1 . How to Improve Your Sense of Self-worth
Self-worth is a key factor when it comes to your mental and physical health. Stress, depression and anger have all been shown to pave the way to illness and disease.
Let yourself off the hook. As the saying goes, it is better to try something and fail than to not try anything. Focus on goals that are linked to activities you are interested in. Don’t care about whether or not you achieve your goal in full, just enjoying the process.
Keep your body healthy. Eat a balanced diet and stay physically active to keep your body in good shape. You will look better, feel better and have more energy for new activities.
Be aware of your advantages.
If you feel good about yourself, have a positive outlook and stay active and involved, you’re more likely to be happy and healthy.
| A．Rebuild your identity. |
| B．Find out your original roles. |
| C．These emotions influence your self-worth. |
| D．You will enjoy a sense of purpose and pleasure from it. |
| E．Remind yourself of your best qualities and make a list of them. |
| F．But a healthy level of self-worth can deal with life’s challenges well. |
| G．Therefore, increasing your self-worth with these methods is necessary. |
2 . The health of our oceans is related to the planet’s overall environmental condition, with ocean currents (洋流) playing a key role in reflecting Earth’s climate. A recent study has shed new light on the impact of rising ocean temperatures on one of these vital current systems.
This significant research provides the first documented proof of a significant slowdown in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation or AMOC (大西洋经向翻转环流). Alexey Mishonov and his team dive deep into the data in NOAA’s World Ocean Atlas to track down the AMOC’s performance over time. Their findings reveal a change: from 1955 to 1994, the AMOC’s flow remained unchanged. However, starting in the mid-1990s, a marked decline in its strength was observed, with a striking reduction in its speed.
Mishonov explains the signs of weakening circulation in Atlantic ocean currents, stating, “If AMOC slows down, the heat exchange will be reduced, which in turn will affect the climate, causing hot areas to get hotter and cold areas to get colder.” This imbalance could have far-reaching effects on global climate patterns, possibly leading to more extreme weather conditions, rising sea levels, disorders to marine (海洋的) ecosystems, and a mass of other climate feedbacks.
Mishonov’s research also touches on the cultural spirit, referring to the dramatic description of a similar scene in the 2004 disaster movie The Day After Tomorrow. While he stated that the film’s scenes with explosive effects is highly exaggerated and not supported by the scientific community, the hidden message—that a significant slowdown in the AMOC could lead to great and unpredictable climate changes—resonates with (与……共鸣) many experts.
As the scientific community continues to uncover the mysteries of our oceans, the significance of Mishonov and his workmates’ work cannot be overstated. Their research contributes to our understanding of the relationship between ocean currents and global climate.
1. How was the research carried out?| A．By referring to huge data. | B．By recording ocean movements. |
| C．By modeling the ocean currents. | D．By doing practical experiments. |
| A．The increased heat exchange has an impact on the climate. |
| B．Rising sea levels from climate change could be prevented. |
| C．The slowdown of AMOC leads to extreme climate conditions. |
| D．The heated temperature may quicken the movement of the ocean. |
| A．To stress how scientific the story is. |
| B．To warn people of uncertain climate change risks. |
| C．To criticize the exaggerated threat in the movie. |
| D．To draw attention to the explosive effects of the movie. |
| A．The AMOC: A Potential Risk to the Earth |
| B．Ocean Currents: The Very Signals of Our Planet |
| C．Water Temperature: A Lasting Unavoidable Change |
| D．Climate Change: An Increasing Concern Around the World |
3 . With stories about legends, romance and superpowers, Chinese online literary works are gaining a growing global readership.
Online literature, or web literature, refers to a new literary form created and published in a digital format (格式) on the Internet, which can include novels, poetry or prose. It mainly consists of original works which are posted onto a website previous to any type of physical publication in book form. Authors are free to build their stories on online reading platforms, which are usually update d on a daily basis. Fans log on to platforms, reading the latest content and paying for it. On online reading platforms, readers not only rank books based on their plot, word building, translation, but they also interact with the author.
Chinese web novels are popular among young Chinese, who share similar reading preferences with their overseas counterparts (相似的人). Popular Chinese web novels adopt the styles of Western fantasy novels which are familiar to Western readers, who also find freshness with elements from traditional Chinese culture. By the end of 2022, more than 16, 000 Chinese online works of literature had been exported abroad, reaching over 150 million readers outside China.
As a literature scholar who took notice of the phenomenon, Noah Forrin noticed the growing number of local writers overseas on WebNovel. He said they understand the preferences of the locals and are well aware of the taboos of their culture so that they can decide what can be included in their writing and what should be avoided, while having the potential to create popular online works for local readers using the production system of Chinese online literature.
The young scholar has full confidence for the future of online literature, since both the literary circle and readers are pushing authors to write better works. He believes adaptations to films, TV dramas, and games will also boost (促进) the development of online literature. “For now, Chinese online literature is seizing the moment, but other countries and cultural circles will join in, bringing about changes worldwide,” said the young scholar.
1. What can we learn about online literature?| A．Its off-line version is published earlier. | B．The authors usually update their works weekly. |
| C．It is a digital literary form with various types. | D．The readers can give comments and adapt the works. |
| A．Western literature is gradually losing its freshness. |
| B．Westerners are crazy about traditional Chinese culture. |
| C．The novels combine Western styles and Chinese elements. |
| D．Readers overseas have the same reading habits as Chinese readers. |
| A．Something unacceptable. | B．Something hidden. |
| C．Something unnoticed. | D．Something available. |
| A．To explain the features of online literature. |
| B．To show the popularity of Chinese online literature. |
| C．To introduce different attitudes to Chinese online literature. |
| D．To compare Chinese online literature with that of Western countries. |
4 . Fu Zai, a lovely corgi only six months old who has been trained to be China’s first corgi police dog, made his debut (亮相) during the opening day of a police camp in Weifang, Shandon g Province.
His debut once again hit people’s fixed idea that “little short legs” cannot join the police force. Unlike those long-limbed dogs full of strength and energy, Fu Zai quickly went viral online thanks to his symbolic smile, special short legs and excellent explosion device-seeking abilities.
As a reserve police dog, Fu Zai faces a “heavy workload”: training is scheduled for every morning and afternoon, involving a variety of subjects, such as obedience (服从) exercising, bomb search, sniffing techniques and so on. Throughout the whole process, Fu Zai stood out and outperformed many of his peers at two months old.
However, some have doubted whether this adorable police dog can actually be qualified. In the face of questioning, Fu Zai performed well thanks to its unique advantages in the training. “His strong environmental adaptability, his desire for possession (拥有) of items and his fondness of food are particularly beneficial to our training,” said Wang Yanan, head of the police dog base of the Weifang Public Security Bureau.
“Police dogs are cute, but trainers have done a lot of work and effort to train them,” said Wang. “After a period of further training to adapt to the complex environment, Fu Zai is sure to be appointed and given missions.”
Following four months of training, Fu Zai now can take advantage of his short legs to directly search beneath the car and easily search narrow spaces. He can also improve interactions between police dogs and the public because of his appearance.
1. What should police dogs be like in people’s mind?| A．Energetic and fierce. | B．Smart and cute. |
| C．Devoted and calm. | D．Long-legged and strong. |
| A．He has become a qualified police dog. | B．He can adapt to the surroundings easily. |
| C．He performed best in the training process. | D．He met some problems due to his short legs. |
| A．Confident. | B．Serious. | C．Interested. | D．Concerned. |
| A．Every man has his faults. | B．A good dog deserves a good bone. |
| C．Good things come to those who wait. | D．Never judge a book by its cover. |
5 . 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. |
| A．www.sanodeskqs.co.uk. | B．www.yitahome.co.uk. |
| C．www.triumphkey.co.uk. | D．www.panana.co.uk. |
| A．They are made of steel. | B．They hold at most 60kg. |
| C．They provide installation instructions. | D．They are adjustable in height. |
6 . In 2019, after retiring from her career as a social worker, Ane Freed - Kernis decided to build a home workshop and devote all of her free time to stone carving. “I might be covered head to to e in dust but I’m happy — it was something I needed more of in my life when I hit 60,” she says.
This appeal has its origins in Freed - Kernis’ childhood. Growing up on her father’s farm in Denmark, she used to wander through the fields with her eyes fixed on the ground, looking for stones to add to her collection. “I’ve always been drawn to the shapes and textures (质地) of stones,” she says.
After moving to England in 1977 and training as a social worker, Freed - Kernis soon became occupied with her busy career and the demands of raising her son. Stones were the last thing on her mind, until her father died in 2005. “He took a stone carving course in his retirement, and I always thought stone seemed so fun but never had the time to look into it myself,” she says. “After he died, I became determined to learn in his honour.”
Signing up for a week-long stone carving course at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Freed-Kernis began to learn how to turn a block of rock into well-designed shapes. “It was really scary at the start because you would spend hours just hammering (锤打).”
Now 65, Freed-Kernis has a thriving small business built largely through word of mouth. She creates 12 to 15 pieces a year that can take anywhere from a few days to three weeks to complete, while her prices range from £ 200 to £ 3,000. “I’m making smaller ones,” she says. “I don’t have to depend on the money much, so I want to keep prices in the range that people can afford, mainly just covering costs and labour (劳动力).”
1. Freed-Kernis was first attracted by stones when ______.| A．she was 60 | B．she was a child |
| C．her father died | D．she moved to England |
| A．She never cared about her father. |
| B．She led a disappointing life in Denmark. |
| C．She spent lots of time studying stone carving. |
| D．She learned stone carving under the influence of her dad. |
| A．Hopeful and proud. |
| B．Confident and satisfied. |
| C．Nervous and frightened. |
| D．Impatient and unprepared. |
| A．They are easier to move by her. |
| B．They are more affordable to people. |
| C．She wants to save costs and labour. |
| D．She is too old to focus on making large ones. |
7 . In San Francisco, a large group of sea lions move themselves out of the bay waters and hang out on PIER 39, which is a popular tourist destination. According to dock (码头) officials, this is the most sea lions seen in the region in 15 years.
“Over 1,000 sea lions have been counted this week,” PIER 39 harbormaster Sheila Chandor told many different media. “The surge in sea lions is usually a good sign of their strong population and healthy living environment,” said Adam Ratner, Director of Conservation Engagement at the Marine Mammal (海洋哺乳动物) Center in Sausalito, California.
“California sea lions are sentinels (哨兵) of the ocean,” Ratner said. Their population to some extent reflects the health of the ocean. Therefore, seeing a large number of California sea lions is clearly a good thing.
For nearly 35 years, the slippery (滑的) residents have been a star attraction for tourists. That autumn in 1989, PIER 39 had just been repaired, but the ships had not yet been moved back. At that moment, the sea lions unexpected arrival not only attracted fans but also created enemies. According to a website, some dock residents and workers were scared away by the strong and very unpleasant smell and noise of their new neighbors, while others saw these animals as a bright spot after the destructive Loma Prieta earthquake.
The officials sought help from the Marine Mammal Center to find a way to deal with sea lions. Ratner said that the final decision is to let the sea lions stay and coexist with humans. “The fact proves that this is really a good thing,” he said. “This is just a proof of how we can truly work together and think about how we can share our coasts with marine mammals and other wildlife in a way that benefits all the parties involved.”
1. How does the author start the text?| A．By describing a situation. |
| B．By answering a question. |
| C．By holding a conversation. |
| D．By comparing different opinions. |
| A．Sharp increase. | B．Tight control. |
| C．Slow development. | D．Sudden movement. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Uninterested. |
| C．Supportive. | D．Unclear. |
| A．Sea lions are pretty cool animals. |
| B．Animals and humans can live in harmony. |
| C．Watching sea lions might not be a proper action. |
| D．Sea lions should be driven out of PIER 39. |
8 . 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 ChallengeIf 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 WorkshopDiscover 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 AgesDiscover 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 WalkGet 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. |
| A．Hold meetings. | B．See painting exhibitions. |
| C．Record the farmers’ songs. | D．Watch some rare animals. |
| 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. |
9 . Roommates can provide support, creating a shared space where memories are made and challenges are faced together.
Have a discussion of your living arrangement. How are you paying rent? What’s your guest policy (政策)?
In a shared living arrangement, it’s perfect for everyone to feel free to express their concerns and opinions without fear of judgment (判断). To do this, encourage open-mindedness and active listening. Avoid making assumptions (假设), forcing your opinions on others and not thinking about others’ views.
Learn from themLiving with a roommate is a unique opportunity to meet someone with a very different background from yours.
| A．Where do you come from |
| B．Figure out your shared interest |
| C．Should you create a cleaning schedule |
| D．Even if you’re not best friends with them |
| E．Create a free and non-judgmental environment |
| F．Having a good roommate can be a great experience |
| G．It’s okay to share space with friends who are polite and responsible |
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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 |
