영어 모의고사 (자동 편성)

Psychologists have long studied a mechanism called the variable reward schedule, in which rewards ①arrive unpredictably 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 ②how many they will eventually receive. This uncertainty triggers a small burst of dopamine each time the phone ③is checked, regardless of whether the result is disappointing or thrilling. Consequently, users often refresh their feeds compulsively, ④hoping the next check will finally bring a satisfying reward. What makes this troubling is that technology companies deliberately designed notification systems using insights borrowed from gambling research, rather than ⑤stumble upon them by accident.

A goal should be specific, meaning you describe exactly what you want to do instead of using ①vague words. It should also be measurable, so you can check your progress with clear numbers such as pages read or minutes exercised. Being achievable means the goal ②fits your current situation and is not too difficult to reach. A relevant goal truly ③matters to your life and interests, and a time-bound goal has a clear deadline that pushes you to take action instead of waiting. Setting goals this way turns vague wishes into ④unclear plans, which are much ⑤easier to follow through every single day.

Psychologist Leon Festinger introduced social comparison theory, which explains that people ①evaluate their own abilities and opinions by comparing themselves with others. According to this theory, individuals engage in upward comparison when they measure themselves against someone who appears more ②successful, attractive, or accomplished. For instance, a teenager browsing vacation pictures posted by classmates may begin to feel that her own ordinary life is somehow ③inadequate. Unlike comparing oneself with someone in a similar position, which can sometimes ④boost confidence, upward comparison frequently triggers envy, dissatisfaction, and lower self-esteem. Researchers have found that frequent upward comparison online is linked to ⑤lower depression and anxiety.

Carbon neutrality refers to a state in which the amount of greenhouse gases a country or company releases into the atmosphere is ①balanced 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 ②reduce emissions directly by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. Next, they ③improve efficiency throughout their operations, minimizing the energy wasted during production and transportation. Only after these direct measures have been ④maximized do most organizations turn to offsetting, which involves funding projects like reforestation or carbon capture to compensate for emissions that cannot yet be eliminated. Critics argue, however, that some companies exploit offsetting too early, using it to avoid making genuine reductions. Therefore, experts insist that a ⑤flawed roadmap must always prioritize actual emission cuts before relying on compensation.

Factories that once employed hundreds of workers on an assembly line now run with a ①fraction of that staff, as robotic arms handle tasks that used to require human hands. Economists have long debated whether this shift destroys jobs or simply transforms them. Historical evidence offers some ②comfort: previous waves of automation eventually created new categories of work that no one had predicted. However, critics point out that earlier transitions unfolded over generations, giving workers ③ample time to retrain, whereas today's robots are being deployed at a pace that leaves little room for adjustment. A factory worker displaced this year cannot simply wait for a new industry to emerge decades from now. For this reason, many economists argue that the real ④challenge is not the robots themselves, but the ⑤sluggish speed at which society is expected to adapt to them.

Last New Year's Day, I wrote three goals in my diary: reading more books, exercising regularly, and saving money for a bicycle. Today, exactly one year later, I opened that old page and ①frowned at how much had changed. I did not finish all twelve books I had planned, but I read six, which was still more than the year before. My exercise habit became the biggest ②surprise, since I now run almost every morning without feeling forced. Saving money was ③harder than I expected, since unexpected expenses kept appearing. Still, I saved enough for half of the bicycle, and I felt quite ④proud of that progress. Looking back, I realized that steady effort matters more than reaching every goal exactly as planned, and I stayed ⑤hopeful about what the next year might bring.

Exercise does far more than strengthen muscles and the heart; it also produces measurable changes within the brain itself. During sustained physical activity, the body releases a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which supports the growth of new neurons and strengthens connections between existing ones, particularly in regions associated with memory and learning. Studies comparing physically active students to sedentary peers have repeatedly found that _______________, even when the exercise session ends well before the test begins. Researchers believe that exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients more efficiently, while also reducing levels of stress hormones that can interfere with clear thinking.

On a summer evening, downtown streets often feel 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 _______________. Unlike soil or vegetation, which absorb and release heat gradually, 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 abundant 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 expanding public parks, hoping that additional greenery will absorb less heat than pavement does.

The rise of big data has introduced ethical dilemmas that earlier generations of workers never had to consider. (A) Some believe that strict government regulations are necessary, even if such rules slow down innovation and raise costs for businesses. (B) Others argue that companies can regulate themselves effectively through clear ethical training, without needing heavy-handed government intervention. (C) A single careless decision, after all, can expose the private information of millions of people almost instantly.

Career fairs can be organized in different ways, depending on the school's goals. (A) Other schools invite guest speakers to give talks about their personal career journeys. (B) Some schools focus mainly on company booths and hands-on activities. (C) Whichever method is used, the main goal remains the same: helping students discover new career options.