二上一段 雜誌 Ivy 複習

When thinking of hippos, many picture them swimming through rivers and lakes, but this common perception is ​ (a)   incorrect. Hippos don't actually swim in the traditional sense—they "walk" or "bounce" underwater instead. Due to their enormous size, hippos are naturally too heavy to float effectively. These ​ (b)   mammals rely on their powerful legs to push off from the riverbed or lakebed at regular ​ (c)   . With strong legs propelling them, they are capable of gliding through the water with ​ ​ (d)   , enabling them to move their enormous frames effortlessly.

Hippos are often seen soaking in water, and there’s a good reason for it. Their skin requires constant ​ (e)   to prevent dehydration. To protect themselves from drying out, they release a thick, red substance known as “blood sweat.” It coats their skin and keeps it moist. This layer also acts as a natural sunscreen and helps prevent infections.

• strictly speaking
• massive
• intervals
• moisture
• minimal energy
• pace
• once and for all
• substance

The ​ (a)   image of a hippo shows just the top of its head emerging above water. As mammals, hippos cannot breathe underwater and rely on nostrils on top of their snouts for breathing. They can ​ (b)   for up to five minutes, thanks to well-developed lungs that store ​ (c)   air and efficiently distribute oxygen throughout their tissues. ​ (d)   , sleeping hippos won't drown underwater. Their bodies automatically rise to the surface when breathing is necessary, take a breath, then sink back down—​ (e)   this process until they wake. Despite being mammals, hippos have evolved unique adaptations for aquatic life, allowing these enormous creatures to remain safely concealed underwater.

• iconic
• hold their breath
• large volumes of
• Remarkably
• repeating
• Automatically
• repeated
• take their breath

After competitions, you might think gold winners are happiest, followed by silver, then bronze. However, studies show something surprising: bronze medalists often look happier than silver medalists! Researchers used special software to analyze athletes' faces and found bronze winners smile more than ​ (a)   in second place. This surprising result can be explained by counterfactual thinking, a mental process of imagining ​ (b)   outcomes to events that have already occurred. Silver medalists often feel disappointed because they were so close to winning gold. They think, "I almost won!" and ​ (c)   missing first place. Bronze medalists, however, compare themselves to fourth place - they're just happy to be on the podium! They think, "At least I got a medal!" This makes them feel ​ (d)   rather than disappointed. This teaches us something important about happiness. It's not just about what we achieve, but how we ​ (e)   it. Silver medalists focus on what they lost, while bronze winners appreciate what they gained. By focusing on what we have rather than what we missed, we can find more happiness in life.

• those
• alternative
• focus on
• grateful
• frame
• come up with
• regretful

At major sporting events like the Olympics, victorious athletes are often seen biting their gold medals while posing for cameras. This familiar gesture has historical roots beyond simple celebration. In earlier times, the ​ (a)   of gold was tested by biting—real gold, being soft, would show tooth marks. Although modern Olympic "gold" medals contain only about six grams of actual gold (mostly being silver), this tradition ​ (b)   . Today, the medal bite is ​ (c)   a photographic pose rather than an authenticity test. Photographers frequently request this action from medalists to capture that iconic moment of triumph. Over time, this image has become universally recognized as a symbol of athletic achievement and ​ (d)   . Interestingly, this tradition carries some ​ (e)   —the predominantly silver medals are harder than pure gold, potentially causing dental damage if bitten too enthusiastically. Nevertheless, athletes continue this practice, combining celebration, tradition, and photogenic appeal in one memorable image.

• primarily
• authenticity
• persists
• glory
• risk
• strictly
• relief
• insist

Research suggests that horror movies might offer an ​ (a)   health benefit beyond thrills and chills. According to a study from the University of Westminster, watching a 90-minute scary movie can burn around 113 calories, which is equal to a 30-minute walk. In this experiment, researchers ​ (b)   participants' oxygen intake, carbon dioxide output, and heart rates during uninterrupted horror film viewings. The findings revealed that fear-induced physiological responses significantly impact calorie burn. When frightening scenes trigger the body's fight-or-flight response, pulse quickens, blood circulation increases, and ​ (c)   is released—reducing appetite, boosting metabolism, and burning calories. The study ​ (d)   films by calorie-burning potential: The Shining topped the list at 184 calories, followed by Jaws (161) and The Exorcist (158). Films featuring "jump scares" proved especially effective in increasing heart rates. Interestingly, The Shining achieves its calorie-burning effect through psychological tension rather than sudden frights. While intriguing, experts warn that horror films cannot ​ (e)   regular exercise and may be harmful for those with heart conditions or anxiety disorders.

• unexpected
• measured
• adrenaline
• ranked
• replace

Eye color is a unique trait influenced by our genes we ​ (a)   and the amount of melanin in the iris, the colored part of the eye. Melanin not only affects skin color but also determines eye color. More melanin results in brown eyes, while less melanin leads to blue, green, or gray eyes. Brown Eyes Brown is the most common eye color, found in about 80% of people worldwide. This is because brown eyes have more melanin, which also makes them ​ (b)   to the sun’s UV rays. This may explain why brown eyes are more common in warmer regions like Africa, Asia, and South America. In comparison, blue Eyes Blue eyes are much rarer, found in only 8-10% of people, mainly those of Northern European ​ (c)   . They have very little melanin, causing light to ​ (d)   and create a blue appearance. Blue eyes are genetically ​ (e)   , meaning both parents must carry the gene for a child to inherit them.

• resistant
• descent
• scatter
• recessive
• inherit

**Hazel Eyes** Around 5% of the world’s ​ (a)   have hazel eyes, mostly among people of European descent. Hazel eyes contain less melanin than brown eyes but more than blue or green. They are a mix of brown and green, often appearing to change shades in different lighting. This shifting color happens because melanin is ​ (b)   distributed across the iris.
**Amber Eyes**
Amber eyes are also rare, ​ (c)   about 5% of the global population. They have a unique yellow-brown color, often seen in people from Asia and South America. Their warm, golden or coppery tone comes from a pigment called lipochrome.
**Green Eyes**
Green eyes are ​ (d)   rare, found in only 2% of people worldwide. With low melanin, they have a light scattering effect similar to blue eyes but with a hint more pigment, creating a ​ (e)   green hue. They’re mainly found in people from Ireland, Scotland, and northern Europe.
**Gray Eyes**
Gray is the rarest eye color, mostly seen in Europeans. It results from very little melanin and a special iris structure, giving a smoky, silvery look.
Eye color reflects genetic diversity and how humans adapted to different environments.

• population
• unevenly
• comprising
• vibrant
• extremely
• made up of

Situated off Taiwan's western coast, Penghu, the country's second-smallest county, ​ (a)   over 90 islands with only 19 inhabited. This archipelago stretches 60 kilometers north to south, offering spectacular ocean vistas and natural wonders. Visitors can reach Penghu via flights from Taiwan's major cities and Kinmen or by boat from Chiayi and Kaohsiung. Penghu's most ​ (b)   geological features are its basalt columns—tall pillars arranged side by side forming flat-topped mountains. These unique formations resulted from ​ (c)   activity over 10 million years ago when lava cooled gradually after eruptions. Tongpan Island showcases the most impressive columnar joints in Penghu, earning it the nickname "Yellowstone of Penghu." Another remarkable ​ (d)   is Kueibishan's "Moses Parts the Sea" phenomenon. During low tide, a stone-paved pathway ​ (e)   , connecting the shore to an uninhabited island 300 meters away. Visible for just a few hours daily before being submerged again, this natural pathway resembles the biblical Red Sea crossing. The area also hosts diverse marine life, including hermit crabs and sea cucumbers, attracting numerous tourists and photographers.

• consists of
• striking
• volcanic
• attraction
• emerges
• submerges
• diverse

Although Penghu’s natural beauty often steals the limelight, the story of how the locals have coexisted with the ocean is ​ (a)   fascinating. A perfect example of this harmony is the stone weir, an ​ structure developed by the region’s early inhabitants.
These traditional traps, constructed from basalt and coral rocks, function through tidal dynamics. During high tide, fish swim into the weirs, becoming trapped as waters ​ (b)   . While rarely used today, these brilliant tools once made it a lot easier to collect fish. Remarkably, in the 1950s, stone weirs ​ (c)   80% of Penghu's total fishery production value.

Penghu contains the world's highest concentration of stone weirs, with over 500 structures still remaining. The most famous is the Double-Heart Stone Weir on Qimei Island, whose unique shape—​ (d)   two interlocking hearts—has transformed it into a symbol of romance.

Today, the Double-Heart Stone Weir attracts numerous tourists, offering ​ (e)   into Penghu's heritage and history. For visitors seeking authentic connections to ocean traditions, Penghu delivers an unforgettable journey blending natural wonders with cultural discoveries.

• equally
• recede
• resembling
• assembling
• insights
• accounted for
• included

Once a foreign grain, wheat is now fundamental in Taiwanese cuisine through dishes like noodles and dumplings, though its popularity is a ​ (a)   recent development. Surprisingly, its widespread adoption resulted primarily from US efforts during the American aid period. From 1951 to 1965, the US provided aid to Taiwan as part of post-World War II recovery efforts. Wheat was a major item sent to Taiwan, as America tried to find export markets for its ​ (b)   wheat since the 1920s. Taiwan presented an ideal market since its post-war rice production couldn't keep up with its rapidly growing population. Promotion centers established in Taichung and Taipei encouraged wheat adoption through cooking classes teaching locals to prepare wheat-based dishes. Publications highlighted wheat flour's ​ (c)   benefits, while illustrated guides showed rural women how to make wheat-based meals at home. At the same time, Taiwan's flour industry developed various wheat products, including biscuits and instant noodles. Uni-President Enterprises Corporation launched products like Lucky Butter Coconut Cookies with attention-grabbing marketing ​ (d)   . The company later took advantage of the growing instant noodle market, a trend many other Taiwanese companies followed. This wheat transformation resulted from ​ (e)   efforts by multiple stakeholders: the US gained new agricultural export markets, Taiwanese authorities supported milling industry development while exporting higher-priced rice, and Taiwan's flour manufacturers created strong domestic demand. These initiatives permanently diversified Taiwanese cuisine and reshaped local eating habits.

• relatively
• excess
• nutritional
• deliberate
• campaigns
• delicate
• access
• traditionally