1 . Efforts to restore forests have often focused on trees, but a new study in the journal Philosophical Transactions finds that animals play a key role in the recovery of tree species by carrying a wide variety of seeds into previously deforested areas.

Sergio Estrada-Villegas, a professor at the Yale School of the Environment, led the study with Liza Comita, a professor of tropical forest ecology. The project examines a series of regenerating forests in central Panama spanning 20 to 100 years post-abandonment. “When we talk about forest restoration, people typically think about going out and digging holes and planting seedlings,” Comita says. “That’s actually not a very cost-effective or efficient way to restore natural forests. If you have a nearby preserved intact (完整的) forest, plus you have your animal seed dispersers around, you can get natural regeneration, which is a less costly and labor-intensive approach.”

The research team analyzed a unique, long-term data set from the forest in Panama, to compare what proportion of tree species in forests were spread by animals or other methods, like wind or gravity, and how that changes over time as the forest ages. It proves that in tropical forests, more than 80% of tree species can be spread by animals.

The researchers say the findings can serve as a road map for natural regeneration of forests that preserve biodiversity and capture and store carbon at a time when the UN Decade on Restoration is highlighting the need for land conservation, and the world is working to mitigate climate change stemming from fossil fuel emissions. Forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in biomass and soils. Tropical forests, in particular, play an important role in regulating global climate and supporting high plant and animal diversity, the researchers note.

Estrada-Villegas, says the study highlights how crucial animals are to healthy forests. “In these tropical environments, animals are very important to a speedy recovery of forests,” says Estrada-Villegas.

1. What does the study in the journal emphasize according to paragraph 1?

A．Soil conservation techniques.	B．Animal involvement in spreading seed.
C．Artificial methods of capturing carbon.	D．Planting a diverse range of tree species.

2. What does the third paragraph mainly talk about?

A．The author’s research methods and tools

B．The frequency of spreading seeds by animals.

C．The long-term data analysis by the research team.

D．The crucial role of animals in tropical forest recovery.

3. What does the underlined word “mitigate” mean in paragraph 4?

A．Reduce.

B．Increase.

C．Complicate.

D．Ignore.

4. What’s Estrada-Villegas’s attitude towards using natural regeneration methods?

A．Critical.

B．Indifferent.

C．Supportive.

D．Ambiguous.

2 . Islands not only have served as the settings for exotic holidays but also act as a dream for directors to use as a canvas for their stories. These are some of the most exciting film and TV locations you can visit today.

Death in Paradise (2011)

Guadeloupe, French Caribbean

The location: Guadeloupe’s landscapes are strikingly varied, ranging from the pearly white sand and deep blue waters of beaches to the volcanic, lunar-like interior.

While you’re there: Explore Deshaies, a town home to several Death in Paradise filming locations.

How to do it: Seven nights at Club Med La Caravelle from £2, 305 per person, all-inclusive, includes flights from Heathrow to Pointe-a-Pitrevia Paris.

Eat, Pray, Love (2010)

Bali, Indonesia

The location: Ubud, a town in the center of Bali, means “medicine” in Balinese, so locals have leng regarded it as a place for healing. That’s what it is most famous for. It impresses audience with stunning jungle scenery and a thriving arts scene.

While you’re there: Dive into Ubud’s rich cultural history on a walking tour, enjoying some of the region’s most striking architecture and history.

How to do it: A nine-day tour of Bali-including Ubud, Lombok and Seminyak-costs £5,300 per person. It includes flights, transfers, accommodation and excursions (游览).

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Skellig Michael, County Kerry, Ireland

The location: Eight miles off the Irish coast, Skellig Michael is now better known as the hideout of Luke Skywalker.

While you’re there: Look out for the colony of puffins that nest on the island in the summer. The birds were digitally designed as a cute fictional species called porgs in a later sequel (续集).

How to do it: Tour Radar’s seven-day Hiking & Island Hopping-Cork and Kerry costs from £2,101 per person, which covers accommodation, meals and excursions.

1. Ubud is best noted for __________ according to the passage.

A．its amazing scenery	B．its magic medicine
C．its friendly locals	D．its spiritual significance

2. Where can you go if you are fond of science fiction films?

A．Guadeloupe.

B．Deshaies.

C．Bali.

D．Skellig Michael.

3. What is the purpose of the passage?

A．To tell three stories in brief.	B．To share three popular movies.
C．To introduce three destinations from the screen.	D．To offer some islands only for directors.

3 . A humanoid robot can relay video and touch sensations to a person wearing a haptic (触觉内) feedback suit and a virtual reality(VR) headset hundreds of kilometres away, offering away for people to attend events without travelling.

The iCub 3 robot is a 52-kilogram, 125-centimetre-tall robot with 54 joints across its body. Its head contains two cameras where a human’s eyes would be, and an Internet-connected computer where the brain would go. Along with the cameras, sensors covering its body send data to the robot’s “brain”. These sensations are then reproduced on a suit and VR headset worn by a remote human operator.

When the operators react to what they see and feel, the suit’s sensors pick up the movements and the robot matches them. “The key is to translate every signal and bit of digital data that can be sent through the network.” says Stefano Dafarra, who was part of the iCub3 team. There can be a small delay of up to 100 milliseconds to capture and transmit the visual shots, but the operator can case this by moving slightly slower than normal.

The team demonstrated the robot at the Venice Biennale, where it wandered through an exhibition while its operator stood 290 kilometres away in Genoa. Dafarra hopes people will use the iCub3 to attend events remotely, reducing the need to travel. “But at present, a fall could be hugely damaging to the robot, and it’s uncertain whether it could stand up again on its own," he says.

“iCub3 is an interesting robot and offers clear advantages from the previous versions.” says Jonathan Aitken, whose laboratory owns a prior version of the robot. However, he is disappointed that the team wasn’t clear in its research about the data transmission requirements of the new version of the robot. “It would be good to know just how much data was required, and what the upper and lower bounds were.” he says.

1. What’s the principle behind the humanoid robot?

A．It conveys sensations to the wearer and acts accordingly.

B．It receives commands from an operator through the Internet.

C．The cameras take pictures and then interact with the sensors.

D．The computer in the robot processes the data and gives orders.

2. Which aspect of life may the technology be applied to?

A．Medical consultation.	B．Sports events.
C．Outdoor workouts.	D．Virtual tourism.

3. What can we infer about iCub 3 from the text?

A．It fails to appeal to potential investors.

B．Its performance hasn’t been evaluated clearly.

C．Its present version still requires to be updated.

D．Its transmission of data came across technical problems.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Humanoid robots with sense of touch catch on

B．iCub 3 robot combines with VR to benefit more people

C．Humanoid robots let people see and feel things remotely

D．New advances in technology enable people to travel at work

4 . Tokyo restaurant Sushiya no Nohachi reportedly serves great sushi, but it is most famous for its gimmick—making the world’s smallest sushi with a single grain of rice.

Located in Asakusa, a slightly quieter part of Tokyo, Sushiya no Nohachi is the place to go if you want to enjoy the tiniest, most adorable sushi in the world. Each piece is made with only a grain of rice and a tiny slice of topping wrapped in the thinnest piece of nori(海苔). Every served piece is actually perfect, which hints at the amount of work and patience that Bes into making them. They are the work of Hironori Ikeno, the chef of Sushiya no Nohachi, who came up with the idea in 2002 when a client asked him how small he could make his sushi. He answered, “as small as a grain of rice”, and proceeded to demonstrate that he wasn’t kidding. Over the years, the restaurant has become internationally famous for making the world’s smallest sushi.

Despite its size, miniature sushi actually takes a bit longer to make than regular-sized me, because of the precision and concentration required to put the tiny ingredients together. That is part of the reason why the restaurant only prepares tiny sushi for customers a few times a week and no more than five times a day, although they do sometimes make exceptions for foreign visitors who travel to the restaurant just to experience the world’s smallest sushi.

“I had a client from Sweden who came just to see my tiny sushi and the moment she saw it, she literally cried with joy.” Hironori Ikeno said.

Interestingly, one cannot simply order the tiny sushi at the restaurant. It is served for f re upon request with a regular-sized sushi course. Considering the sushi served at this place is reportedly delicious, you should probably be more excited about that. Plus, it also justifies the gimmick that the restaurant is so famous for.

1. What does the underlined word “gimmick” in paragraph 1 probably refer to?

A．A class to teach cooking skills.

B．A trick to attract customers.

C．A plan to promote the sushi.

D．A dish to win over opponents.

2. What made Hironori Ikeno start to make the smallest sushi?

A．His pursuit for perfection.

B．The curiosity of a customer.

C．The requirement from his boss.

D．A bet he made with others.

3. Compared with the regular sushi, the world’s smallest sushi __________.

A．Take more time to make one

B．Unpopular among customers

C．costs more money to buy one

D．needs more expensive materials

4. What do Hironori Ikeno’s words about the Swedish customer show?

A．Diversity of the customers.

B．His lack of experience.

C．Special treatment to foreigners.

D．His sense of achievement.

5 . Pickleball (匹克球) is like a combination of ping-pong and tennis, and attracts many beginners.     1     Here are some pointers on avoiding injuries.

    2     Doing some types of exercise preparation beforehand makes a big difference to prevent injuries. After that, do some arm circles and shoulder rotations (旋转). Hold your arm s straight out from your sides and rotate them in small circles, and then gradually make bigger circles before rotating in the opposite direction. Finish with some leg swings. Stand next to a wall for support, and then swing one leg back and forth, then side to side.     3    

To build coordination (协调), about 15 minutes should be taken to do a few drills. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. and then quickly move side to side.     4     Cross one leg in front of the other. Then quickly move your back leg out from behind the front leg to return to the position you started in. Keep moving side-to-side, crossing and uncrossing your legs in this way.

Choose the right gear (装备), too, including a paddle that is appropriate for your strength level. You may need different shoes for outdoor and indoor play.     5     Protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, possibly with a string or silk tape that helps keep them in place, and sunscreen of SPF 50 or higher.

A．Firstly, assess your fitness level.

B．Repeat those steps with your other leg.

C．It’s quickly becoming a sport of choice for adults.

D．Have extra socks on hand to help prevent foot injuries.

E．When getting started, remember to do warm-up exercises.

F．For the cross-step drill, put your feet shoulder-width apart.

G．With its wild popularity, pickleball-related injuries are growing.

6 . In 1986, King Charles suggested talking to plants, a thought initially mocked but now supported by evidence that plants can detect, react to, and potentially produce sound.

Since plants have been evolving alongside the insects for hundreds of millions of years, Heidi Appel, a botanist and Reginald Cocroft, an entomologist wondered if plants might be sensitive to the sounds made by insects. The researchers recorded the vibrations (声音震动) from caterpillars (毛虫) as they chewed on leaves. Then the plants were exposed to the recorded vibrations while no caterpillars were actually present. The results were striking. Leaves that had been exposed had significantly higher levels of defensive chemicals, making them much harder for the caterpillars to eat. The research may have practical consequences, such as using drones armed with speakers to warn crops of pest threats, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.

Further studies by ecologist Monica Gagliano reveal that plants, like pea plants, can “hear” water through sound, with roots responding to water-related vibrations even when the water is inaccessible. This finding could have implications for preventing damage to sewer (下水道) systems caused by plant roots. The assumption had been that it was leaks that attracted the roots. The solution, she says, might be to invest in pipes that are silent as water runs through them.

Additionally, the study by the team at Tel Aviv University revealed that plants under stress, due to factors like insufficient water or physical damage, make high-frequency sounds, which can be detected even in noisy environments. This opens possibilities for using microphones to monitor plant health in agriculture, potentially aiding farmers in identifying and addressing crop issues.

Despite some questions remaining to be solved, these fascinating discoveries cast new light on plants’ ability to perceive and respond to sounds in their environment. Plants live in a world full of sounds due to human civilization, and it is worth investigating this interesting aspect. Perhaps researchers might even seek funding from King Charles.

1. What was the original reaction to King Charles’s suggestion?

A．Ambiguous.	B．Favourable.
C．Indifferent.	D．Opposed.

2. What practical result may the research by Heidi and Reginald lead to?

A．Introducing drones with speakers to farmers.

B．Applying chemicals to enhance plant growth.

C．Stimulating plants to release anti-pest chemicals.

D．Developing new types of protective pesticides.

3. Why is employing silent pipes suggested?

A．To reduce noise pollution.

B．To protect sewer systems.

C．To improve water transportation.

D．To attract plant roots to accessible water.

4. Which of the following shows the structure of the passage?
P: paragraph

A．	B．
C．	D．

7 . Tai Chi, a gentle martial art originating from China and involving slow movements with a focus on breathing and on what your body is doing in that moment, provides numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Here are five convincing reasons to bring Tai Chi into your routine.

●It’s easy on the body.

Tai Chi offers gentle exercise suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.     1    , as muscles remain relaxed without any stretching or straining. It’s an exercise that can be easily adapted for less able people, including those in wheelchairs.

●It could prevent falls.

A review of studies conducted in 2019 indicated that Tai Chi could lower the risk of falls among older people. Certainly, the emphasis is on balance, with sideways and backwards movements aiding in the strengthening of the muscles necessary for stability.     2    .

●It may boost brain power.   

    3    . Research shows that practising Tai Chi on a regular basis can enhance cognitive abilities in older adults, both those with and without memory issues. Given that it’s considered safe and suitable for the elderly, this is a definite win.

●    4    .

A reduction in stress and anxiety, along with an increase in confidence, is another mental health benefit of Tai Chi, as indicated by research findings, though further research is needed to comprehensively understand and confirm these effects.

●You can do it at home.

Attending classes can be beneficial for receiving structured instruction and connecting with like-minded individuals.     5     , providing an alternative for practicing at home. You’re bound to find one that matches your fitness level and exercise preferences. Practicing Tai Chi at home can also offer unparalleled convenience and flexibility.

A．It has the feel-good factor

B．It can improve heart health

C．The benefits aren’t just physical

D．But there are videos available online too

E．They also improve flexibility and spatial awareness

F．Its low-impact nature minimizes the risk of joint injury

G．You can share experiences with these people face-to-face

8 . Top 4 must-see ancient villages in Beijing

Beijing is a world-famous historical and cultural city with a history of more than 3, 000 years. The rich and profound ancient village culture found in and around the city remains an important part of the capital’s history and culture. Below we recommend 4 must-see ancient villages in the Beijing area as the 2024 May Day holiday approaches.

Lingshui village

Located in the northwest of Mentougou district, Lingshui village was formed in the Liao and Jin dynasties. The ancient dwellings in Lingshui village are a model of rural residential buildings during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) in northerm China, and their original appearance is well preserved. Tourists can explore over 120 folk houses, alongside many cultural relics in the village.

Shuiyu village

Shuiyu village is in Fangshan district. The village was built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With 600 houses and more than 100 sets of courtyard houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties, the original cultural ecology of the village has been well maintained. Facing both north and south, the village is laid out in a circular shape, forming a unique architectural style.

Sangyu village

Sangyu village lies in the north of Mentougou district, Beijing, next to Lingshui village. Prior to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) , Sangyu village was called Sanyu or “encountering” in English, named for the three water channels that meet in the village. Dense mulberry tree forests surround the entire village, and when they bear fruit, purple mulberries light up the village valley.

Malan village

Malan village, which means “horse stable” in English, had a history of keeping horses that dates back to the Ming dynasty. The ancient buildings in Malan village are made of stone and mud. When building and repairing houses in the village, people try their best to maintain their original appearance. There is also an exhibition hall, a row of old houses, as well as 12 gate bridges in the the village.

1. Which village is designed round according to the text?

A．Lingshui village.	B．Shuiyu village.
C．Sangyu village.	D．Malan village.

2. What does Lingshui village and Malan village have in common?

A．They are models of rural buildings.

B．The houses are made of stones and mud.

C．Their original appearance are well maintained.

D．They were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

3. From which column of a newspaper can this passage probably be taken?

A．Nature.

B．Agriculture.

C．Geography.

D．Tourism.

9 . Defeating Daniil Medvedev in New York on Sunday, Djokovic, one of the greatest tennis player, bagging 24 Grand Slam (大满贯) singles titles, equalized the record held by Australian Margaret Court, the same number of singles titles in the all-time count.

With the victory, Djokovic became the oldest US Open men’s singles champion in the Open Era. In total, he has 10 Australian Opens, seven Wimbledons, four US Opens and three Roland Garros titles, making him the only man to win all four majors at least three times. “When I realized that, I started to dream new dreams and set new goals. I never imagined that I would be here talking about 24 Slams,” he said afterwards.

Djokovic reached all finals in the Grand Slams in 2023, and the only loss was at Wimbledon, when Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, 20, brought home the champion after an intense battle lasting four hours and 43 minutes.

Djokovic, at 36, shows few signs of losing physical edge. He stays healthy, keeps exceptional skills and always desires to win more. Capturing his first Grand Slam in 2008, Djokovic bagged half of his 24 major titles after he turned 30.

“One of the biggest lessons I have learned probably mentally throughout my career is that even if you find a formula (方案) that works, it’s not a guarantee, and actually most likely it’s not going to work the next year, so I keep reinventing myself and always trying to find better ways to win,” said Djokovic.

For Djokovic, who always gets tough when the going gets tough, 24 is just a number that he can go beyond. “I’ll continue to prioritize Grand Slams as my most important tournaments and where I want to play the best tennis. That will stay the same in the next season, or I don’t know how many more seasons I have in my legs,” he added, “So, let’s see.”

1. What does the underlined word “equalized” in the first paragraph probably mean?

A．Set.

B．Broke.

C．Levelled.

D．Approached.

2. What can we know about Djokovic according to the passage?

A．He won 12 Grand Slams in his thirties.

B．He won all the finals in the Grand Slams in 2023.

C．He attached the same importance to all the matches.

D．He is the oldest men’s singles champion in the open era.

3. What seems the “secret” of Djokovic’s great achievement?

A．Losing physical edge.	B．Attending more Grand Slams.
C．Following a good formula.	D．Finding flexible and proper strategies.

4. Which of the following can best describe Djokovic?

A．Confident and emotional.	B．Ambitious and devoted.
C．Aggressive and stubborn.	D．Enthusiastic and generous.

10 . Traditions are customs and beliefs that form a part of our culture. They are practiced to remind us of our history and are passed down from generation to generation. Some traditions are interesting and widespread, while others are quite strange and practiced only by a small group of people. Continue reading to dig more into some interesting traditions from around the world.

Smigus Dyngus in Poland

Also known as “Wet Monday”, Smigus Dyngus is a unique tradition practiced in Poland, where people throw water at each other. It is celebrated annually on Easter Monday. The traditional way to do it is for boys to throw water at girls, and it is believed that the girl who receives the most water has the greatest chance of getting married.

Hanging coffins (棺椁) in Sagada, the Philippines

There is an old tradition in Sagada where people hang their coffins in stone caves. It was carried out by the Igorot tribe (部落) of Mountain Province. The people there believe this custom prevents large animals from taking the dead bodies, and also purifies or blesses the departed soul.

The Polterabend custom in Germany

Family members and friends of future married couples meet at dinner, and break a lot of porcelain (瓷器). The couple is then asked to clean up the entire mess. This is supposedly to teach them the importance of unity and hard work, and bring good luck. Germans think this tradition is essential in making marriages last a lifetime.

Boryeong Mud Festival in the ROK

The Boryeong Mud Festival in the ROK is a fascinating and unique celebration that draws crowds from around the world. It is a major cultural event, attracting over a million visitors annually. People participate in various mud-related activities, including mud baths, mud wrestling and even a mud marathon. The festival features live music, food stalls, and wonderful street performances.

1. Why are the coffins hung in caves in Sagada?

A．To pray for good luck.

B．To protect the dead bodies.

C．To ensure a future reunion.

D．To conserve more land resources.

2. Which tradition contributes to a lasting marriage?

A．Smigus Dyngus.

B．Hanging coffins in Sagada.

C．The Polterabend custom.

D．Boryeong Mud Festival.

3. What can visitors do during the Boryeong Mud Festival?

A．Throw water at girls.

B．Learn about Igorot culture.

C．Meet famous people.

D．Enjoy mud baths.