Assignment

Assignment
Passage One
For the most part,rapid economic development has been a boon.But there is a down side to development----health problems such as overweight are all becoming more prevalent,as more people take taxies to work instead of riding their bicycles,and other labor-saving devices become more popular.
An increasingly fast pace of life makes it difficult for people to spend time working out or playing sports.“I know exercise is good for you health,” a young lady said.“But after a busy work week,the only thing I want to do is watch some TV and go to sleep.” That attitude may explain the result of recent nation-wide study which suggested 50% of urban adults in China are overweight,a large number of people over the age of 40 suffer from high blood pressure and Cardiac ailments.
Local researchers found that 31.2 % of elderly respondents were getting enough exercise but less than 9% of youngsters and the middle-aged got an adequate amount of physical activity.
Elderly people understand the importance of protecting their health.The young people,however,are busy working and use this as an excuse to avoid exercise.In fact,physical exercise doesn’t require much time,money or special gymnasium.People can make use of any time and any place at their convenience to take part in sports.Walking quickly,cycling,climbing the stairs,and dancing are all helpful methods to enhance their health.
The benefits of adding a little more activity to your life are priceless.“There is no need to be an athlete,however,” a local doctor said.People should walk for 30 minutes a day and take part in some other physical activity three to five times a week.He warns,however,that people in poor physical shape should start slowly,and build up over time.
China has taken the need for more exercise to heart with the government running several activities last Sunday,which was the designated world health day.Pamphlets and posters based on the theme “move for health”,were distributed nation-wide,encouraging people to develop a positive and healthy lifestyle.