영어 모의고사 (자동 편성)

Climate scientists frequently warn about tipping points, thresholds beyond which a small additional change ①triggers a large, often irreversible shift in the climate system. Unlike gradual warming, which unfolds steadily over decades, crossing a tipping point can produce dramatic consequences within a short period. For instance, as Arctic ice melts, it exposes darker ocean water that ②absorb more sunlight than reflective ice, accelerating further melting in a self-reinforcing cycle. Similarly, scientists worry that a major ocean current, which currently ③redistributes heat across the planet, could slow dramatically if enough freshwater from melting glaciers dilutes the surrounding seawater. Once such thresholds are crossed, ④restoring the original balance may become nearly impossible, even if emissions are later reduced. Therefore, researchers argue that preventing these transitions ⑤matters more than merely slowing average temperature increases.

On a summer evening, downtown streets often ①feel noticeably hotter than nearby parks or suburban neighborhoods, even after the sun has set. This phenomenon, known as the urban heat island effect, occurs when cities retain more heat than surrounding rural areas because of their dense concentration of asphalt, concrete, and buildings. Unlike soil or vegetation, which absorb and release heat gradually, these man-made surfaces absorb sunlight during the day and slowly ②radiates it back at night, preventing temperatures from cooling. Tall buildings ③packed closely together also block wind, trapping warm air within narrow streets. In contrast, areas with abundant trees and open water naturally ④stay cooler, since plants release moisture that helps lower surrounding temperatures. To reduce this effect, many cities have begun installing rooftop gardens and expanding public parks, ⑤hoping that additional greenery will absorb less heat than pavement does.

The gig economy has grown ①rapidly over the past decade, as digital platforms connect customers directly with independent workers. This model offers clear advantages: workers can choose when and how much they work, providing valuable ②rigidity that traditional employment rarely allows. However, gig workers often ③lack benefits such as health insurance and paid leave, which full-time employees typically receive. Because their income can ④fluctuate sharply from month to month, many gig workers struggle to plan their finances confidently. Governments therefore face growing pressure to ⑤protect independent workers through new policies.

Elite athletes rarely walk up to a free throw line or a golf ball without first performing a highly specific sequence of movements, a habit sports psychologists call a pre-performance routine. Far from being mere superstition, this consistent sequence serves a genuine cognitive purpose. Repeating the same physical and mental steps before every attempt ① broadens an athlete's focus toward distracting thoughts about outcome or crowd noise and away from the specific technical cues needed to execute the skill correctly. Researchers have found that athletes who follow a consistent routine tend to show ② more stable performance under pressure than those who approach each attempt differently. The routine essentially functions as a trigger, cuing the body to shift ③ automatically into a familiar, well-rehearsed state. For this reason, coaches now ④ actively teach young athletes to develop and rehearse individualized routines rather than treating them as ⑤ personal quirks.

When Daniel was a child, he dreamed of becoming an astronaut, yet he assumed such careers belonged only to a handful of government scientists. By the time he entered university, however, the space industry had changed ①dramatically, as private companies began launching satellites and building reusable rockets. Daniel studied aerospace engineering, drawn to the idea that space exploration was no longer ②limited to a few national agencies. During an internship, he helped design a small satellite intended to ③monitor crop health from orbit. He realized that the space industry now needed not only pilots and engineers but also data analysts, technicians, and even lawyers familiar with international space regulations. After graduation, Daniel joined a startup developing lunar landing equipment, a job that ④barely existed when he first imagined his future career. His story shows how commercial space ventures have ⑤closed doors that once seemed impossibly narrow.

Self-driving technology is advancing rapidly, and its impact on the transportation industry is becoming increasingly ①visible. Companies are testing autonomous trucks that can travel long distances without human drivers, potentially ②transforming how goods move across countries. Millions of professional drivers worry about losing their jobs as automation ③spreads through the industry. Experts predict that certain driving jobs, particularly long-distance trucking, may shrink significantly within the next two decades. However, new roles are also ④emerging, including remote vehicle operators who monitor fleets of autonomous trucks. Workers who adapt their skills toward supervising and maintaining these systems are likely to find new opportunities rather than face ⑤employment.

To compensate for their carbon emissions, many individuals and companies now purchase carbon offsets, financial credits that fund projects such as planting trees or building renewable energy plants. The idea is appealing: paying for an equivalent amount of carbon to be absorbed elsewhere should cancel out the harm caused by activities like flying. However, critics argue that this system often functions as _______________. For example, a newly planted forest may take decades to absorb the promised carbon, and it could later burn down or be cut, erasing any benefit. Moreover, some offset projects would have happened anyway, meaning the credits fund nothing truly additional. Therefore, relying heavily on offsets allows businesses to maintain harmful practices while appearing responsible. Experts insist that offsetting should complement, not replace, direct reductions in fossil fuel use if the strategy is to remain credible.

Carbon neutrality refers to a state in which the amount of greenhouse gases a country or company releases into the atmosphere is balanced by the amount it removes, resulting in zero net emissions. Achieving this goal typically requires several sequential stages rather than a single sudden action. First, organizations attempt to reduce emissions directly by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. Next, they improve efficiency throughout their operations, minimizing the energy wasted during production and transportation. Only after these direct measures have been maximized do most organizations turn to _______________. Critics argue, however, that some companies exploit offsetting too early, using it to avoid making genuine reductions. Therefore, experts insist that a credible roadmap must always prioritize actual emission cuts before relying on compensation.

The clothing industry has become one of the largest contributors to environmental pollution worldwide. (A) Fast fashion refers to cheap, trendy clothing produced quickly and replaced almost as fast as it is bought. Because these garments are designed to be worn only a few times, huge amounts of fabric end up in landfills every year, and the dyeing process pollutes rivers near factories. (B) For example, some companies collect old clothes, break down the fibers, and weave them into new fabric, while others let customers rent outfits for special occasions rather than buying garments they will barely wear. These approaches keep resources circulating within the system longer, reducing demand for raw materials. Therefore, shifting from a throwaway habit toward a circular one may be essential for making the fashion industry sustainable. (C) In contrast, a growing number of brands are turning toward the circular economy, an economic model in which materials are reused, repaired, or recycled instead of being thrown away after a single use.

Food choices are increasingly recognized as a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. (A) By replacing just a few meat-based meals each week with vegetables, grains, or legumes, individuals can noticeably shrink their carbon footprint without giving up meat completely. Nutritionists also emphasize that flexitarian eating is easier to maintain than full vegetarianism, because it allows flexibility rather than demanding absolute discipline. Therefore, many environmental groups now promote flexitarianism as a realistic first step, believing that gradual change, rather than sudden restriction, is more likely to spread widely across society. (B) A flexitarian is someone who mainly eats plant-based meals but occasionally includes meat or fish, unlike a strict vegetarian who avoids animal products entirely. This flexible diet has recently gained attention as a practical way to fight climate change, since raising livestock produces a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. (C) Cattle, in particular, release large amounts of methane, a gas far more powerful than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere.