In recent years, the popularity of vegetarianism has been steadily increasing. A vegetarian diet is one that excludes meat, fish, and poultry, focusing instead on plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. This trend is driven by a variety of factors, including health concerns, environmental considerations, and ethical reasons.

Health-wise, many studies have shown that a vegetarian diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. The lack of saturated fat and cholesterol in plant-based foods makes them a healthier choice for many people. Additionally, vegetarians tend to consume more fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for good health.

On the environmental front, vegetarianism has significant benefits. The meat industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing meat consumption can help mitigate the impact of climate change. Furthermore, meat production requires vast amounts of water and land resources, which could be better utilized for other purposes.

Ethically, many people choose to become vegetarians due to concerns about animal welfare. Factory farming practices often involve cruel and inhumane treatment of animals, which is a significant issue for many ethical vegetarians. By avoiding meat, they aim to reduce the demand for such practices.

Despite these benefits, however, vegetarianism is not without its challenges. One major challenge is ensuring adequate protein intake, as plant-based proteins are not as readily absorbed by the body as animal proteins. Additionally, some vegetarians may find it difficult to plan balanced meals, especially if they are new to the diet.

1.Which factor is NOT mentioned as a reason for the popularity of vegetarianism?
A. Health concerns.
B. Environmental considerations.
C. Ethical reasons.
D. Cultural traditions.

2.What are the health benefits of a vegetarian diet?
A. It can increase the risk of heart disease.
B. It contains more saturated fat and cholesterol.
C. It reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
D. It provides less fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

3.According to the passage, why is vegetarianism beneficial for the environment?
A. It requires less water and land resources.
B. It is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
C. It helps mitigate the impact of climate change.
D. It leads to cruel and inhumane treatment of animals.

4.What is a challenge faced by vegetarians?
A. Ensuring adequate protein intake.
B. Easy absorption of plant-based proteins.
C. Planning unbalanced meals.
D. Lack of variety in plant-based foods.

【文章概要】

近年来，素食主义日益流行，其核心理念在于排除动物性食品，专注于植物性食材如蔬果、坚果和谷物。其背后推动力量涉及健康、环境和道德考量。研究显示，素食有助于降低心脏病和糖尿病风险，同时减少温室气体排放和水土资源消耗。然而，素食者需面对蛋白质摄入不足和膳食均衡的挑战，尤其是新手素食者。尽管面临这些困难，素食主义因其多重优势而备受推崇。

【答案解析】

1.[D]文章中提到素食主义流行的原因包括健康担忧（A选项）、环境考虑（B选项）和道德原因（C选项）。但文章并没有提及“文化传统”（D选项）作为素食主义流行的原因。因此，D选项是不被提及的素食主义流行的原因。

2.[C]文章明确指出“许多研究表明素食可以降低患心脏病和糖尿病等慢性疾病的风险。”，这与C选项“它降低了患慢性疾病的风险”相符。而A选项“它增加了患心脏病的风险”与文章内容相反；B选项“它含有更多的饱和脂肪和胆固醇”与文章内容不符，因为文章提到植物性食物缺乏这些成分；D选项“它提供了较少的纤维、维生素和矿物质”也与文章内容不符。

3.[C]文章提到“减少肉类消费可以帮助减轻气候变化的影响”，这与C选项“它有助于减轻气候变化的影响”相符。A选项“它需要更少的水和土地资源”虽然部分正确，但不是文章强调的主要环境好处；B选项“它是温室气体排放的主要贡献者”与文章内容相反，因为文章说的是肉类行业是温室气体排放的主要贡献者；D选项“它导致对动物的残忍和不人道的对待”与素食主义对环境的好处无关。

4.[A]文章提到“一个主要的挑战是确保足够的蛋白质摄入，因为植物性蛋白质不如动物性蛋白质容易被身体吸收。”这与A选项“确保足够的蛋白质摄入”相符。B选项“植物性蛋白质的容易吸收”与文章内容相反；C选项“规划不均衡的膳食”与文章内容不符，文章说的是可能难以规划均衡的膳食；D选项“植物性食物缺乏多样性”在文章中并未提及。