5 . To Be a Deaf DJ

I was born in England with perfect hearing. In 1990, when I was five, my family moved to the United States. I started getting ear infections every three months or so. We didn’t have health insurance at the time, and when I got a third infection, my parents couldn’t afford the treatment. I went deaf in my right ear and was left with 50 percent hearing in my left. Over time, my remaining hearing dropped to 20 percent, where it is today. My doctors predicted that I would be thoroughly deaf by now, and I think I’m doing pretty well.

There was always music on in my house in my childhood. I loved listening to Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Michael Jackson. My dad was a DJ, so he played disco, folk, rock, and music from other countries. For my 18^th birthday, my dad asked me to deejay at the restaurant. After doing that for a few weeks, I was interested in it. I desired to learn more. I e-mailed DJ Shiftee, a distinguished New York City DJ, “I know you like a challenge. How about teaching a deaf person to deejay?” He wrote back the next day, “Challenge accepted.” He tutored me twice a week for two years, helping me develop correct technique. I practiced four hours a day.

Now when I’m performing, muscle memory takes over. When I started, I wouldn’t tell the club managers that I was deaf. I would just show up, introduce myself, and start playing music. At the end of the night, someone would say, “Oh, here’s the check.” And I’d say, “What? Oh, I can’t hear.” They were always so astonished. Sometimes I would bring doctor’s notes because they wouldn’t believe me. It was reassurance that they were giving me opportunities to perform because I was brilliant, not out of sympathy. Eventually people started calling me “that deaf DJ,” and the name stuck.

What fascinates me about deejaying is the creativity. I use software that turns the music into lines of color on a computer screen. I’m visually hearing the music. The next time you go dancing, cover your ears, and you’ll start seeing that you’re able to hear the music in a different way. Music is not all about hearing. I pay all sorts of get-togethers now, from college parties to corporate events. I also go to elementary schools for the deaf and talk to the students about motivation and believing in themselves. I tell the parents, “My advice to you is let your kids chase their dreams. I’m a deaf DJ, so why not?”

1. Which of the following might result in the author’s hearing loss?

A．Monthly ear infection.	B．Moving to the U. S.
C．Family financial hardship.	D．The doctors’ prediction.

2. How did DJ Shiftee help the author during his youth?

A．He taught him correct skills.	B．He discovered his talent for DJ.
C．He played at the restaurant for him.	D．He cultivated his taste for foreign music.

3. The underlined expression in Paragraph 3 “the name stuck” probably means that ________.

A．the author was in low spirits	B．the author impressed people deeply
C．the audience felt disappointed by the player	D．the audience looked down upon the player

4. We can conclude from the passage that the author loves deejaying because ________.

A．working as a DJ involves creating	B．music helps him to see the world virtually
C．he motivates the kids to realize their dream	D．he desires to challenge something impossible

6 . In 2008, someone, or perhaps a group of people, using the name Satoshi Nakamoto published a paper to an online group that discussed cryptography（密码使用法）. That paper described a process that would use cryptography to create a secure electronic cash system, now known as a cryptocurrency（ 加密货币）. Person to person payment could be made online using a shared network of computers instead of a bank or other financial institution. Each deal could happen very quickly. The shared network of computers would also serve as the means to prove those deals safely. Getting rid of the need for a centralized banking system would open up the possibility for anyone to become part of the digital economy.

Today, there are well over a thousand different cryptocurrencies. Most are still trying to be feasible global payment system like Bitcoin. They are held back by problems affecting the entire cryptocurrency industry.

One issue is weak security on cryptocurrency websites where users either store their electronic cash in virtual “wallets” or exchange one kind of electronic cash for another. In recent years, clever thieves have broken into many of these websites and stolen electronic cash. The websites are struggling to protect their users from such thefts.

Another problem is the large number of fake cryptocurrencies that are advertised on the internet. The advertisements invite internet users to visit websites offering new cryptocurrencies. Many visitors are persuaded by the websites to buy their cryptocurrencies using actual money. Later, the webistes disappear along with the victims’ money. In response to this problem, companies like Facebook and Google are limiting cryptocurrency advertising on their websites.

1. What does the article explain about Satoshi Nakamoto?

A．Satoshi’s background in international baking and investment.

B．Satoshi’s grave doubts about the true value of cryptocurrencies.

C．Satoshi’s close partnership with suspicious financial institutions.

D．Satoshi’s contribution to the development of the digital economy.

2. According to this article, what is true about numerous cryptocurrency webistes?

A．They and their users have been robbed.

B．They’ve revealed the identities of their users.

C．They reward their users with coll prizes.

D．They arrange recreational events for users.

3. What does the article indicate about the cryptocurrency industry?

A．It’s had to lay off lots of workers.

B．It’s celebrating a profitable year.

C．It’s facing some serious challenges.

D．It’s set a very high moral standard.

4. According to this article, why are Facebook and Google limiting cryptocurrency advertising?

A．Few cryptocurrencies need to be marketed.

B．They’ve created their own cryptocurrency.

C．They didn’t listen to cryptocurrency fans.

D．Too many cryptocurrecies aren’t real.

7 . "Changing the world" might seem like an unrealistic goal. When faced with huge problems such as air pollution or energy shortages, where do you start? Taoyuan-based Gogoro believes you start with a scooter.

Proof of concept In 2015, Gogoro broke onto the scene by releasing an electric scooter called the Smartscooter. Unlike most electric scooters, this one wouldn't need to be plugged in to recharge. Instead, users would stop by GoStations to exchange drained batteries for fully charged ones. Gogoro was taking a risk. If people were not happy with the system of changing batteries the whole project could fail. They didn't need to worry, though. Only one year later Gogoro sold their 10,000th Smartscooter!

Setting the bar Fast forward to 2019 and the release of the Series 3 Smartscooter. Gogoro scooters are as popular and revolutionary as ever. Their bright colors are chosen by Beatrice Santiccioli, a famous color designer who helped shape major brands like Apple, Nike and Swatch. In addition to the scooters' bright colors, plenty of cool accessories (配件) are available so you can make your scooter your own. But most important of all, Gogoro continues to pave the way toward a future of responsible energy consumption.

Looking forward Multiple cities and countries have committed to making their transportation all-electric in the coming years, and Gogoro is helping make that possible. Ordered a package? Companies like DHL and Taiwan Post now have fleets of Smartscooters to make deliveries. Need a ride? Unlock a Gogoro in Berlin, Paris or Madrid, thanks to scooter sharing services. The Smartscooter is definitely ingenious, but there's more "At Gogoro, I think the essential thing is that we want to change how people use energy. And the Smartscooter is only the beginning," says Horace Luke, Gogoro co-founder and CEO. This is where the GoStation comes in.

Tomorrow's energy Gostations are Al-equipped. They track battery health to maximize each battery's life. They recharge batteries during off-peak hours to reduce strain on the city's power grid (输电网). But they also learn when users usually visit and prioritize supplying charged batteries at those times. The fact of the matter is, cities are only getting bigger. There are already dozens of megacities (特大城市) in the world, and there will only be more in the future. Gogoro's dream is the transformation of megacities into smart cities, where power is plentiful and responsible. They hope to be a big part of that transformation.

1. Compared with other electric scooters, the Smartscooter ______.

A．can recharge itself in Gostations in megacities

B．only needs to change batteries in Gostations

C．wouldn't need to be recharged at all in life

D．can be recharged by its users in Gostations

2. Gogoro scooters are popular and revolutionary mainly because ______.

A．their colors are chosen by a famous color designer

B．their colors are different from those of others

C．it is a good way for people to consume energy

D．it can help us solve the problem of energy shortage

3. What can we conclude from the passage?

A．The more megacities there are, the more GoStations may appear.

B．GoStations will soon entirely take the place of traditional stations.

C．People need not go to GoStations especially during peak hours.

D．More megacities will appear throughout the world in the future.

8 . “Changing the world” might seem like an unrealistic goal. When faced with huge problems such as air pollution or energy shortages, where do you start? Taoyuan-based Gogoro believes you start with a scooter.

Proof of concept In 2015, Gogoro broke onto the scene by releasing an electric scooter called the Smart-scooter. Unlike most electric scooters. This one wouldn't need to plugged in to recharge. Instead, users would stop by GoStations to exchange drained batteries for fully charged ones. Gogoro was taking a risk. If people were not happy with the system of changing batteries, the whole project could fail. They didn't need to worry, though. Only one year later Gogoro sold their 10,000th Smart-scooter!

Setting the bar Fast forward to 2019 and the release of the Series 3 Smart-scooter. Gogoro scooters are as popular and revolutionary as ever. Their bright colors are chosen by Beatrice Santiccioli, a famous color designer who helped shape major brands like Apple, Nike and Swatch. In addition to the scooters' bright colors, plenty of cool accessories are available so you can make your scooter your own. But most important of all, Gogoro continues to pave the way toward a future of responsible energy consumption.

Looking forward Multiple cities and countries have committed to making their transportation all-electric in the coming years, and Gogoro is helping make it possible. Ordered a package? Companies like DHL and Taiwan Post now have fleets of Smart-scooters to make deliveries. Need a ride? Unlock a Gogoro in Beilin, Paris or Madrid, thanks to scooter sharing services. The Smart-scooters is definitely creative, but there's more. "At Gogoro, I think the essential thing is that we want to change how people use energy. And the Smart-scooters is only the beginning." says Horace Luke, Gogoro co-founder and CEO. This is where the GoStation comes in.

1. Compared with other electric scooters, the Smart-scooter___________.

A．can recharge itself in Gostations in mega-cities	B．only needs to change batteries in Gostations
C．wouldn't need to be recharged at all in life	D．can be recharged by its users in Gostations

2. Gogoro scooters are popular and revolutionary mainly because__________.

A．their colors are chosen by a famous color designer	B．their colors are different from those of others
C．it is a good way for people to consume energy	D．it can help us solve the problem of energy short

3. What can we conclude from the passage?

A．More GoStations may appear in more and more cities.

B．GoStations will soon entirely take the place of traditional stations.

C．People need not go to GoStations especially during peak hours.

D．More big cities will appear throughout the world in the future.

9 . Malaysia has long wished to join the ranks of developed countries. Admission to the OECD, often referred to as the "rich countries' club", would be a formal recognition. But how close is Malaysia to the OECD level of development？

Judging from its economic development, the answer is "close". In 2019, Malaysia's per﹣capita GDP was estimated at about 12,200,notfarbehindthe13,530 average of the six least wealthy OECD members, according to World Bank data. Per﹣capita GDP is a very narrow gauge of development, though. Another good measure is the human development index, or HDI, which takes into account life expectancy, health, quality of life and education. In 2019, Malaysia's HDI put it 61st of 189 countries. Within Asia, only three countries rank higher: Singapore at 9th, Japan at 19th and Korea at 22nd. So Malaysia has made good progress.

However, the service sector provides a more comprehensive assessment. The service sector, as opposed to agriculture or manufacturing, tends to be the largest and most important in any developed economy. Here you find the best﹣paid, most highly skilled jobs. Services reflect the quality of a country's workers. And since a large part of the service sector is linked to consumers, it also measures consumer-sector development. An innovative, sophisticated service sector with a strong supply of skilled labor and steady demand from its customers is a meaningful measure of a country's development.

So how is Malaysia's services sector? On the supply side, Malaysia boasts one of the best﹣educated populations in emerging Asia. However, educational quality is far from satisfactory. According to the OECD's latest Program for International Student Assessment(PISA), Malaysian students of equivalent education levels perform only about 85% as well as their OECD peers in reading, 88% in math and 84% in science. It's better on the demand side, where private consumption has survived slowing global trade and rising economic uncertainty. In the first half of 2019, private consumption grew by 7.7% year on year-not far off 2018's 8% growth-despite falling investment and slowing export growth.

To go forward, Malaysia needs to make labor productivity and growth in consumption mutually reinforcing. To boost labor productivity, it needs to improve both the quality of workers and their market mobility. A more productive labor force will translate into higher household incomes, which will further stimulate private consumption. More consumption will encourage greater investment in services. And stronger investment, especially in startups, will make services a more powerful engine of employment growth.

Increasing investment in services would come with a bonus: quickening the evolution of Malaysia's digital economy. This is the new frontier(前线) for Malaysia's service sector. Getting there will prepare Malaysia for the prime time.

1. The underlined word "gauge" in Paragraph 2 is the closest in meaning to .

A．the distance between two places

B．an instrument for finding the size, quantity, etc. of something

C．a fact or event that can be used to judge something

D．something missing that prevents it from being complete or satisfactory

2. To evaluate a country's economic growth, the service sector offers a more complete evaluation because .

A．it shows how well labor force and consumer﹣sector develop

B．developed countries depend entirely on services to prosper

C．it includes jobs that require both basic and advanced skills

D．growth in agriculture and manufacturing underlines the service sector

3. Which of the following statement is NOT TRUE according to the passage？

A．According to PISA, Malaysian students score higher in reading than science.

B．Higher family incomes will help to increase labor productivity.

C．Slower global economy didn't affect Malaysia's private consumption that much.

D．Investment in services is likely to create more job opportunities.

4. What can be the best title for this passage？

A．The Definition and Role of a Developed Country

B．Developing Economy Is the Key to Joining OECD

C．Malaysia Has to Further Develop Its Services

D．People in Malaysia Need Better Education

10 . Directions: Read the following passage. Fill in each blank with a proper sentence given in the box. Each sentence can be used only once. Note that there are two more sentences than you need.

The next time you find yourself negotiating a promotion or job offer, it might pay to look past the job title and explore the specific responsibilities that will be yours alone.

That's the conclusion of a new research paper from a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor, Nathan Wilmers, who examined the question of why salaries often differ between people with the same job titles in the same organization.     1    

Wilmers found that even within roles with the same job title, employees who managed to claim specific job tasks unique to the organization typically had an advantage in pay. Workers who possessed these specific skills and responsibilities, which Wilmers referred to as “job turf”, typically earned 5% more than colleagues with the same job description, even when controlling for past experience, education and gender.     2    

Wilmer findings on job turf echo a conclusion.     3     Power within an organisation is often less a function of what's granted from higher-ups (job titles, seniority) than of an employee's ability to successfully navigate the organisation's social networks. In other words, the ability to build relationships with colleagues who might be willing to mentor you， train you and eventually share or delegate key tasks has enormous value.

    4     In Wilmers' research, the most reliable predictor of an employee's job turf was their work period of time at the organisation. The longer you stick around an organization, the more likely you are to gain job turf. This could be because managers become more likely to assign these workers turf, or because higher tenure workers get a better understanding of how the organisation works and are thereby more effective at establishing turf.

A．This poses a challenge to typical ideas of solidarity.

B．It often comes up in academic research on social networks in organizations.

C．Perhaps the most effective way to gain job turf is to stay in a job.

D．The results suggest that workers who are able (and willing) to identify and claim specific skills within their job description end up with a slight pay advantage over their peers.

E．What you actually do at work has some relationship with your earnings, even if your job title isn't changing.

F．Claiming job turf gives an employee an advantage when it comes to job security, because they become harder to replace with a colleague or new hire.