单选题 .  A new World Bank report warns that children who do not get enough good food in the first two years of life suffer lasting damage. They may be underdeveloped or underweight. They may suffer from poor health or limited intelligence. In addition, poorly nourished children are more likely to drop out of school and earn less money as adults.
    The report notes that too little food is not the only cause of poor nutrition. Many children who live in homes with plenty of food suffer for other reasons. For example, the study says that mothers often fail to give their newly born babies their first breast milk. This milk-like substance is called colostrum. It is full of nutrients that improve a baby's ability to fight infections and disease.
    The study also links malnutrition to economic growth in poor countries. A lack of nutrition in early childhood can cost developing nations up to three percent of their yearly earnings. Many of these same countries have economies that are growing at a rate of two to three percent yearly. The study suggests that poor countries could possibly double their economic growth if they improved nutrition.
    Africa and South Asia are affected the most by poor nutrition. The study says about half of all children in India do not get enough good food. The World Bank study also notes that rates of malnutrition in South Asia are almost double those in central and southern Africa. Other parts of the world are also severely affected,  including Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Guatemala and Peru.
    The study recommends that developing countries change their policies to deal with malnutrition. Instead of directly providing food, the study suggests educational programs in health and nutrition for mothers with young babies. It also recommends cleaner living conditions and improvements in health care.
    World Bank nutrition specialist Meera Shekar said the period of life between Pregnancy and two years is extremely important. Governments with limited resources should take direct action to improve nutrition for children during this period.1.  What's the main topic of the passage? ______
【正确答案】 A
【答案解析】 主旨大意题
   本题考查全文的主题。尽管本文是一个世界银行的报告,但报告的主要内容是研究0~2岁儿童的营养不良问题对发展中国家的影响,选项A恰好是对全文内容的概括。
[参考译文]
   一个世界银行的新报告警告大家说,两岁以内的新生儿如果没有摄取足够的优质食物将会受到持续的伤害。他们可能发育不良或体重过轻,他们也可能会健康不佳或智力有限。此外,营养不良的孩子更有可能退学,成年时钱赚得更少。
   报告指出,太少的食物并不是营养不良的唯一原因。许多家境殷实的孩子也会因别的原因而出现营养不良。例如,研究表明母亲往往不能用最早的奶水哺乳新生儿,这种早期乳状的物质叫做初乳。它充满了营养,能改善婴儿抵抗感染和疾病的能力。
   这项研究还表明在贫穷国家营养不良与经济增长有联系。儿童早期缺乏营养要花费发展中国家百分之三的年收入。许多这样的国家经济增长速度每年只有百分之二到百分之三。研究表明,如果这些贫穷国家能改善儿童的营养,那么他们的经济可能会翻倍增长。
   非洲和南亚地区是营养不良最为严重的地区。研究表明在印度大约一半的孩子没有足够的食物。世界银行的研究也指出,在亚洲南部营养不良情况几乎是那些非洲中部和南部地区的两倍。世界的其他地方也受到严重影响,包括印尼、乌兹别克斯坦、也门、危地马拉和秘鲁。
   研究者建议发展中国家要改变他们的政策以解决营养不良的问题。相比直接提供食物,研究表明更需要对婴儿的母亲开展健康和营养教育,同时还建议要拥有清洁的生活条件和改善卫生保健。
   世界银行营养专家米拉说从怀孕到孩子两岁之间是人生十分重要的阶段。资源有限的政府在这个时期应该采取直接行动来改善孩子们的营养。