1 . Tickets have gone on sale today for the UK's first festival exploring the impact of forests, bringing together writers, artists, poets, scientists and philosophers for a three-day event in some of England's finest woodlands.

Running from 6-8 July 2024, the festival, called Timber, will be held at Feanedock, a woodland site in the National Forest. The 200-square-mile National Forest, stretching across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire, was the first forest to be created in England for over 1,000 years. It was planted over the course of the 1990s to regenerate a landscape that had been left scarred (伤痕) and abandoned by the closure of the Midlands coalfields.

The festival will feature talks and discussions about the relationship between humans and nature. There will also be a music programme, ranging from campfire performances to three live music stages and DJ sets: the full line-up will be announced early next year.

Timber follows a string of new festivals focused around the debate of specific subjects. In 2023, the first Bluedot festival was held at Jodrell Bank observatory, combining music with a celebration of science, art and technology. Others include Camp Wildfire, a two-day festival of bushcraft and outdoor adventure activities, and Brainchild festival, which celebrates DIY culture and the creative work of young people.

1. What was the condition of the National Forest before the 1990s?

A．A wildfire destroyed parts of the forest.

B．It was a popular location for hosting festivals.

C．The forest suffered from the impact of the coal industry.

D．Extensive tree planting projects were undertaken in the forest.

2. What do we know about Timber Festival?

A．It is a four-day festival.

B．Tickets are not on sale yet.

C．Live music performances are available.

D．The full schedule of activities has been released.

3. If one is to seek adventure, which festival would be the best choice?

A．Timber festival.

B．Camp Wildfire.

C．Bluedot festival.

D．Brainchild festival.

2 . Uplifting words

When you see your friends or loved ones feeling down or being met with some setbacks at school or work, you might want to offer them a pep talk. A pep talk is usually a brief, intense and emotional talk designed to influence or encourage an audience.     1     Just saying what you think the other person wants to hear might not be enough. It requires an understanding of what your audience needs — whether it is simply cheering them up or motivating them to change.

The column offers the following steps towards an effective pep talk.

● Step one is to listen.

Don’t jump right in and insist: “you will be fine.” Show your friend that you understand how they feel and empathize.    2    

● Express care and support.

Show your friend that you believe in them.    3     Talk about their strengths based on your knowledge about them. Saying things like: “you are a very resilient person.” “you are outgoing and friendly.” “You bounce back well.” Avoid general sentences like “you can overcome your fears” or “Time heals”.

● Talk about hope.

You can’t guarantee success.    4     But you can remind the person that he or she has been through a tough time before and gotten through it.

● Be there.

Make sure they know that you will be there for them, follow up with them after the pep talk.

●     5    

Don’t argue if the person disagrees with what you are saying or tells you: “you don’t understand; this time is different.” Tell them: “I’m Sorry, you are having such a hard time.” Then back off.

A．Know when to stop.

B．Be sincere and specific.

C．Carefully choose your words.

D．But giving a good pep talk isn’t easy.

E．Some problems might be out of anyone’s control.

F．Tell them they have what it takes to get through this hard time.

G．Repeat the person’s concerns so he or she feels that they have been heard.

4 . 4 Poetry Collections to Read and Enjoy

In honor of National Poetry Month, celebrated every April, we’re sharing a roundup of poetry collections that have been published within the last year.

Black Girl You Are Atlas
By Renee Watson,
illustrated by Ekua Holmes
Renee Watson, the best-selling author of Ways to Make Sunshine, draws from her childhood for some of these poems, which include haiku and free verse. The subjects range from racial injustice to self-love. The artwork is spectacular.
Ages 12 and up
In and Out the Window
By Jane Volen,
illustrated by Cathrin Peterslund
In addition to being the author of more than 350 novels, Jane Yolen is an esteemed poet. This new collection includes more than 100 of her works on popular childhood topics including school, animals, and sports. One title: “On My Toes: A True Story. ”
Ages 8-12
Poetry Comics
By Grant Snider
illustrated by Leo Dawson
The dozens of short poems in this collection are written and illustrated in comic panels. The book contains four chapters—one for each season of the year. Titles for the spring poems include “Bubbles,” “Balloon Story,” and “Tadpole.” The subjects for the poems feel fresh and fun.
Ages 8-12
She’ll Be the Sky
By Ela Risbridger,
illustrated by Anna Shepeta
Dozens of female poets, including Amanda Gorman, contributed to this collection. Topics range from animals to activism. Most poems are accompanied by a full-page color illustration.
Ages 8 and up
1. Which book is tailored for readers who are over 12 years old?

A．Poetry Comics.	B．She’ll Be the Sky.
C．In and Out the Window.	D．Black Girl You Are Atlas.

2. What is Poetry Comics about?

A．Animals and activism.	B．Four seasons of the year.
C．Popular childhood topics.	D．Racial injustice and self-love.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To fascinate poetry-goers.	B．To advertise 4 poetry collections.
C．To celebrate National Poetry Month.	D．To comment on 4 poetry collections.

6 . The website Books We Love is back with strong recommendations for new books handpicked by its staff, which will interest readers deeper.

Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld

A young child named Finn is sad and does not want to get out from beneath their blanket. His loving grandfather gently convinces him to go for a walk, and Finn gradually appears from his shell as the grandfather points out what’s beneath all the things they see. Beneath the surface of Cori Doerrfeld’s quiet story lies a deep emotional intelligence.

Limitless by Jeanna Smialek

New York Times reporter Jeanna covers the organization the Federal Reserve (Fed) (美联储) and explains how much the Fed affects the lives of ordinary people, which is the key point, and details the changing role of the Fed among worldwide financial crisis. Through human-level storytelling, she makes the Fed’s decision-making feel refreshingly transparent.

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

Has there ever been a better time to read about a charming funny young woman who just can’t seem to get it together? This book follows Eve Brown-a talented cook, extraordinary singer, devoted sister. At the start of the story, she is idle. As her story progresses, Eve winds up (以……告终) learning a lot about herself and what she’s capable of. Besides, her struggle also helps illustrate how rigid and often misguided the expectations of our family, friends and communities can be. “In this sense, the author is also an educator,” a famous editor, Code Switch says.

The Color Purple by Linda Holme

It is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, which is about a love story that begins on the Italian Coast in the early 60s and eventually appears on the screen in Hollywood. As the settings shift from Italy to Edinburgh to Los Angles, you will find yourself longing to go as well. Buy it on Amazon.

1. What can be the topic of Limitless?

A．An important organization.	B．A changing role in the world.
C．The worldwide financial crisis.	D．The Fed’s effect on people’s lives.

2. Whose book could make readers reflect on some educational issues?

A．Cori Doerrfeld’s.	B．Talia Hibbert’s.
C．Linda Holme’s.	D．Jeanna Smialek’s.

3. Which book has been adapted for a film according to the text?

A．Beneath.	B．Limitless.
C．The Color Purple.	D．Act Your Age, Eve Brown.

7 . Knowledge is power, and the more you learn about mental health, the better the position you may be in to help those facing mental health battles. Consider doing the following things to support those closest to you.

Attend a training course

    1    . In fact, anyone can benefit from depression awareness training that focuses on supporting those at risk. You might be a teacher that manages youth or a sports coach wanting to pick up on depression risk signs in your players. You may even be a worried parent who wants to make sure your children can tell you anything. Depression awareness and prevention courses teach you both theoretical and practical skills to recognize warning signs and behaviors.     2    .

Listen

If someone approaches you in their time of need, it’s not always easy to know what you’re supposed to do, and it may be more beneficial for you to just listen.     3    . They may just need to get what they are feeling off their chest and to feel valid at that moment. Try your best not to interrupt, but ask questions if you require clarification. The more listening you do, the better your position in deciding what to do next.

    4    

While being a listening ear is sometimes all someone needs to feel better, you can also become an ongoing source of support. Check in with the person experiencing a mental health problem like depression so that they know you are always there for them. Make contact with them regularly to see how they are feeling. Just knowing someone cares can make a world of difference.

Call emergency services

Your support, guidance, and listening ear can be of great value to anyone going through a tough time.     5    . If someone you know is experiencing self-abuse thoughts or tendencies, don’t delay in seeking emergency help. The faster you act, the safer your friend or family member may be.

A．Check in with them

B．Suggest support services

C．However, it’s essential to know your limits

D．Such a course may just help you to prevent someone’s depression

E．They may not need you to offer solutions or even give them a hug

F．Sometimes, the best thing you can do is encourage them to seek professional help

G．You don’t have to be in a professional health role to attend depression prevention training

10 . It takes eight hours and $250, 000 to get to what remains of the RMS Titanic. On Sunday, five people got into the underwater craft Titan to make that journey. The craft lost contact only an hour and 45 minutes into the eight-day expedition. Later wreckage (残骸) was found matching that of the craft. Despite the danger of traveling some 12, 500 feet below the surface, this was an irresistible opportunity — very few people get to see the Titanic with their own eyes. Actually, dives to the Titanic have been around for more than 20 years.

It wasn’t until 1985 that an expedition led by Robert Ballard and Jean-Louis Michel discovered the Titanic’s final resting place. In July 1986, Ballard placed a memorial on the ship, asking that the site be left undisturbed in memory of the more than 1, 500 people who died there.

But that didn’t happen. Instead, competition over who would be allowed to salvage (打捞) artifacts (文物) from the ship heated up. In part, it was an effort to document and conserve the artifacts - but it was also a rush for profits from artifact sales and public displays.

In 1992, a federal court ruled that TVLP was the first and exclusive salvor of the Titanic. Now known as RMS Titanic Inc. , the company has conducted eight expeditions to the Titanic, and has sold more than 5, 000 objects taken from the site, including jewelry.

While battles for visitation and salvage rights were fought in court, expeditions to the Titanic continued, giving rise to a small but pricey tourist market. Multiple companies offered public tours to explore the Titanic wreck, with prices ranging from $32, 500 to $105, 129 per person over the years. The Titanic was damaged significantly upon impact with the seabed, and slowly, iron-eating bacteria are consuming what remains. In 2019, a dive confirmed huge portions of the ship were collapsing. Today the surrounding site is littered with trash. Visitors have also littered the area with memorials. Attempts to protect the wreck are ongoing. In 2020, the United Kingdom and the United States agreed to work together to grant or deny licenses to people entering and taking artifacts from the site.

1. What is the main idea of the first paragraph?

A．How people explored the Titanic	B．The danger of diving to the Titanic.
C．People’s strong interest in the Titanic	D．The details of Titanic expedition.

2. Why did Ballard put a memorial on the Titanic?

A．To mark the ship for further research.	B．To honor his dead teammates.
C．To celebrate his achievement.	D．To protect the ship’s remains.

3. What motivates the competition over the rights to salvage objects from the Titanic?

A．Scientific exploration	B．Historical research
C．Economic interest	D．Technological development

4. What is the current condition of the Titanic?

A．It is being restored	B．It is being moved to a new place.
C．It is preserved in a museum.	D．It is under united protection.