 1918, Canadians, and millions of others around the world have paused at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to honour the sacrifice our soldiers have made in different ways, fighting for the freedoms that we all enjoy today.

Known as Remembrance Day, the day originated as a tribute to the soldiers of WWI, a dark period for our young country, which claimed the lives of over 60,000 military personnel and civilians and over 16 million dead worldwide. As there are no more surviving soldiers of WWI, today we rely on the wisdom and words of those soldiers who fought in the wars that followed and this day now also recognizes their heroic contribution. They tell us to always remember what those brave souls fought for, and all they ask in return is that we never forget.

  That’s why we wear the red poppy(罌粟花); that’s why when we see a soldier in uniform we should stop him or her and say “Thank you”; that’s why we take a pause from our busy lives for two short minutes today to honor that request. Yet this message is fading away, year after year. Take for example the terrible decision to allow parents to excuse students from Remembrance Day ceremonies at school. Not only is this disrespectful, it distances the student from his or her classmates.

   It is difficult to understand why any Canadian parent would want to remove their child from the time-honored tradition of reading the poem in Flanders Fields, while a wreath of poppies is laid. It is more important than ever to teach school-aged children about our history, no matter how violent it was. Sheltering them from the realities of war is a great disservice. Understanding why conflicts happened, or happen today can help shape choices and decisions they make as adults.

   Of course, because we live in a free society, we cannot force an individual to do something. It is unfortunate, but some parents now have their child “opt-out” of the services. These people should be reminded they are free to make such choices only because of the men and women the rest of us are remembering.

32. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a Remembrance Day activity today?

   A. Stopping at 11a.m. to remember the war dead.

B. Listening to stories told by WWI soldiers.

C. Wearing a red poppy to show respect.

D. Showing gratitude to soldiers in uniform.

33. What can we learn from the passage?

   A. War history is too violent for school children

B. The writer was once a soldier in the Canadian army

C. Few students are willing to take part in Remembrance Day ceremonies.

D. More parents are keeping their children away from frightening war stories.

34. The underlined word “It” in the last paragraph probably refers to_______.

   A. the death of so many soldiers in wars

B. the fact that there were so many wars after WWI.

C. people’s ungratefulness for the freedom they have.

D. removing children from Remembrance Day events. 

35. The writer believes that ______.

   A. the sacrifice of the soldiers should always be remembered.

B. Remembrance Day is becoming less important for soldiers.

C. school no longer think Remembrance Day is necessary.

D. people should be forced to learn about the realities of war.
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