As we reflect on the evolution of fitness over the centuries, and the emergence of a well-organized and growing “fitness” market and industry, it is well to ask ourselves: what have we lost, and what have we gained?
   Obviously, much good has come out of these recent developments: there’s widespread awareness of the importance of regular exercise, nearly every community has a gym or fitness club where people can go or pay to work out, and we understand more about how the human body works. Yet despite the many health and fitness methods, programs, and resources, the general population has never been so physically sedentary(久坐的) and out-of-shape. A recent World Health Organization report indicates that life expectancy(寿命) in the US dropped for the first time since 1993.  The health of modern people is declining, despite highly advanced medical technologies and the booming health and fitness industry.
   How could that be? A large part of it is motivation. People are simply not as motivated to move their body and get healthy as they were in the past. We live in a society where the inability to operate one’s body in a practical and effective manner is no longer an embarrassing condition. The fitness industry, no matter how good each new program claims to be, has failed to get the majority of people to value, practice, and enjoy physical exercise.
   So, should we expect the answer to this dilemma to come from even more varied, or more technologically advanced programs and equipment? Or will the solution come from a different mindset, a simpler approach and practice, and overall a new culture?
12. What does the author tell us about fitness industry in Paragraph 2?
A. It provides better technology.
B. It is supported by most people.
C. It brings about positive effects.
D. It costs people too much money.
13. What is main reason why people fail to do physical exercise?
A. Lack of enough equipment.
B. Lack of inner drive.
C. Misguided instructions.
D. Embarrassing living conditions.
14. What does the author seem to agree with?
A. Change attitudes to fitness.
B. Rely on standard practice.
C. Seek more potential customers.
D. Turn to more advanced programs.
15. What is the best title for the passage?
A. Lost in fitness
B. Misunderstanding about fitness
C. Evolution of fitness
D. Importance of fitness
【语篇解读】尽管健身产业蓬勃发展, 但现代人的健康水平却在下降。作者建议人们应当改变对健康的态度。
【答案与解析】
12. C  细节题。根据第2段第1句可知, 健身产业带来了积极的影响。
13. B  细节题。根据倒数第2段第2、3句可知, 人们不锻炼身体的主要原因是缺乏动机或内在驱动力。
14. A  推断题。根据最后一段最后一句“Or will the solution come from a different mindset, a simpler approach and practice, and overall a new culture?”可推知, 作者可能同意人们改变对健康的态度。
15. A  主旨题。文章主要讲了健身产业的发展给人们带来的好处, 以及其中存在的问题和问题产生的原因。故A项符合文章的主旨。