当前位置: 高中英语 / 阅读理解
  • 1. (2020高三上·扬州期末) 阅读理解

        A Latin phrase beloved by every old-fashioned British schoolmaster was mens sana in corpora sano—a healthy mind in a healthy body. Greater physical activity is associated with better mental, as well as physical health. And it might also be linked to greater worker productivity, and thus faster economic growth. That is the conclusion of a new report from a European think tank — RAND.

        The RAND study looks at different measures: absenteeism (when workers take time off for illness) and presenteeism (when they turn up for work but are less productive because of sickness). The latter measure was self-reported by employees, who were asked whether their work was negatively affected by health issues. The survey suggests that between 3 and 4.5 working days each year are lost as a consequence of workers being physically inactive. This is between 1.3% and 2% of annual working time. Most of this was down to presenteeism.

        Another potential gain from improved fitness is reduced health-care costs. In America, where health care is often provided through employment-based systems, firms could benefit. RAND estimates that total American health savings could be $6bn a year by 2025. But the study's authors conclude that if people met certain exercise targets, global GDP could be around 0.17-0.24% higher by 2050. Nothing to laugh at in a world of slowing growth.

        How to encourage workers to become more active? Rewards are useful but only if they have conditions; giving all employees free gym membership does not seem to work. Another RAND Europe study examined an experiment in which workers were each given an Apple watch, payable in instalments (分期付款) at a discounted price—but only to those who agreed to have their physical activity monitored. Monthly repayments depended on how much exercise they took.

        The problem is that many people are too optimistic about their health, ignoring the risks they face. This means that participation in workplace exercise plans tends to be low, around 7% in the sample studied by RAND. Firms are not the only ones that can encourage a healthier lifestyle; friends and families are likely to be more important. But businesses can play a bigger role.

        If RAND is right, this may bring them financial benefits. Company taskmasters may yet grow fond of an adapted saying: mens sana in corporate sano.

    1. (1) What is the conclusion of the RAND report in Paragraph 1?
      A . Greater physical activity may be beneficial to economy. B . Physical health definitely results in mental health. C . Team sports open up opportunities of career building. D . Income affects the popularity of gym among workers
    2. (2) The measure of presenteeism indicates that ________.
      A . recovery from sickness guarantees company time B . health conditions influence staff productivity C . physically active staff can increase working hours D . sick employees are supposed to take time off
    3. (3) Why does the writer list the figures in Paragraph 3?
      A . To highlight the urgency to reduce health-care cost. B . To predict the trend of global GDP by the year 2050. C . To clarify the benefit of improved fitness to economy. D . To warn against the slowing down of world finance.
    4. (4) Which method proves useful in making employees more active?
      A . Educating employees on the benefits of regular exercise. B . Offering employees fancy sports equipment free of charge. C . Monitoring employees' physical activities every month. D . Rewarding exercise takers with reduced repayment.
    5. (5) The organization of the paragraphs is best illustrated as ________.
      A . B . C . D .

微信扫码预览、分享更方便