Do you sleep well? Some people get off to sleep as soon as their head hits the pillow, but many others are not so lucky. In fact, the lack of quality sleep has become a public health issue around the world. According to me World Association of Sleep Medicine, 45 percent of the world's population suffer from sleep problems. One in eight people don't sleep well and are easily woken. 7.6 percent sleep less than 3 hours each night. Some even cannot fall asleep for several days in a row. As a basic bodily and mental need, sleep is essential for our survival, it helps us to fight diseases, strengthen our memory, perform better in work and school and improve our quality of life. Lack of sleep is known to have a significant negative influence on health, both in the short and long term. Poor sleep has been associated with obesity, diabetes, weakened immune systems and even some cancers, as well as depression and anxiety. The World Sleep Day, held on the third Friday of March, is an annual celebration of sleep to lighten the burden of sleep problems through better prevention and management of sleep disorders. To achieve this goal, we must figure out what causes sleepiness and sleeplessness. Unhealthy lifestyle may be the first to blame. More and more people use cell phones and computers in bed, with many staying up until midnight. Modern technology does make our life convenient, but abuse of it ruins our health. Environmental conditions, such as temperature, noise, light, bed comfort also play an important Pole in one's ability to get proper sleep. Besides, improper evening diet, like a full or an empty stomach, coffee and alcohol all contribute to sleep problems. Of course, when it comes to causing poor sleep, stress from finances, family or work should never be ignored. However, those who suffer from sleep disorders don't necessarily have to continue to do so -most sleep problems can be managed. Which best describes the author's attitude to sleep problem in the text? A) Doubtful. B) Disapproving. C) Concerned. D) Enthusiastic
C
(Question)
On a flight from Johannesburg, a middle-aged rich white South African lady had found herself sitting next to a black man. She called the cabin crew attendant over to complain about her seat. "What seems to be the problem, Madam?" asked the attendant. "Can't you see?" She said, "You have seated me next to a black person! I can't possibly sit next to this kind of person. Find me another seat!" "Please calm down, Madam," the stewardess replied. "The flight is very full today, but I will tell you what I will do---- I will go and check to see if we have any seats available in club or first class." The woman glanced at the angry black man beside her. A few minutes later, the stewardess returned with the good news, which she delivered to the lady. "Madam, unfortunately, as I expected, economy is full. I have spoken to the cabin services director, and club is also full. However, we do have one seat in first class." Before the lady had a chance to answer, the stewardess continued, "It is most extraordinary to make this kind of upgrade, however, and I have had to get special permission from the captain. But, learning this condition, the captain felt that it was shocking that someone should be forced to sit next to such a tiring person." Having said that, the stewardess turned to the black man sitting next to the lady, and said, "So if you'd like to get you things, sir, I have your seat ready for you..." At this point, obviously the surrounding passengers stood and gave an applause while the black man walked up to the front of the plane. Why did the lady complain about her seating? A) Because she didn't want to sit in economy. B) Because she would like a seat in first class. C) Because she didn't want to sit next to a black man. D) Because she didn't want to sit in club.
(Answer)
C
Question: To prevent the deserts coming near, China has planted billions of trees---to replace destroyed forests and as barriers against the sand. This isn't a cure, though, say experts, as thirsty trees can make the problem worse by taking in groundwater. "Planting tress is one way, but it isn't that simple. It doesn't solve the basic issue of water resources," says Wu Bo, a professor. "We need to calculate how much water the trees will absorb, or else it could have a negative effect." Villagers in Zhengxin have taken on this challenge, with limited success. When the irrigation channels began to run dry, Lu Xianglin switched from wheat to cotton on his land. He also planted trees to protect his fields from sandstorms. He says he still gets good yields using flood irrigation and earns a good income for his family. Other farmers haven't stuck it out : about one in three have left Zhengxin in the past 10 years after their wheat crops died. Young people who can find jobs in the towns rarely return. Last week, Mr Lu joined the other men in his village on a government-arranged trip to see the land that has been set aside for their relocation, nearly 40 miles to the south. The next day, he was back, shaking his head at the plan. The idea of uprooting his family troubles him, as does the idea of giving up the land that fed his forefathers. He prefers to stay and keep up the fight. "With enough water, this problem can be solved," Lu says. "We can plant trees and grass, and they will grow bigger. That will stop the desert." Experts say that farmers could switch to drip irrigation to lessen their water intake for growing crops. Elsewhere in the region, farmers have built brick greenhouses as part of a plan to grow vegetables using less water. Roadside signs urge farmers to "Save Water, Protect the Environment". What advice is given by experts to save water? A) To plant more trees. B) To build greenhouses. C) To change crops. D) To use drip irrigation.
Answer:
D