1 . We have developed an amazing new tool for anyone trying to learn English as their second language—LBEL. It is committed to helping increase your English listening skills, thus helping you master the English language in a systematic manner.

LBEL comes pre-packed with over 1,500 different topics that you can listen to and practice along with at your own pace. With a wide variety of articles covering massive scenarios (情景) about almost all the aspects of the daily lives, English listening practice has never been easier. But you will soon find the results of English listening practice effectively affect your English listening and even speaking skills.

All the articles that come with the app are categorized. It means that you can practice along with at your own level and pace. You can easily start your listening English practice from the level you’re comfortable in, or work your way straight through the more advanced level articles and conversations.

LBEL also comes with a built-in translator, which helps you understand the lessons more easily and with more clarity. Simply select your language of preference, and all the articles will also be shown in that language to help you better understand what the sentences mean, effectively increasing your English listening and conversation skills.

LBEL is the ultimate tool for anyone looking for help in increasing their English listening skills.

Simply download the app on your device right away, and start increasing your listening skills from anywhere, anytime you want.

1. Who is the app mainly intended for?

A．Those who are weak in listening skills.

B．Those who are skilled in writing articles.

C．Those who are seeking fun ways to learn.

D．Those who are expecting to be a translator.

2. How does the app sort its articles?

A．By different topics.

B．By difficulty levels.

C．By the length of the articles.

D．By the speakers’ speaking speed.

3. What is the text?

A．A news report.	B．An app review.
C．A contest entry.	D．An advertisement.

2 . How to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

It can surely be challenging and a little scary to step out of your comfort zone, but facing unfamiliar challenges can help you feel happier and more fulfilled in the long run. How to grow outside your comfort zone?     1    .

Regard discomfort as progress.

    2    .Whenever you try something new and make a move to step out of your comfort zone, remind yourself that the discomfort you’re feeling is ultimately progress that’s leading you to achieve your goals. Getting comfortable with discomfort is just like exercising a muscle; you have to continuously do it to get stronger and better.

Reward yourself for trying new things.

Treat yourself to stay motivated and energized. For example, whenever you do something that’s out of your comfort zone, buy yourself a small treat, take yourself out to a nice meal, or spend time doing other activities that you enjoy.     3    .

Surround yourself with supportive people.

Ask friends and family for encouragement and support. Tell your closest friends, family members, or partners what you’re trying to do and why.     4    .Whenever you feel hesitant, just know you have a whole team of people ready to celebrate your accomplishments.

    5    .

Get rid of things that’ll give you an excuse not to try something. For example, if your goal is to socialize with more people, turn off your phone when you go to a party or gathering so you won’t be tempted to use it as a distraction. Your environment can block or help your progress, so do what you can to improve it to guarantee success.

A．Adjust your goals in time

B．Your experiences can inspire them

C．Change your environment to help you grow

D．Overcome fear by adopting a positive mindset

E．They’ll be more than happy to get behind you and cheer you on

F．This will motivate you to step out and experience different possibilities

G．Try new activities and gain wide perspectives by following these strategies

3 . While bees have a reputation for doing two things well: pollinating(授粉) flowers and making honey, they rarely receive the credit they deserve for their vital role in keeping a healthy grassland and maintaining a stable climate.

A grassland is one type of ecosystem where bees play multiple important roles. These often-ignored habitats are composed not just of grasses but of a broad community of wildflower species. Without the help of bees, flowering plants would no longer be able to reproduce at the same rate, eventually dying out, and we’d lose these species-rich ecosystems.

This would be a big problem for our planet because unlike the grasses that grow in your local park, native grassland plants have very deep roots that reach 15 feet or more into the soil. While a forest stores the majority of its carbon above ground in a tree’s trunks and branches, most grassland carbon is safely held below ground within these roots. Unlike forests, which lose most of their carbon once their trunks have burned, the carbon within a healthy grassland remains beyond the reach of fire, providing a second line of defense against a changing climate.

A bee’s impact below the soil line doesn’t end with carbon storage. Many bees nest within the soil. These gatherings may include thousands of individual bees, whose nests may go many feet into the soil, providing air and opportunities for water conservation. Where they are found, bees play a significant role in ensuring that soils remain healthy.

Sam Droege, a famous wildlife biologist states that bees will go wherever they are called to-the flowers, plants, and grasslands acting as a homing signal guiding them forth. “They will travel impressive distances to feed on specific species of flowering plants,” says Droege. “We’ve seen that even if the climate changes, the bees will still follow where the plants grow.”

1. Why are bees crucial to a grassland ecosystem?

A．They provide honey for wild species.	B．They can protect grasses from dying out.
C．They change the stability of the climate.	D．They help flowering plants’ reproduction.

2. Where is most grassland carbon stored?

A．In the trunks of the trees.	B．In the roots of the plants.
C．In the surface of the soil.	D．In the flowers above ground.

3. What is the main idea of the fourth paragraph?

A．Where bees can be found	B．Why bees nest underground.
C．How bees help soils stay healthy.	D．Whether bees conserve water.

4. What can be inferred from Sam Droege’s words?

A．Bees are naturally attracted by plants.

B．It is difficult for bees to find enough to eat.

C．People can guide bees to read certain signals.

D．Bees' behaviors change with global warming.

4 . Arriving in Beijing as a 20-year-old girl from Germany, I found skateboarding to be my compass in exploring this vast and unfamiliar city.

My first impression of Beijing was its combination of ancient buildings and modern, futuristic architecture, which provided a variety of skate spots. From historic landmarks to urban malls in commercial districts, each location offered its own set of challenges and opportunities for creative expression. This contrasted with the skate parks back home in Europe, which, while well-designed and functional, lacked the historical depth and aesthetic (美学的) diversity in Beijing.

The skateboarding community in Beijing has also taken me by surprise. I remember the first time going out on a street skating park. I had some concerns initially, fearing that people might keep me, a foreigner, at a distance. However, with locals happy to communicate with me, my worries turned out to be unnecessary.

The first thing that caught my eye was a beautiful backside flip done by Seven, a Beijing skater who was just as welcoming and free-spirited as any skaters I’d met in Europe. It’s this shared passion for skateboarding that bonds this community together tightly across the globe.

In addition, even those outside the skateboarding community show curiosity and enthusiasm for the sport, which impressed me a lot. Passersby, especially the elders and young children, often stop to watch us skate, with some even daring to try it out for themselves. This openness and eagerness for exploration were refreshing for me, and it provided a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchanges and mutual learning.

My skateboarding journey in China has truly been enlightening, one that bridges the gap between Eastern and Western cultures. As I continue to navigate the streets and skate parks of Beijing, I do so with a deeper appreciation for the culture diversity here and the unifying power of skateboarding, which brings people together in the spirit of joy, freedom, and mutual respect.

1. What is special about skate spots in Beijing?

A．The creative design.	B．The historical depth.
C．The modern landmark	D．The commercial function.

2. What worried the author in the beginning?

A．She might be too shy to join others.

B．She might feel lonely in a new place.

C．Locals could be unwilling to interact with her.

D．Locals could be uninterested in skateboarding.

3. What left a deep impression on the author?

A．Seven’s experience in Europe.

B．Children’s exploration in cultures.

C．The elders’ dangerous movements.

D．People’s great passion for skateboarding.

4. What can be the best title for the text?

A．Skateboarding across cultures.	B．Learning skateboarding in Beijing.
C．Exchanging respect among cultures.	D．Making friends in a foreign country.

5 . Time for International Booker Prize again! The novels on 2024 International Booker Prize shortlist (入围名单) cover cultures, styles and the width of human experience and associate us with new sensations and memories.

Not a River by Selva Almada, translated by Annie

Two men and their friend’s teenage son go on a fishing trip. Frustrated after hours of wrestling with a hooked fish, one of them shoots it with a gun. So begins a tale about perseverance, guilt, desire and outsider suspicion.

The Details by la Genberg, translated by Kira

Genberg said that she began writing The Details, “just like the woman in the novel, in a world health crisis in 2020, when I headed to my bookshelf and randomly picked up a book that fell open in my hands. ”It’s a novel related to relationships, connection, memory and time.

What I’d Rather Ponder by Posthuma, translated by Sarah

The narrator is a twin whose brother has recently passed away. Posthuma said the story was inspired by a personal experience when “the one person that I thought would always be there withdrew from my life”. The novel is praised for its “utter truth” and unique writing style.

Crooked Plow by Viera Junior, translated by Johnny

Two sisters are confused by the powers of a knife beneath their grandmother’s bed. With magical and social realism, it illustrates the story of farmers in Brazil’s poorest region. It speaks to the significance of remembering our histories and preserving the land that sustains us.

The winner will be announced on June 21st, 2024. And £50,000 prize money will be divided equally between the author and the translator. Shortlisted authors and translators will share a prize of £6,000.

1. What do Not a River and The Details have in common?

A．They are written in the same style.	B．They deal with diverse themes.
C．They are final winners of Booker Prize.	D．They relate to the author's own life.

2. Which of the four novels shows the importance of land protection?

A．Not a River.	B．The Details.
C．What I’d Rather Ponder.	D．Crooked Plow.

3. How much will the author of the winning novel be awarded?

A．£3,000.

B．£6,000.

C．£25,000.

D．£50,000.

6 . If you’re searching for a new way to work, we’ve put together a list of some great options for you to look into.

SANODESK QS+ electric standing desk       www.sanodeskqs.co.uk

This desk is made from maple wood and primarily designed to be used as a computer desk. It has a white frame and a base made from alloy steel (合金钢) that can hold up to 60kg. This model also has a control button, for adjusting the direction and height of the desk itself, whether you prefer to stand or sit.

YITAHOME electric standing desk             www.yitahome.co.uk

Primarily designed as a computer desk, this model comes with a firm black frame, with more than enough room for a monitor, keyboard and other items. It also includes step-by-step instructions and a toolkit (工具箱) for easy installation (安装). Also featured is an intelligent keypad for height adjustment, which has anti-collision (防冲撞的) technology.

TRIUMPHKEY electric standing desk             www.triumphkey.co.uk

This desk is two-double, with a main desk and an attached monitor shelf. It is designed to have at least 60kg capacity, with an industrial grade steel frame keeping it in place. Also featured are two preset adjustable height settings, ranging from 72cm to 117cm, depending on your preferred working height.

PANANA electric standing desk             www.panana.co.uk

Great for home office use, this electric desk comes in a brown finish, with its top material made from firm iron, with engineered wood as the base material. The desk also has an adjustable height feature and an extra installation instructions, which will let you install it easily.

1. Which brand will you choose if you need to control the direction of the desk?

A．SANODESK QS+.

B．YITAHOME.

C．TRIUMPHKEY.

D．PANANA.

2. Which website can you visit to learn about a desk with a shelf?

A．www.sanodeskqs.co.uk.	B．www.yitahome.co.uk.
C．www.triumphkey.co.uk.	D．www.panana.co.uk.

3. What do the four desks have in common?

A．They are made of steel.	B．They hold at most 60kg.
C．They provide installation instructions.	D．They are adjustable in height.

7 . I have begun every conversation with the usual opening line, “Entschuldigung, mein Deutsch ist noch nicht so gut” since I moved to Hermsdorf, a little village in east Germany in 2015. The purpose was to let the Germans know that they shouldn’t expect me to express more ideas or respond quickly and accurately, so I escape too much conversation with them.

Learning to speak German was not funny for meat all. Even if I could technically write academic (学术的) articles in German, the thought of calling a doctor to make an appointment (约定) would still bring me anxiety. I would stammer (口吃) during small talk with a mother I had never met before, while dressing my one-year-old at kindergarten.

This went on for almost ten years until a month ago. I was at home, telling my husband about a meeting I’d had. As usual, I started the meeting by apologizing (道歉) for my poor German. The lady behind the desk looked at me somewhat confused, “But your German is great.” “She is right, you know,” my husband said. “I don’t know why you still think you speak poor German. OK, it is not perfect, but who cares?” After living in Germany for nearly ten years, why did I still worry so much? I finally saw the light. It was because I was trying to protect my feelings.

Lately, when I sat across from a woman who could be my future boss, I felt anxious about the interview, especially the unavoidable question, “Tell me about yourself.” I really wanted to use my usual opening line, but I didn’t and thought I should trust myself and my German. That afternoon, l was called back to meet the CEO who told me that I was hired, and when we shook hands, she didn’t mention anything about my German skills.

1. Why did the author begin conversations with the usual opening line?

A．She pretended to be polite.

B．She hoped to impress people with her language skills.

C．She wished form or c opportunities to practice German.

D．She wanted to avoid further conversation with Germans

2. How did the author feel when she learned to speak German?

A．Excited and inspired.	B．Anxious and bored.
C．Confident and relaxed.	D．Pleased and satisfied.

3. What made the author worry about her German?

A．Not having confidence in speaking German.

B．Writing academic articles in German.

C．The basic rules of German grammar.

D．Small talks with her friends.

4. Why was the interview mentioned in the last paragraph?

A．To stress the author’s language skills were praised.

B．To illustrate the mental challenges of job interviews.

C．To prove good relationship between the author and the CEO.

D．To show the author’s changes and growth in speaking German.

8 . What’s on

The Grand Expedition

The Grand Expedition combines interactive design and the special “food” theme in one cultural performance. Performers will play various roles such as boat captains and chefs to interact with participants while offering them international dishes to try. The show has experimented with this “food + theater” theme for more than 10 years.

Where: Loire, Paris

When: April 22 to May 1, 2024

Price: From $111

Cyber Rhapsody of Da Vinci

Did you ever imagine one day technology could bring classic master Leonardo da Vinci right in front of our eyes? This data painting exhibition is attempting to achieve just that by using AI. The AI art team OUCHHH has allowed AI to study the works of Da Vinci, Einstein and Galileo.

Where: Uffizi gallery, Florence

When: April 19 to April 28, 2024

Price: From $13

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

This music event is a candlelight concert of classical music. Classical pieces from great composers will be played. The stage, lit with hundreds of candles, will allow audience to take as many photos as they like. With lit candles, great musicians and music, it is an excellent way for people to relax and enjoy music.

Where: Waverley, Edinburgh

When: April 22 to May 5, 2024

Price: From $12

The Playful World of Eric

This exhibition is a solo show for Eric Carle, a US author, designer and illustrator of children's books. Children and parents will definitely have fun at the exhibition. The art gallery showcases 24 illustrations by Eric and 15 interactive activities are available for families, providing visitors a memorable experience.

Where: Wenceslas, Prague

When: April 16 to April 26, 2024

Price: From $13

1. Which of the four events lasts the longest?

A．Cyber Rhapsody of Da Vinci.	B．The Grand Expedition.
C．A Midsummer Night's Dream.	D．The Playful World of Eric.

2. What do The Grand Expedition and The Playful World of Eric have in common?

A．They include interactive activities.	B．They cover a wide range of themes.
C．They provide various kinds of food.	D．They involve role-play games for kids.

3. Where is this text most probably taken from?

A．A review of classic music.	B．An introduction to a book.
C．A guidebook to travelling.	D．A magazine of technology.

9 . Covering over 1,600 square kilometers of England’s most valued lowland landscapes (风景) in the busiest part of the UK, the South Downs National Park has been shaped by the activities of its farmers and foresters, its charities and local businesses. Find out about some events happening across the park.

Benfield Hill City Nature Challenge

If you would like to be part of the global City Nature Challenge which brings together cities and organizations around the world to share observations of nature, we will be holding our own initiative on Saturday, 27th May, on Benfield Hill Local Nature Reserve. Welcome anyone, whatever their level of experience, in supporting us on a fun day of learning and identification of valuable biodiversity.

Green Sketching Workshop

Discover how you can use the process of drawing to look at and notice nature, and as a tool for slowing down and bringing calm to our busy lives. This is not a how-to-draw workshop, but a how-to-see workshop! This focuses on the process of drawing rather than the finished result, which means that everyone, regardless of previous drawing experience, can benefit from the joy of Green Sketching.

Longmoor Through the Ages

Discover more about this vast land and how humans have shaped the landscape around the site. Bring your binoculars (双筒望远镜) as the site is also part of the Wealden Heath Phase Ⅱ Special Protection Area and home to some rare (珍稀的) birds, reptiles and rare species of international importance.

Dawn Chorus Walk

Get up with the birds. You won’t regret setting your alarm as we enjoy the magic of some of our springtime songsters. Shortheath Common sits at the northern extremity of the South Downs National Park and is regarded as a Special Area of Conservation due to the unique ecological landscape. It’s hope to a variety of rare birds, and plant species of international importance.

1. Which of the following most attracts people who want to use painting to show nature?

A．Benfield Hill City Nature Challenge.	B．Green Sketching Workshop.
C．Longmoor Through the Ages.	D．Dawn Chorus Walk.

2. What can people do at Longmoor Through the Ages?

A．Hold meetings.	B．See painting exhibitions.
C．Record the farmers’ songs.	D．Watch some rare animals.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To tell about the history of the South Downs National Park.

B．To encourage donations to the South Downs National Park.

C．To stress the importance of the South Downs National Park.

D．To introduce activities happening across the South Downs National Park.

10 . With mounting evidence that nanoplastic particles (纳米塑料微粒) are in our bodies, there is growing concern over their potential health impacts. Now a new study finds a relation between nanoplastics in the brain and a higher risk for Parkinson’s disease.

Nanoplastics appear when the plastic packaging breaks down into small pieces. These particles can enter the blood and cross the blood-brain barrier, with European researchers reporting earlier this year that in animal experiments, it can take two hours or less for certain nanoplastics to reach the brain after being eaten.

In humans, it’s long been thought that environmental factors play a role in Parkinson’s disease but specific causes are still unclear. The new study from the Duke University School of Medicine details how nanoplastics cause chemical changes in the brain that can, in turn, make Parkinson’s and related types of diseases more likely.

That’s because the nanoplastics attract a protein (蛋白质) called alpha-synuclein, known to play a role in Parkinson’s and related disorders. In lab and animal studies, the plastic’s interaction with it leads to increases in the affected neurons in the brain. This interaction appears related to favorable conditions in which Parkinson’s can develop.

The study authors note that Parkinson’s disease existed long before nanoplastics appeared in the environment, but they think that this “nanoplastics pollution in the human brain” may prove a new poison.

Further, the Duke team led by Dr. Andrew West notes that Parkinson’s disease is among the fastest growing nervous diseases in the world, even as the amazing amount of plastic pollution builds across the planet. This is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

“The technology to monitor nanoplastics is still at the earliest possible stages and not ready yet to answer all the questions we have,” West said. “But hopefully efforts in this area will increase rapidly, as we see what these particles can do in our experiments.”

1. Where is the text most probably taken from?

A．A product advertisement.

B．A science journal.

C．An art magazine.

D．A travel brochure.

2. What is paragraph 4 mainly about?

A．The conditions leading to Parkinson’s.

B．The cause of alpha-synuclein’s appearance.

C．The principle of nanoplastics’ impact on Parkinson’s.

D．The difference between Parkinson’s and related disorders.

3. What can be inferred from West’s words in the last paragraph?

A．Plastic pollution will by no means be avoided.

B．Nanoplastics are impossible to deal with at present.

C．Fewer people will suffer from Parkinson’s in the future.

D．More efforts in the study of nanoplastics will be put in.

4. What is a suitable title for the text?

A．Nanoplastics can enter the brain through blood

B．Nanoplastics may promote Parkinson’s disease

C．Alpha-synuclein plays a role in Parkinson’s disease

D．Nanoplastics will do serious harm to human health