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.

Before making a purchase, most online shoppers now read reviews ①written by previous customers rather than relying solely on advertisements. These reviews, posted by people who have no financial connection to the seller, often ②seem more trustworthy than promotional claims. Research shows that products with a large number of positive reviews ③sell significantly more than those with few or no reviews at all. However, fake reviews written by paid writers or even automated programs ④has become a serious problem, undermining consumer trust. To address this issue, several review platforms have begun ⑤using artificial intelligence to identify suspicious patterns.

As a result, the ads that appear on a person's screen often feel remarkably ①specific, sometimes referencing items browsed only minutes earlier. Supporters argue that this level of precision benefits consumers by ②reducing exposure to irrelevant advertisements and highlighting products they genuinely need. Some researchers have found that people who see highly personalized advertisements make impulsive purchases ③less frequently than those who see generic ones. Because these algorithms operate largely without public oversight, few consumers fully understand how their personal data shapes what they eventually buy. Greater ④transparency, many experts argue, would allow consumers to make more ⑤informed decisions about their own online behavior.

Building brand loyalty has traditionally been considered one of the most valuable goals in marketing, since loyal customers tend to spend ①more and recommend products to others. However, some critics argue that these programs manipulate consumers into staying with a brand out of habit rather than genuine ②satisfaction. Genuine loyalty, they contend, should be earned through consistent quality and honest treatment of customers, not through ③artificial incentives that merely delay a customer's departure. Furthermore, excessive focus on retaining existing customers can cause companies to ④neglect innovation, since they assume loyal buyers will continue purchasing regardless of improvements. Relying solely on loyalty programs without addressing underlying product quality may ultimately ⑤succeed.

When a price is crossed out and replaced with a lower number, consumers instinctively perceive the new price as a ①loss, even if the original price was rarely charged. Limited-time sales further ②intensify this effect, since a ticking clock encourages rushed decisions that leave little room for careful comparison. Retailers also use phrases such as "while supplies last" to suggest ③scarcity, even when inventory remains plentiful. Over time, frequent sales can actually train customers to wait for discounts rather than buy at full price, which can ④hurt long-term profits. Despite this risk, many companies continue relying on sales events because the short-term boost in customer traffic usually ⑤outweighs the potential downside.

Generation Z, typically defined as those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, approaches shopping quite differently from previous generations. Having grown up with smartphones and social media, they research products extensively online before making even small purchases. Unlike older generations, who often valued brand loyalty above all else, many members of Generation Z prioritize a company's values, switching brands easily if one no longer matches their beliefs. They also tend to favor secondhand and resale platforms, viewing sustainability as an important factor rather than an afterthought. Peer recommendations shared through short videos frequently carry more weight than traditional celebrity endorsements. Businesses that fail to adapt to these preferences risk losing an entire generation of potential customers. Consequently, many companies now ___________.

Secondhand trading platforms, once considered a niche market for used goods, have grown into a mainstream part of consumer culture. Rising prices for new products, combined with growing awareness of environmental waste, have encouraged many shoppers to consider used items before purchasing something brand new. These platforms allow individuals to sell clothing, electronics, and furniture directly to other consumers, cutting out traditional retail markups entirely. However, buying secondhand carries certain risks, since items cannot always be inspected closely before purchase, and some sellers misrepresent the condition of their products. To address this problem, many platforms now offer buyer protection programs and detailed rating systems for sellers. As trust in these systems continues to grow, ___________.

Telemedicine, which allows patients to consult doctors through video calls rather than in-person visits, has expanded rapidly since its early adoption. However, critics contend that virtual appointments cannot fully replace physical examinations, which remain essential for detecting certain conditions. Despite such concerns, most healthcare experts believe telemedicine will continue to grow, complementing rather than replacing traditional in-person care. As this shift continues, ___________.

Debates about remote work often focus on how it affects both individual employees and entire organizations. (A) For instance, several surveys show that remote employees report higher job satisfaction and fewer sick days than office-based workers. (B) On the other hand, managers point out that spontaneous conversations, which often spark new ideas, rarely happen when everyone works separately. (C) Some studies highlight clear benefits for workers, showing that flexible schedules reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

주어진 문장: This fear of missing out, often shortened to FOMO, drives many shoppers to act faster than they normally would. Limited-edition products are goods that are released in small quantities for a short period of time. ( ① ) Many companies use this strategy because scarcity naturally increases how much people desire an item. ( ② ) When consumers believe that a product will disappear soon, they often feel pressured to buy it immediately rather than wait. ( ③ ) For instance, a sneaker company that releases only a few thousand pairs of a special design can generate long lines outside stores overnight. ( ④ ) However, this psychological pressure can lead to purchases that are driven by fear rather than genuine need. ( ⑤ ) As a result, some shoppers later regret spending money on products they rarely use afterward.