1 . The Oxford Word of the Year 2022 winner may surprise you. The winning phrase was “goblin mode (哥布林模式)” — a type of behavior often seen as lazy. People who are in goblin mode tend to reject social expectations, such as usual gatherings.
This is not necessarily a bad thing, however. US language expert Ben Zimmer commented that the lifestyle means that “people are looking at social norms in new ways”. Many young people worldwide go “goblin mode” seeking to make peace with their true selves. Without pretty covers like digital editing, we are not always the perfect image that we tend to present to others. Staying true to ourselves, however, doesn’t mean that we must avoid troubles. Bilibili, a leading video platform, announced that elegance was the bullet comment (弹幕) of the year. It refers to the graceful and stylish manners. And traditionally, the word is more often used to describe people of higher social classes. But now, young people in China are using the word to emphasize an ability to control and balance life for ordinary people. From bravely facing troubles in life to sharing delightful moments and spreading joy, elegance is no longer a privilege. Rather, it is our positive attitude to life-that we will stay calm and strong no matter what life brings-that is most important.
Take pandemic as an example, it’s a topic that we cannot ignore. Three years into the pandemic, we are gradually letting go of our fears about it. It will likely not end dramatically, but rather result in coexistence between humans and the virus. Our life may never be the same as before the pandemic, but it doesn’t have to be. Video chats, online meetings and classes. We are closer than ever to connecting digitally with each other on a new level. It’s time to face new opportunities and challenges in the year ahead. And remember: we have made it through the pandemic — is there anything that we cannot overcome?
1. What may people with “goblin mode” do?| A．They may seek a fancy lifestyle. | B．They may present a perfect image. |
| C．They may post edited photographs. | D．They may accept what they are. |
| A．It’s a quality owned by people of higher social status. |
| B．It’s a privilege only shared and valued by rich people. |
| C．It’s a positive attitude towards ups and downs in life. |
| D．It’s an ability to spread graceful and stylish manners. |
| A．to inform us the importance of it. | B．to urge us to face challenges bravely. |
| C．to push us to pursue higher status. | D．to advise us to ignore pandemic. |
| A．Every cloud has a silver lining. | B．He who laughs last laughs best. |
| C．Where there is a will, there is a way. | D．Fear always springs from ignorance. |
2 . Studies on the importance of sleep for health and the various effects of not having enough sleep have long been well-known. Being short of sleep can lead to poor memory and daytime sleepiness. It’s also been connected to diseases and weakens immune(免疫的)function. However, more than three-quarters of us fall asleep after 11pm and nearly a third stay up until 1am.
The concept(概念)of sleep procrastination was introduced in a 2014 study by Utrecht University in The Netherlands, which explained that it meant “failing to go to bed at the intended time, while nothing prevents a person from doing so”. If so, it will bring terrible results.
Studies have shown that “bedtime procrastination” is connected with a person’s working life during the day. “They feel out of control in their day life and the night is when they can be free,” says Dr Saliha Afridi. “It is full of things they ‘have to do’ rather than what they ‘want to do’. ” Studies have also found that increased working hours and the reduced leisure time may cause much stress and sleep procrastination. On occasion, people have trouble with feelings, concern and loneliness, so they were controlled by using social media, making them stay up late.
So how to avoid it? People should avoid thinking too much before bedtime and stay away from digital devices. Besides, taking a warm shower before bed and going to bed at the intended time are also important.
1. What’s the effect of not having enough sleep?| A．Increasing the risk of injuries. | B．Suffering from much stress. |
| C．Feeling sleepy in the daytime. | D．Losing the previous memory. |
| A．Staying up. | B．Keeping awake. | C．Getting up late. | D．Falling asleep. |
| A．A variety of hobbies. | B．Boring social activities. |
| C．Addiction to digital devices. | D．Working too many hours. |
| A．Form a good sleep habit. | B．Take regular exercise. |
| C．Listen to some soft music. | D．Surf the Internet less. |
3 . There are multiple experiences a Westerner can describe as a “culture shock” in China, one of the fastest-growing economies, like eating mouthwatering baozi for breakfast. These experiences, however, paled in comparison to the one I experienced during my time in an organization I’ve been serving in for two years to provide free educational tours at my leisure — the advancement and equalizing of China’s known wealth disparity（差异）through the social network and cashless payment giant（巨头）, WeChat, which I rarely used before.
Last month, the organization led a thrilling trip to camp. Initially, we went through a village kept alive by the residents. The views there are so attractive and refreshing. Walking through endless red apple trees, I saw an elderly woman who gently offered to sell me apples. Unfortunately, I informed her I didn’t have cash on hand. She quickly told me to scan the QR code（二维码）on her phone, which in seconds would get my money into her bank account via WeChat. Needless to say, I was blown away. And of course, the apples were tasty.
As an advocate of financial growth opportunities in under-served communities, it was inspiring to witness that technology lets people contribute to the economy regardless of socioeconomic background in China. Though the socioeconomic problems remain to some extent, access to and adoption of technology creating financial opportunities transforms the lives of everyday citizens and enables communities to flower.
While I once didn’t believe a “cashless society” was possible and thought it could cause more unfavorable conditions, I now stand corrected. Perhaps it might take longer for New York City to adapt, as we lag behind in this transformation and there is so much we can learn. I also wonder what the human race can achieve when technology provides endless opportunities for people of all backgrounds to advance.
1. What does the first paragraph tell us about the author?| A．She is struggling with culture shock. |
| B．She really enjoys Chinese breakfast. |
| C．She does voluntary work when free. |
| D．She likes using social networks. |
| A．Scenery of the village. | B．Taste of the apples. |
| C．Popularity of WeChat. | D．The way of paying. |
| A．Critical. | B．Positive. |
| C．Concerned. | D．Curious. |
| A．Technology helps narrow the wealth gap |
| B．New York will be the next cashless society |
| C．Humans will achieve more with technology |
| D．China becomes the fastest-growing economy |
