奇速英语官网—英语在线学习平台_让学英语更快乐_更快速

Growing up, I avoided team sports at all costs. Eye-hand coordination just isn’t my strong suit. Plus, I have a pernicious competitive streak. Pair the two together and sport became a source of frustration rather than fun. But recent studies are making me rethink that attitude. It turns out that group exercise, especially team sports, may be better for our health than working out alone.

A 2023 analysis found that participating in sport, either recreationally or competitively, is linked with lower stress, less anxiety and better mental health, such as higher self-esteem. And these effects were especially pronounced in team sports. In fact, such sports seem to improve mental well-being more than other forms of exercise, regardless of the amount of physical activity.

The social aspect may also enhance sport’s physical benefits. For one, exercising with others increases the likelihood of showing up to work out. In a 2024 study, more than 770 participants received a cash reward each day they visited the gym. But some of them also had to bring a friend to cash in. These people turned up about 35 per cent more frequently than those who could arrive alone. A follow-up survey suggested this was because a workout buddy increased accountability and made exercising more enjoyable.

Other research has revealed that this enjoyment might even improve performance. One study of people who took part in free communal runs found that those who did so with friends and family felt more energised, which, in turn, was linked to running faster. Research into competitive rowers, meanwhile, discovered that those who looked at a photo of a loved one while rowing could exercise for about 20 per cent longer than those staring at a stranger’s photo.

I find this comforting. It has also helped me to focus on the cooperative aspect of sports, instead of their competitive side. I am running a half-marathon with my best friend soon and she has suggested we run side by side. I think that may be just what I need to help me cross the finish line.

1.1.What does the 2023 analysis suggest about team sports compared to other exercises?

A More effective for mental health.

B Better for reducing stress.

C Requiring more physical effort.

D Increasing self-esteem greatly.

解析：选A。A细节理解题。第二段明确指出，团队运动（team sports）对心理健康的改善效果“尤其显著”，并且“似乎比其他运动形式更能改善心理健康（improve mental well-being more than other forms of exercise）”。因此，其核心比较优势在于对心理健康更有效。选项B和D虽然是团队运动带来的好处，但它们是与其他运动共有的益处，并未体现出“比较优势”；选项C（需要更多体力）在文中未提及。故选A。

2.2.What can be inferred from the 2024 study about exercising with others?

A Increased gym attendance.

B More financial rewards.

C Greater personal enjoyment.

D Improved health results.

解析：选A。A推理判断题。第三段提到“But some of them also had to bring a friend to cash in. These people turned up about 35 per cent more frequently than those who could arrive alone.”与朋友一起锻炼的人出勤率提高了35%，因此可推断社交锻炼增加了健身房出席频率（Increased gym attendance）。选项C和D虽在文中提及，但非该研究的直接推断；选项B未强调社交作用。故选A。

3.3.What does the underlined word “communal” most likely mean in the context?

A Public.

B Collective.

C Competitive.

D Regular.

解析：选B。B词义猜测题。原文提到“free communal runs”（免费的______跑步），并且参与者是与“friends and family”（朋友和家人）一起。这种与他人共同参与的性质，强调集体的、共同的含义，因此“communal”最贴切的意思是“集体的”。“public”更强调对所有人开放，而“collective”更强调一群人的共同行动。与朋友家人一起跑步，正是一种“集体的”活动。故选B。

4.4.What is the best title for the passage?

A Disadvantages of Team Sports.

B Overcoming Sports Frustration.

C Social Exercise Advantages.

D Mental Health Through Sports.

解析：选C。C主旨大意题。全文通过个人经历和多篇研究，核心是阐述社交锻炼（包括团队运动和与朋友家人一起锻炼）对坚持性、愉悦感和表现的多方面积极影响。选项C（社交锻炼的优势）最全面地概括了这一主旨。D选项只涵盖了文章的部分内容，不够全面。故选C。