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    These fast food restaurants constantly remind us of the American fondness with hamburgers,chips

and pizza.But America's reputation as the home of fast food is under threat from the British,according

to a research carried out by the BBC in 13 nations among 9,000 people.

    Despite fears over obesity,the study found the British are more obsessed with junk food than any

other nation.

    Almost half of British respondents(参与调查者)said they enjoyed fast food too much to give it up.

About 44 percent in the US claimed they would be unable to stop eating burgers,pizzas and chicken

wings,making the country second in the world's junk food league. The third place went to the United

Arab Emirates,where 35 percent are junkfood lovers.

    The research also found that attitudes to food and weight vary wildly around the world. Those in the

UK and US believed lack of selfdiscipline was the main factor behind growing waistlines(腰围). They

can't deny themselves that hamburger or extra piece of pizza,but "make themselves feel better by

washing it down with a diet coke",the study suggested.

    The French,on the other hand,seem to keep a watchful eye on their weight. They get on the scales

every day. Only 19 percent of the French surveyed admitted a fondness for fast food.

    Thierry Pailleux,of France,from the market research firm that conducted the poll,said the French

valued the combination of good food and company. Sharing classic food and time with loved ones is

key to the French sensibility. "French people take care of their image as a matter of course. Being thin

is part of our culture and a point of pride. We are known for it," said Pailleux."On top of this,there is

increasing awareness of the devastation(伤害)that obesity can cause to one's health."

1. What's the main idea of the passage?

A. A study of different attitudes towards fast food.

B. How popular fast food is in foreign countries.

C. Different countries' attitudes towards food and body weight.

D. A study of how popular fast food is in foreign countries.

2. The research shows that ________.

A. Americans are proud of the fast foods they eat

B. those British who love fast foods do not care about their body weight

C. the British would like to think that other foods they eat make up for eating occasional fast food

D. most Americans believe the enjoyment of food is more important than its possible effect on their

    waistlines

3. What's the meaning of the underlined word "obsessed" in the second paragraph?

A. Crazy.  

B. Obese.  

C. Opposed.  

D. Neutral.

4. Why are,according to Thierry Pailleux,the French less obsessed with fast food than the British

    and Americans?Because ________.

A. they value their image

B. they have better foods than other countries

C. they value selfdiscipline

D. they are afraid of having an unhealthy diet