영어 모의고사 (자동 편성)

As consumers become more aware of global social and environmental issues, many now expect companies ①to take responsibility beyond simply selling products. This expectation has given rise to ethical consumption, in which shoppers consider factors such as fair wages, humane treatment of animals, and environmental sustainability before making purchases. Companies that ignore these concerns risk public backlash, especially when unethical practices are exposed through investigative journalism or social media. Some corporations have responded by publishing detailed sustainability reports, though critics ②questions whether these documents reflect genuine change or merely serve as public relations tools. Real accountability, according to many experts, ③requires independent verification rather than self-reported claims that cannot be easily checked. Consumers, for their part, must also ④remain vigilant, since a company's marketing language does not always ⑤match its actual practices.

Years ago, a small shoe company ①struggled to compete with larger, well-funded rivals in the market. One day, the founder decided to share the story behind the company: how her grandfather had once repaired shoes for factory workers ②who could not afford new pairs. Surprisingly, customers started responding not just to the shoes themselves but to the values the story represented. Sales slowly increased as people felt they ③was supporting something meaningful rather than simply buying a product. Other companies noticed this shift and began crafting their own narratives, ④hoping to create similar emotional connections. Eventually, the founder realized that a compelling story, ⑤told honestly, could turn ordinary customers into loyal supporters.

Influencer marketing has become one of the most powerful tools that companies use to reach young consumers. Unlike traditional advertisements, which often feel distant and impersonal, posts created by influencers seem more like advice from a trusted friend. This sense of closeness, built through years of sharing daily life online, makes followers more willing to trust product recommendations than ordinary commercials. For example, a skincare brand promoted by a popular lifestyle influencer can sell out within hours simply because her audience believes her opinions are honest. Consumers are becoming more ①careless, checking whether reviews are sponsored before making a purchase. In the end, influencer marketing works best when it ②stays ③grounded in ④authenticity rather than mere ⑤popularity.

Limited-edition products are goods that are released in small quantities for a short period of time. Many companies use this strategy because ___________. When consumers believe that a product will disappear soon, they often feel pressured to buy it immediately rather than wait. For instance, a sneaker company that releases only a few thousand pairs of a special design can generate long lines outside stores overnight. This excitement is intensified by social media, where people proudly share photos of items that others could not obtain. However, this psychological pressure can lead to purchases that are driven by fear rather than genuine need. As a result, some shoppers later regret spending money on products they rarely use afterward.

Jina used to fill her apartment with items she rarely used, believing that owning more things would make her happier. After moving twice within a single year, she grew exhausted from packing boxes filled with clothes she had never worn and gadgets she had forgotten she owned. Frustrated, she decided to try a minimalist lifestyle, keeping only objects that served a clear purpose or brought her genuine joy. Gradually, however, she noticed that her small apartment felt calmer and easier to manage. She also realized that she spent significantly less money once she stopped buying things impulsively to fill emotional gaps. Inspired by her experience, several of her friends began adopting similar habits, questioning purchases they once made without thinking. Jina's story reflects ___________.

Modern advertising increasingly relies on personal data collected from users' browsing habits, search histories, and social media activity. Companies argue that this approach benefits consumers by showing advertisements that are more relevant to their actual interests rather than random, generic promotions. However, many critics contend that this level of tracking raises serious concerns about privacy, since users rarely understand how extensively their behavior is being monitored. Some algorithms can predict purchasing decisions before consumers themselves are consciously aware of them, which feels unsettling to many people. Furthermore, personalized advertising can trap users in a narrow bubble, repeatedly showing them similar products and limiting their exposure to alternatives. Given these competing concerns, policymakers must ___________.

주어진 문장: In reality, however, that "original" price was sometimes never actually charged to any customer. Retailers frequently rely on sales events to boost short-term revenue, but the psychology behind these promotions is more complex than simple discounting. ( ① ) When a price is crossed out and replaced with a lower number, consumers instinctively perceive the new price as a bargain. ( ② ) This technique, known as anchoring, shapes how shoppers judge value by comparing prices rather than evaluating a product on its own merits. ( ③ ) Limited-time sales further intensify this effect, since a ticking clock encourages rushed decisions that leave little room for careful comparison. ( ④ ) Retailers also use phrases such as "while supplies last" to suggest scarcity, even when inventory remains plentiful. ( ⑤ ) Over time, frequent sales can actually train customers to wait for discounts rather than buy at full price.

주어진 문장: Many people, once they realize how much unused subscriptions cost them, feel genuine regret. The subscription economy refers to a business model in which consumers pay a recurring fee to access goods or services rather than owning them outright. ( ① ) This model has expanded rapidly beyond entertainment platforms into areas such as clothing, food, and even transportation. ( ② ) One major reason for this growth is convenience, since subscribers no longer need to make repeated purchasing decisions once they sign up. ( ③ ) However, some critics argue that subscriptions encourage people to pay for services they barely use, quietly draining their monthly budgets. ( ④ ) Because canceling often requires several steps, many consumers simply forget to end subscriptions they no longer need. ( ⑤ ) Consequently, experts recommend reviewing subscription lists regularly to avoid unnecessary expenses.

주어진 문장: This influence is so strong that many companies actively encourage customers to leave feedback after each purchase. Before making a purchase, most online shoppers now read reviews written by previous customers rather than relying solely on advertisements. ( ① ) These reviews, posted by people who have no financial connection to the seller, often seem more trustworthy than promotional claims. ( ② ) Research shows that products with a large number of positive reviews sell significantly more than those with few or no reviews at all. ( ③ ) However, fake reviews written by paid writers or even automated programs have become a serious problem, undermining consumer trust. ( ④ ) Platforms that fail to detect these fraudulent posts risk losing credibility with their users. ( ⑤ ) Ultimately, the power of online reviews depends entirely on their perceived honesty.

주어진 문장: This flexibility, however, comes with a hidden cost that many workers overlook. Remote work has moved from a rare privilege to a common practice for millions of employees worldwide. ( ① ) Many companies that once required workers to commute daily now allow them to complete tasks from home. ( ② ) Supporters argue that remote work increases productivity, since employees avoid long commutes and distracting office environments. ( ③ ) It also allows companies to hire talented people regardless of where they live, widening the pool of candidates. ( ④ ) Critics, however, worry that remote work weakens teamwork and makes it harder for new employees to learn from experienced colleagues. ( ⑤ ) Without regular face-to-face interaction, some workers feel isolated and struggle to build strong professional relationships.