영어 모의고사 (자동 편성)

Psychologists have long studied a mechanism called the variable reward schedule, in which rewards arrive ①predictably rather than after every single action. Slot machines famously exploit this principle, and social media notifications operate on strikingly similar logic. When someone posts a photo, they cannot predict exactly when likes will appear, nor how many they will eventually receive. This uncertainty triggers a small burst of dopamine each time the phone is checked, regardless of whether the result is ②disappointing or thrilling. Consequently, users often refresh their feeds ③compulsively, hoping the next check will finally bring a satisfying reward. What makes this troubling is that technology companies ④deliberately designed notification systems using insights borrowed from gambling research, rather than stumbling upon them by accident. Such practices raise serious ethical questions about ⑤manipulating users' brains for profit.

On a summer evening, downtown streets often feel ①noticeably 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 ②retain 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 ③instantly, these man-made surfaces absorb sunlight during the day and slowly radiate it back at night, preventing temperatures from cooling. Tall buildings packed closely together also block wind, trapping warm air within narrow streets. In contrast, areas with ④abundant trees and open water naturally stay cooler, since plants release moisture that helps lower surrounding temperatures. To reduce this effect, many cities have begun installing rooftop gardens and ⑤expanding public parks, hoping that additional greenery will absorb less heat than pavement does.

One Saturday morning, Jiho carried a heavy bag of old clothes to the donation box near his apartment. He had grown ①shorter over the winter, so many shirts no longer fit him. At first, he almost threw the clothes into the regular trash without thinking twice. However, his older sister reminded him that ②clean clothes could still help someone else. She explained that donating clothes was like giving a plant a second chance to grow. For example, a jacket he had ③outgrown might keep another child warm this winter. Therefore, Jiho folded each shirt ④neatly and placed them gently inside the box. In contrast to his first careless idea, he now felt ⑤genuinely happy about his choice.

For a class project, I interviewed a local architect who has worked in the field for over fifteen years. She explained that architects must balance creativity with practical concerns like safety and cost. When I asked about challenges, she mentioned that clients sometimes change their minds after a design is finished. Instead of feeling frustrated, she said she tries to ___________. She also advised students to visit construction sites whenever possible, since seeing a real building take shape teaches lessons no classroom can offer.

Writing a personal statement can feel overwhelming, but a few simple strategies make the process easier. First, avoid simply listing your achievements; instead, explain what each experience taught you and how it shaped your goals. Second, use specific examples rather than vague statements, since details make your story more convincing and memorable. Third, keep your tone honest and natural, because reviewers can easily notice writing that sounds forced or overly formal. Remember that a personal statement is not simply a list of accomplishments; it is a chance to ___________.

Automation is transforming labor markets more quickly than economists predicted only a decade ago. Factories once staffed by hundreds of workers now rely on robotic arms that assemble products with remarkable precision, and warehouses use automated systems to sort and deliver packages within a few hours. This shift does not simply eliminate jobs; it also creates roles that never existed before. Technicians who maintain robotic equipment are now in high demand, and engineers who design efficient automated systems are highly valued. Companies that invested early in automation often report ___________, since machines handle repetitive tasks while employees focus on creative problem-solving. This transition, however, also raises concerns about workers whose skills quickly become outdated. Policymakers argue that retraining programs are essential to help displaced workers move into emerging fields.

Facing a shortage of caregivers and a rapidly aging population, several countries have begun deploying robots designed to remind elderly residents to take medication and offer simple conversation. (A) Critics, however, worry that this framing quietly shifts the goal of care, so that a robot's companionship comes to be treated as an acceptable substitute for human connection. (B) Early trials show that many residents report reduced loneliness, particularly when a robot's presence allows a human staff member to spend more time with each patient. (C) Advocates for the elderly argue that robots should be evaluated strictly as tools that free up human time for human contact, never as a replacement for it.

For most of the twentieth century, a library was simply a quiet room full of books, and visitors were expected to stay silent while they searched the shelves. (A) Librarians say this change did not happen by accident, since fewer people needed a library simply to find facts as more information moved online. (B) The answer, in many neighborhoods, turned out to be space itself: a warm, free place where students could study together and children could attend a story hour. (C) Today, many public libraries look completely different, offering group study rooms, comfortable sofas, computer labs, and even small recording studios for podcasts alongside the usual shelves.

Breaking a big goal into smaller pieces can make it much easier to achieve. (A) Over time, these small successes add up, just like bricks gradually forming a strong wall. (B) For example, instead of aiming to master English in a year, try learning just twenty new words in a week. (C) Completing each small step gives you a sense of success, which motivates you to keep moving forward.

I thought for a moment before answering that designing posters for school events always felt exciting. Yesterday, I visited my school's career counselor because I felt confused about my future. ( ① ) I told her that I enjoyed both science and art, but I could not decide which subject to pursue. ( ② ) She listened carefully and then asked me a simple question: what activities make me lose track of time? ( ③ ) She smiled and said that this kind of clue often reveals a genuine interest, more than any test score can. ( ④ ) She suggested that I try combining my two interests by exploring careers such as scientific illustration or product design. ( ⑤ ) Our short conversation gave me a clearer sense of direction than weeks of worrying alone had.