Outdoor shoes in the house: What are the dangers?

回家不换鞋有哪些危害？

常速 | 六级 中等| 350词 | 2min8s

刘立军供稿

Part I. QUESTIONS

Listen to the news and choose the best answer to each question you hear.

Q1. According to the research review, what is a major concern regarding shoe soles?

A. They contain visible urban dust and mud.

B. They may carry dangerous bacteria leading to illness.

C. They are often made of harmful chemicals.

D. They can cause allergies in children under five.

Q2. What negative effects can be caused by exposure to pesticides and herbicides brought in by shoes?

A. Headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

B. Respiratory issues and hay fever.

C. Developing immune system problems in children.

D. Muscle weakness and balance issues.

Q3. What benefit of walking barefoot is mentioned in the text?

A. It prevents allergies caused by pollen.

B. It enhances respiratory health.

C. It reduces exposure to harmful bacteria.

D. It improves balance and muscle stability.

Q4. What can be inferred about cultures with a shoe-free home policy?

A. They prioritize aesthetics over hygiene.

B. Their practices are supported by scientific evidence.

C. They are less likely to suffer from respiratory issues.

D. Their social norms are ambiguous and inconsistent.

Q5. What is the main purpose of the text?

A. To explain the health benefits of walking barefoot.

B. To discuss the cultural differences in shoe removal practices.

C. To highlight the dangers of wearing outdoor shoes indoors.

D. To provide tips on maintaining household cleanliness.

Part II. TRANSCRIPT

Outdoor shoes in the house: What are the dangers?

“Welcome! Shoes off please.” In many Asian countries, removing shoes when you enter someone’s home is expected – it shows respect and ensures cleanliness. In other places, such as the UK, however, the social norms are more ambiguous. Some Brits might have a strict “shoes off” rule, while others may be squeamish about seeing others’ socks or bare feet. What do the scientists say?

squeamish adj. 易感到不适的，易受惊的

If you remove your shoes at the door for cleanliness, you’re probably thinking about the visible dirt – urban dust, mud and grass that has hitched a ride from the outside world on the sole of your shoe. But the real problems are microscopic. (Q1) A review of research called ‘Shoe soles as a potential vector for pathogen transmission’ found a high prevalence of dangerous bacteria on shoe soles, which could lead to illness. Children under five are particularly at risk because of their closeness to the floor and developing immune systems.

sole n. 鞋底

vector n. 传播媒介，载体

pathogen n. 病原体

Germs aside, shoe soles can also bring in nasty chemicals like pesticides and herbicides, (Q2) exposure to which can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, according to a study by Muhammad Sarwar, published in Cogent Medicine. Allergens such as pollen can also enter your home via your shoes, which can be a big issue if you suffer with hay fever or have respiratory issues. Isn’t your home meant to be a safe haven?

herbicide n. 除草剂

allergen n. 过敏原

pollen n. 花粉

hay fever 花粉病

But it’s not just about hygiene. (Q3) Going shoeless can improve things such as balance, body awareness and strength and stability in your muscles, according to a medically reviewed article called ‘Does Walking Barefoot Have Health Benefits?’. “In theory, walking barefoot more closely restores our ‘natural’ walking pattern, also known as our gait,” explains foot and ankle specialist Jonathan Kaplan.

gait n. 步态，步法

(Q4) In cultures where a shoe-free home is the norm, the reasons are backed by science. And in places where the rules are less clear, maybe it’s time to think about leaving our outdoor shoes at the threshold. There’s an old African proverb that states “When you leave your shoes at the doorstep, you leave your troubles behind.”

Part III. KEY

Q1.【答案】B

【解析】细节题。题目出处：A review of research called ‘Shoe soles as a potential vector for pathogen transmission’ found a high prevalence of dangerous bacteria on shoe soles, which could lead to illness. 意为：一项名为“鞋底作为病原体传播潜在载体”的研究发现，鞋底上存在大量危险细菌，这可能导致疾病。正确答案为B。

Q2.【答案】A

【解析】细节题。题目出处：Exposure to which can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, according to a study by Muhammad Sarwar, published in Cogent Medicine. 意为：根据Muhammad Sarwar发表在Cogent Medicine上的研究，接触这些化学物质可能导致头痛、头晕、恶心和呕吐。正确答案为A。

Q3.【答案】D

【解析】细节题。题目出处：Going shoeless can improve things such as balance, body awareness and strength and stability in your muscles. 意为：不穿鞋可以改善平衡、身体意识以及肌肉的力量和稳定性。正确答案为D。

Q4.【答案】B

【解析】推理题。题目出处：In cultures where a shoe-free home is the norm, the reasons are backed by science. 意为：在家中不穿鞋成为习惯的文化中，这些原因得到了科学的支持。由此可以推断，这些文化的规定是基于科学证据的，因此正确答案为B。

Q5.【答案】C

【解析】主旨题。整篇文章主要讨论了室内穿户外鞋的危害，包括细菌传播、化学物质暴露和过敏原问题。因此正确答案为C。

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