1 . In the past, jobs were about muscles. Now they’re about brains, but in the future, they’ll be about the heart. – Minouche Shafik, the president of Columbia University

LinkedIn researchers recently looked at which skills any given job requires and then identified over 500 likely to be affected by generative A.I. technologies. They then estimated that 96 percent of a software engineer’s current skills — mainly in programming languages — can eventually be possessed by A.I. Skills associated with jobs like legal associates and finance officers will also be highly exposed. In fact, given the broad impact A.I. is set to have, it is quite likely to affect all of our work to some degree or another.

Circling around this research is the big question emerging across so many conversations about A.I. and work, namely: What are our core capabilities as humans?

If we answer this question from a place of fear about what’s left for people in the age of A.I., we can end up admitting a diminished view of human capability. Instead, it’s critical for us all to start from a place that imagines what’s possible for humans in the age of A.I. When we do that, we find ourselves focusing quickly on people skills that allow us to cooperate and innovate in ways technology can intensify but never replace.

A recent Jobs for the Future survey found that 78 percent of the 10 top-employing occupations classified uniquely human skills and tasks as “important” or “very important.” These, commonly referred to as soft skills, include building interpersonal relationships, negotiating between parties and guiding and motivating teams.

Now is the time for leaders, across departments, to develop new ways for students to learn that are more directly tied to where our economy is going, not where it has been. Critically, that involves bringing the same level of preciseness to training around people skills that we have brought to technical skills.

Ultimately, for our society, this comes down to whether we believe in the potential of humans with as much belief as we believe in the potential of A.I. If we do, it is entirely possible to build a world of work that not only is more human but also is a place where all people are valued for the unique skills we have, enabling us to deliver new levels of human achievement across so many areas that affect all of our lives.

1. According to LinkedIn’s recent research, __________.

A．soft engineers are required to identify 500 languages

B．A.I. will replace humans in jobs requiring certain skills

C．we humans underestimate the impact A.I. is set to have

D．A.I. technologies are to influence research to some degree

2. Which of the following is “a diminished view of human capability” (paragraph 3)?

A．Humans are losing control of the world.

B．Technology intensifies humans’ cooperation.

C．Humans outsmart A.I in terms of critical thinking.

D．A.I. and humans are similar in their ability to innovate.

3. Leaders in different departments are advised to __________.

A．teach students unique technical skills	B．develop students’ soft skills for their future
C．remind students where our economy is going	D．build healthy interpersonal relationships with students

4. According to the writer, what is the core factor of human development?

A．Practical value set on skills.	B．Firm belief about A.I. technologies.
C．Decisive effects brought by A.I.	D．Confidence in our potential.

2 .

FAQs on preparing your Application
Q: Should I target my Application to a specific Job Opening (JO)?
A: Yes. Naturally, a customized cover note will also help you focus on the key aspects of your Application that relate to the JO, but it is also in your interest to target the Application according to the responsibilities and competencies of the position.
Q: What’s the difference between duties and achievements?
A: Duties describe the specific responsibilities of your job. They accurately reflect what you are doing or have done in each of your previous jobs. In other words, it is the “what you do” of your job. Achievements describe in specific terms “how well” you did in your job.
Q: Many of my achievements are team-based, how do I draft them in my Application?
A: You should include your team-based achievements in your Application. Indicate that you were part of a team, and describe your specific role in reaching the goal.
FAQs on general Application guidelines
Q: Can I save my Application?
A: Yes. You should save your Application when you make changes and/or update it. It is recommended that you save different versions of your Application in Word format and then edit the Application online according to the post for which you are applying.
Q: Can I update my Application to apply for a new JO?
A: Yes. Each time you apply for a new JO, we recommend that you review your Application and update it, if appropriate, or target it to better reflect your suitability for the new JO. Your updates will not affect the content of Applications previously submitted against other JOs.
Q: Must I use up all the available characters in each section of my Application?
A: No. In fact, doing so may result in an unnecessary lengthy Application. Unless you have an enormous range of experiences, there is no reason to use up all the space given. Applicants are encouraged to list their duties and achievements in a clear and brief manner.

1. Which of the following descriptions best shows your achievements?

A．I’ve developed various interests, ranging from oil painting to designing model.

B．I’m good at creating proposals for new product ideas aimed at a specific market.

C．I’m in charge of the clearance, production and distribution of information material.

D．I succeeded in directing a video presentation, assisting our group to win the first prize.

2. If you want to apply for another JO, you’d better __________.

A．target your focus on your interest in the JO

B．save your latest application in Word format

C．prepare one application with all your competencies

D．update your application to match new requirements

3. Applicants are expected to __________ in their applications.

A．introduce what JOs they have previously applied to

B．list the greatest achievements they have made in detail

C．give key information about their experiences and achievements

D．provide the results of their tests, assessments and examinations

3 . My son, Ben, died when he was 23. The year after his death, I hiked 48 of the state’s tallest mountains in his memory. Every step, path and peak has been a way to restore.

About a month after his death, my husband and I hiked Carter Dome and Mount Hight, sorrow weighing heavy in our hearts and legs. Standing on the peak, I looked out across the mountains my son loved. For a moment, the heavy blow brought about by Ben’s death faded into the timeless expanse, and I could breathe.

The next weekend found us on Mount Moosilauke. Then Mount Cannon, Mount Flume, Mount Liberty and so on. It was a series of firsts, of struggles and overcoming them — climbing at night, climbing slides and rocks, camping alone, finding paths and planning routes.

Six days before the anniversary of Ben’s death, I hiked my 48^th and final peak: Mount Carrigain. As I stood on the observation platform at the peak, I found the essential truth I had been grasping to express for months: The only place that feels vast enough to hold sorrow this deep and wide is the top of a mountain, looking out into forever.

These days, I hike not to hide, but to seek. I find Ben, but I also find myself: someone broken, now braver and more capable. The forced isolation of sorrow becomes the welcome loneliness of the path; the peace of nature replaces the pain of loss. Hiking is both exhausting and exciting, and it teaches us that sorrow and joy can coexist.

But there’s another, possibly more important truth: A hike is not the only way to find the peace of the natural world; a simple walk along a park path can have a similar effect. The internal journey of sorrow mixes with our steps, and we find comfort along the way.

1. How did the writer feel after climbing Carter Dome and Mount Hight?

A．Doubtful.

B．Relieved.

C．Sad.

D．Terrified.

2. After hiking the 48 peaks, the writer learned that __________.

A．it was possible to live with both sorrow and joy

B．it was the isolation of sorrow that exhausted her

C．only by overcoming struggles could one survive

D．the peaks were proper places to remember someone

3. What does the writer imply in the last paragraph?

A．Walking works best for those in sorrow.	B．We can plan our internal journey as intended.
C．What counts is to make peace with ourselves.	D．People tend to hike in parks to seek comfort.

4. Which of the following is the best title for the passage?

A．The Heavy Steps That Led Me To Peaks	B．The Mountains That Held My Sorrow
C．The Journeys That Frustrated Me	D．The First Struggles That Empowered Me

4 . My father decided to start learning French when he was 57. On the surface, his retirement hobby seems a little random — our family has no connection to French-speaking countries — but his ______ ran deeper than a passion for cakes. My grandmother developed signs of Alzheimer’s disease (阿尔兹海默症) in her early 70s, and studies suggest that being bilingual, that is, being able to speak two languages equally well, can ______ the start of the condition by up to five years. Drawn by that ______ benefit, many people have attempted to pick up a new language in adulthood.

Lots of activities are linked to better brain health in old age, like getting more education when you’re younger and physical activity. Experts say regularly speaking multiple languages may be especially ______ though. “We use language in all aspects of daily life, so a bilingual brain is ______ working,” said Mark Antoniou, a professor at Western Sydney University who specializes in bilingualism.

The age at which you learn another language appears to be less important than how ______ you speak it. The cognitive (认知的) benefit is from having to ______ your mother tongue, which your brain is forced to do if you’re trying to recall the right words in another language. So if the second language is used a lot, you’re getting that cognitive ______. That process is called cognitive inhibition. In theory, by improving these types of processes, the brain becomes stronger to the ______ caused by diseases like dementia. The stronger your mental power, the thinking goes, the longer you can function normally, even if your brain health starts to ______.

However, evidence for the benefits of learning a second language as a hobby in your 60s is ______. Research by Dr. Antoniou and colleagues found that while Chinese adults 60 and up improved on cognition tests after a six-month language learning program, people who played games like Sudoku did as well. Two more recent studies on the topic found virtually no ______ in cognitive performance after people took part in language-learning programs.

The scientists who conducted those studies offered a few potential ______. One is that the participants were highly motivated volunteers, who may have already been at peak performance for their age, making it hard to see any ______. Another is that the language interventions were perhaps too short. The handful of studies looking into the issue have used language lessons that were very different in their ______ and frequency. Some studies taught participants for eight months, others for just one very intense week.

1.

A．affection

B．contribution

C．motivation

D．struggle

2.

A．delay

B．prevent

C．signal

D．stimulate

3.

A．additional

B．educational

C．lasting

D．potential

4.

A．beneficial

B．common

C．impractical

D．rare

5.

A．carelessly

B．constantly

C．creatively

D．delicately

6.

A．long

B．often

C．soon

D．well

7.

A．command

B．practice

C．restrict

D．spread

8.

A．function

B．psychology

C．system

D．training

9.

A．damages

B．operations

C．pains

D．signs

10.

A．decline

B．improve

C．matter

D．restore

11.

A．available

B．mounting

C．stronger

D．weaker

12.

A．difference

B．involvement

C．point

D．reduction

13.

A．applications

B．explanations

C．findings

D．suggestions

14.

A．diversities

B．improvements

C．outcomes

D．possibilities

15.

A．content

B．intention

C．length

D．requirement

5 . Picture this: you’re out to dinner with a friend who you know makes a lot more money than you do. When you open the _________, your heart sinks. There’s not a dish in sight that is less than $35, and even a soup is going to run you $18. You probably vow (发誓) to _________ dollar pizza slices the rest of the month to balance out this dinner. _________, this time, what if you just turned to your friend, closed the menu, and said, “Sorry, I have to be honest. I can’t afford this. Let’s go somewhere else?”

That’s the idea behind “loud budgeting”, a trend that could not only relieve you of the _________ burden, but help you deal with these sorts of stressful situations both mentally and emotionally. In an age when everybody is showing off nice things on social media and _________ to be something they’re not, it feels somewhat revolutionary to just tell the truth about what you can’t afford.

The term was first introduced by TikTok (抖音) comedian Lukas Battle. Battle explained his concept in an interview: simply put, loud budgeting is being _________ about what you do and don’t want to spend money on. Since his video, the concept has caught on rapidly among the _________, who are pointing out that it has come at a significant time when everything is uncontrollably expensive.

It’s not just a TikTok thing though. Even those in the financial services industry are on board with the _________. Nikolina Cuca, a financial advisor, says that she’s seen social media add pressure to her clients, causing them to spend _________ on luxury items. “There should be no shame about trying to match your spending to your means. This trend helps young people moderate spending by __________ the idea of living within budgets.”

Beyond just saving money, loud budgeting is also bringing people closer. Honest money talks lead to greater respect among friends and family. By __________ discussing money goals, people are creating stronger bonds based on mutual understanding for each other’s financial situations. And perhaps the most valuable part of the loud budgeting trend is that it provides a sense of __________. For example, if you tell a friend you are trying to cut back spending on drinks out, you are much __________ to stick with the goal than if you just keep it to yourself.

With its focus on being open, spending wisely, and building __________, loud budgeting is more than just a passing trend, but a cool way for the younger generation to __________ their finances. As more people adopt this approach, it is likely to stay a big part of how we handle money in the future.

1.

A．door

B．menu

C．bill

D．wallet

2.

A．appeal to

B．lead to

C．stick to

D．object to

3.

A．Otherwise

B．Meanwhile

C．Therefore

D．However

4.

A．financial

B．cultural

C．physical

D．economical

5.

A．refusing

B．pretending

C．agreeing

D．guaranteeing

6.

A．worried

B．angry

C．honest

D．excited

7.

A．male

B．female

C．young

D．old

8.

A．tradition

B．truth

C．treasure

D．trend

9.

A．below their standards

B．beyond their means

C．towards their goals

D．despite their differences

10.

A．normalizing

B．criticizing

C．memorizing

D．visualizing

11.

A．endlessly

B．intelligently

C．openly

D．formally

12.

A．belonging

B．accountability

C．flexibility

D．rigidity

13.

A．less motivated

B．less equipped

C．more hesitant

D．more likely

14.

A．connections

B．business

C．habitats

D．reputation

15.

A．lose faith in

B．take charge of

C．do away with

D．make up for

6 . The year ending, it’s time to do my charity donations. I pick up my pen, but instead of writing the checks, I just hold it, _______.

Last week, two websites I wrote for said they decided to“_______cautiously for the gloomy market” . Yesterday I was e-mailed from the magazine I frequently _______, saying no more articles. Although my part-time teaching helps pay the _______, I haven’t got as many calls lately. To save money, the board is _______schools, meaning fewer teachers are needed.

So, can I really _______to give to charity? Doesn’t charity begin at home? My home. I could be tempted to _______ my check book by those thoughts, but I don’t.

My house is worth less now than it was for the _______market, but I still own it. Since I’m not looking to sell, I can wait until the economic _______ends. My fridge isn’t bursting with food, which I regularly donate, but some friends aren’t as ________. One lost six teenth because she couldn’t afford ________ care while I just had one repaired. Yes, the bill ________almost as much as the operation did, but the pain ________ soon.

Suddenly, I feel so lucky and rich that I hold my pen determinedly and write ________. Future is unpredictable, but now I can share my good ________ with others. Charity beginning at home shouldn’t stay there.

1.

A．desperately

B．firmly

C．hesitantly

D．freely

2.

A．improve

B．proceed

C．express

D．search

3.

A．stuck to

B．subscribed to

C．turned to

D．contributed to

4.

A．bills

B．taxes

C．rents

D．tips

5.

A．rebuilding

B．supervising

C．closing

D．assisting

6.

A．promise

B．afford

C．hope

D．bear

7.

A．close

B．open

C．consult

D．tear

8.

A．active

B．bright

C．dull

D．stable

9.

A．development

B．growth

C．reform

D．depression

10.

A．miserable

B．awkward

C．lucky

D．cheerful

11.

A．facial

B．dental

C．special

D．additional

12.

A．hurt

B．piled

C．came

D．reduced

13.

A．added up

B．took over

C．wore off

D．broke out

14.

A．articles

B．reviews

C．receipts

D．checks

15.

A．experience

B．fortune

C．quality

D．story

7 . On a sunny morning, I walked casually through the park, savoring the gentle breeze, with the simple desire to locate a quiet spot for a good book. Little did I know that an unexpected encounter with a naughty creature would turn this peaceful outing into an unforgettable experience.

Settling down on a comfortable bench under an oak tree, I was fascinated by a novel, lost in a world of fictional characters. Suddenly, a strange sound interrupted me. Curiously, I glanced in the direction of the noise, only to discover a squirrel hurrying towards my bag. Immediately, I reached out to protect my bag from the thief. But the squirrel ran away, grasping a chocolate bar stolen from my bag. Fueled by determination to get my. snack back, I gave chase to the creature through the park.

The squirrel displayed impressive flexibility, effortlessly jumping onto trees and leaping from branch to branch. Children and bystanders couldn’t help but laugh at the spectacle of a grown adult chasing a squirrel. The chase continued , and as I ran after the squirrel, I became both exhausted and awkward. The peacefulness of the park transformed into a lively playground, with laughter echoing around us. The squirrel, seemingly aware of its comical effect, increased its speed and finally vanished into thin air.

As I made my way back to the bench, my heart still raced from the pursuit. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of companionship with the squirrel. It had reminded me to embrace the unexpected, to break free from routine, and most importantly, to find joy in life’s simplest pleasures. From that day forward, whenever I visit the park, I always keep a chocolate bar handy, just in case I come across my friend.

1. What did the author want to do in the park?

A．Find a quiet place to read.	B．Observe nature and wildlife.
C．Enjoy the sunshine and gentle breeze.	D．Have a picnic with his friends.

2. What did the squirrel do to the author?

A．Tore up his book.	B．Gave him some snacks.
C．Chased him in the park.	D．Stole his chocolate bar.

3. What lesson did author learn from this experience?

A．The importance of welcoming surprises.

B．The habit of always carrying a chocolate bar.

C．The significance of developing a new routine.

D．The necessity of keeping a safe distance from animals.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．The Annoying Squirrel	B．An Unexpected Encounter in the Park
C．Lost in a Book: A Squirrel’s Interruption	D．The Importance of Routine: Lessons Learned in the Park

8 . The most hated day of the week is misunderstood. When the Boomtown Rats, an Irish band, released   “I Don’t Like Mondays” in 1979, the song became an instant hit.

What many do recognise all too well is the difficulty of gathering the energy to get out of bed on Monday mornings in order to face the week ahead. Many bosses argue that starting off the week in person in the office creates good energy. However, plenty of employees beg to differ.

A paper published by the Journal of Applied Psychology, found that people tend to be more ill-mannered on Mondays, and grow more polite as the week unfolds. The authors have diagnosed a new condition, Mondayitis, which is defined. as “a systemic illness with collections of symptoms including tiredness, light-headedness, dry mouth and headache”. These symptoms typically appear on the first working day after a period off work, which could be a weekend or a longer holiday. They can lead sufferers to call in sick, decide to work from home or, if they do show up in the office, come across as detached (冷漠的) and unavailable. Mondayitis appears to be infecting other days of the week.

However, the covid-19 pandemic has led many people to re-evaluate their work-life balance. A lawyer in London who spends weekends working on cases likes to ease into the formal workweek with an elegant breakfast in a fancy restaurant. A broader movement is promoting the idea of a four-day work week, one arrangement of which would make Monday part of the weekend. Less ambitiously, and more realistically, asocial-media campaign for   “bare-minimum Mondays” argues for a gentle start to the week.

You may have prepared or merely enjoyed a more elaborate meal than a sandwich. You may have gone for a walk in the park or simply lay in bed. Either way, you almost certainly cleared your head. When revived and spirited, you will have a fresh start.

1. What does the underlined part “beg to differ” in Paragraph 2 mean?

A．Approve.

B．Object.

C．Submit.

D．Complain.

2. What can we know about employees on Mondays in Paragraph 3?

A．They are ill-mannered but ready to help others.

B．They may suffer from tiredness or light-headedness.

C．They tend to infect others with their bad performance.

D．They want to come to the office rather than work from home.

3. What can we do to refresh ourselves on Mondays according to the author?

A．Start to work early.	B．Grab a quick meal.
C．Take a walk in the park.	D．Have a tight schedule.

4. What is the author’s purpose in writing the last two paragraphs?

A．To tell us ways to tackle Mondayitis.	B．To explain how to gain work-life balance.
C．To offer tips on how to keep fit on weekdays.	D．To persuade us not to work too hard on Mondays.

9 . Kristy Holmes, a mother from Australia, found a clever solution to power her son’s dialysis machine (透析机) when a massive storm caused a power failure in southeast Queensland on Christmas Day. This incident highlights the life-saving potential of electric vehicles (EVs) during emergencies.

Facing a dire situation with her 11-year-old son Levi, who is waiting for a kidney transplant, Kristy Holmes turned to her electric car, the Atto 3, made by Chinese EV company BYD. The cars’ “vehicle to load” feature, which allows it to use extra energy from its battery to power house hold appliances, played an important role in keeping Levi dialysis machine running, preventing potentially life-threatening results.

In an interview with The Guardian, Kristy Holmes expressed her appreciation, stating, “We powered the dialysis machine using the car. We only needed it for one night. We could have used it for at least four nights before needing to charge the car.” Highlighting the significant role the car played, she remarked, “It’s the most incredible car I’ve ever owned. After it saved my son during a storm, in no circumstance will I go back toa petrol car.”

The function of the Atto 3 extends beyond emergency situations; the Holmes family also use discharging capabilities for more leisurely activities, such as warming red wine for a movie night. This illustrates the diverse applications of electric vehicles, transcending their role as eco-friendly transportation to become in dispensable power sources for various everyday situations.

Kristy Holmes first hand experience in Australia mirrors a broader pattern witnessed during the aftermath of Hurricane Ian on the Florida coast in 2022. Ford reported a notable 127% increase in the use of their F-150Lightning electric pickups as mobile power generators. In hurricane-affected regions, electric trucks emerged as vital resources for cooking meals and illuminating households, stressing the practical significance of EVs in disaster-stricken areas.

1. Why did Kristy Holmes use her electric car to power the dialysis machine?

A．She wanted to test her new electric car.

B．She had easy access to power source from her car.

C．She wanted to show the potential uses of electric vehicles.

D．The car provided a more reliable power source than others.

2. What’s Holmes’ attitude towards the petrol car?

A．Grateful.

B．Favorable.

C．Conservative.

D．Negative.

3. Why did the author mention other examples in the last paragraph?

A．To show the decreasing popularity of electric vehicles.

B．To criticize the dependence on electric vehicles in disasters.

C．To show the practicality of electric vehicles in emergencies.

D．To emphasize the environmental benefits of electric vehicles.

4. Where is the text most probably taken from?

A．A personal diary.

B．An advertisement.

C．A book review.

D．A newspaper.

10 . Halloween candy could be in for a California big change. State lawmakers last month passed the California Food Safety Act, which bans four materials found in popular snacks and packaged foods - including candy corm and other Halloween treats. Set to take effect in 2027, the ban will lead candy and food producers to change their formulas for products sold both in California and elsewhere around the country.

The law bans the production and sale of some materials, which are used in processed foods including kinds of instant potatoes and sodas, as well as candies. The additives (添加剂) have been linked to increased risks of cancer and nervous system problems, according to the Environmental Working Group, which started the act, and are already banned in many other countries.

Food producers and their lobbyists (说客) opposed the law, arguing the conclusion that the four additives are unhealthy should be made by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They thought that evaluating the safety of food materials and additives should rely on the scientific accuracy of the FDA. But food safety advocates say the FDA has moved far too slowly in regulating food chemicals. It’s unacceptable that the U.S. is so far behind the rest of the world when it comes to food safety.

California’s act made headlines this year as a “Skittles (彩虹糖) ban” that would wipe popular candies off California shelves. But supporters of the act said the intention is simply to require changes in the materials, as has already happened in Europe. Perhaps the most standing-out material on California’s banned list is red dye No. 3. It is allowed only in candied and cocktail cherries in the European Union but more than 3,000 products contain the chemical in the U. S. The list includes items like frosted pretzels and scores of brand-name candies such as Peeps and Pez. It also includes items like fruit cocktail cups, protein drinks, and yogurts.

1. How will Halloween candy in California change?

A．It will change its recipes.	B．It will transform its shapes.
C．It will move out of California.	D．It will disappear completely.

2. What idea do food producers have against the act?

A．FDA’s conclusion on the materials is wrong.

B．Four materials are allowed all over the world.

C．The materials’ safety needs to be reassessed.

D．FDA moves too fast in regulating food chemicals.

3. What can we infer about the act supporters’ request about Skittles?

A．They demand a complete ban on Skittles.

B．They wish the “Skittles ban” to be headlines.

C．They want to apply European policies to Skittles.

D．They hope more red dye No. 3 is used in Skittles.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．California candy ban.	B．Food safety in California.
C．The responsibility of FDA.	D．Change of Halloween Candy.