环境健康阅读 B1 · 中级
聚焦环保、健康、可持续发展等话题，四级阅读和翻译的常考方向。
Passage 1: Plastic Pollution and Its Solutions
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in oceans, harming marine life and contaminating the food chain.
Single-use plastics — such as bags, straws, and bottles — are the biggest contributors to this problem. These items are used for just a few minutes but can take hundreds of years to decompose in nature. As a result, many countries have banned or restricted the use of single-use plastics and encouraged consumers to switch to reusable alternatives.
On an individual level, simple actions can make a big difference. Bringing your own shopping bag, using a reusable water bottle, and properly sorting your trash for recycling are all effective ways to reduce plastic waste. While the problem is enormous, collective action can lead to meaningful change.
How long can single-use plastics take to decompose?
Passage 2: The Benefits of Regular Exercise
Regular physical exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain good health. Research has consistently shown that exercise reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Beyond physical health, exercise also has significant benefits for mental well-being. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins — chemicals in the brain that improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Even a 20-minute walk can make a noticeable difference in how you feel.
Despite these well-known benefits, many people struggle to exercise regularly. Common barriers include lack of time, motivation, and access to facilities. Health experts recommend finding activities that you genuinely enjoy, setting realistic goals, and incorporating exercise into your daily routine — such as walking to work or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
What chemicals does exercise stimulate in the brain?
Health experts recommend setting _____ goals for exercise. (现实的)
Passage 3: Food Safety and Healthy Eating
Food safety is a growing concern in many countries. Issues such as pesticide residues, food additives, and contamination during processing can pose serious health risks to consumers.
To protect themselves, consumers should pay attention to food labels and choose products from reputable sources. Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, cooking meat to the proper temperature, and storing food correctly can also reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
In addition to safety, the quality of our diet plays a crucial role in long-term health. Nutritionists recommend a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Reducing the intake of processed foods, sugar, and saturated fat can help prevent obesity and related diseases. Small changes in eating habits can lead to substantial improvements in overall health.
What diet do nutritionists recommend?
Passage 4: Air Quality and Public Health
Air pollution is a major public health threat that affects billions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, outdoor air pollution causes an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths each year.
The main sources of air pollution include vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and the burning of fossil fuels for energy. In many cities, particulate matter and harmful gases such as nitrogen dioxide reach levels that far exceed safe limits, especially during winter months.
Individuals can take steps to minimize their exposure to air pollution. Checking daily air quality reports, avoiding outdoor exercise during high-pollution periods, and using air purifiers at home can all help. At a broader level, transitioning to clean energy sources, improving public transportation, and enforcing stricter emission standards are essential for tackling this global health crisis.
Outdoor air pollution causes an estimated _____ million premature deaths each year.
Passage 5: Mental Health Awareness
Mental health has gained increasing attention in recent years, as people begin to recognize that psychological well-being is just as important as physical health. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress affect millions of people across all age groups and backgrounds.
One of the biggest obstacles to addressing mental health issues is stigma. Many people are reluctant to seek help because they fear being judged or misunderstood. This is particularly true in cultures where mental health problems are seen as a sign of weakness rather than a medical condition.
Increasing awareness and reducing stigma requires effort at every level of society. Schools can teach students about emotional health from a young age. Workplaces can provide mental health resources and create supportive environments. And individuals can help by being compassionate listeners and encouraging those who are struggling to seek professional help. By normalizing conversations about mental health, we can create a society where everyone feels safe to ask for support.
What is the biggest obstacle to addressing mental health according to the passage?
Mental health conditions affect millions of people across all age groups and _____. (背景)