1 . Women are still underrepresented in top academic positions. One of the possible explanations for this is the increasing importance of obtaining research funding. Women are often less successful in this than men. Psychology researchers Dr. Romy van der Lee and professor Naomi Ellemers investigated whether this difference also occurs at the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and examined potential explanations.

The researchers were assigned by NWO to carry out this study as part of the broader evaluation of NWO’s procedures and its gender diversity policy. The aim was to gain more insight into the causes of the differences in awarding rates for male and female applicants for research funding. The analysis addressed an important “talent programme” of NWO, the Veni grant. “Whoever receives this grant has a greater chance of obtaining an important appointment at a university, ” says Naomi Ellemers.

Van der Lee and Ellemers investigated all the applications submitted by male and female researchers over a period of three years: a total of 2823 applications. Under the direction of NWO these applications were assessed by scientific committees consisting of men and women. The results demonstrate that the awarding rates for female applicants (14.9%) are systematically lower than those for male applicants (17.7%). “If we compare the proportion of women among the applicants with the proportion of women among those awarded funding, we see a loss of 4%,” said Ellemers.

The study reveals that women are less positively evaluated for their qualities as researcher than men are, “Interestingly the research proposals of women and men are evaluated equally positively. In other words, the reviewers see no difference in the quality of the proposals that men and women submit,” says Romy van der Lee.

In search for a possible cause for the differences in awarding rates and evaluations, the researchers also investigated the language use in the instructions and forms used to assess the quality of applications. This clearly revealed the occurrence of gendered language. The words that are used to indicate quality are frequently words that were established in previous research as referring mainly to the male gender stereotype (such as challenging and excellent). Romy van der Lee explains: “As a result, it appears that men more easily satisfy the assessment criteria, because these better fit the characteristics stereoty-pically associated with men.”

In response to the results of this research, NWO will devote more attention to the gender awareness of reviewers in its methods and procedures. It will also be investigated which changes to the assessment procedures and criteria can most strongly contribute to more equal chances for men and women to obtain research funding. This will include an examination of the language used by NWO. NWO chair Jos Engelens said, “The research has yielded valuable results and insights. Based on the recommendations made by the researchers we will therefore focus in the coming period on the development of evidence-based measures to reduce the difference in awarding rates.”

1. Van der Lee and Ellemers carried out the research to find out whether _________.

A．women are less successful than men in top academic positions

B．female applicants are at a disadvantage in getting research funding

C．NOW’s procedures and gender diversity policy enhance fair play

D．there are equal chances for men and women to be admitted to a university

2. Van der Lee and Ellemers’ study shows that _________.

A．grant receivers were more likely to get appointments at universities

B．men applicants for research funding outnumbered women applicants

C．the research proposals of women are equally treated with those of men

D．the reviewers have narrow, prejudiced conceptions of women candidates

3. What might be the main cause for the differences in awarding rates and evaluations?

A．The words used in the instructions and forms.

B．The reviewers’ preference to applications.

C．The methods and procedures for evaluation.

D．The vague and unclear assessment criteria.

4. What will NWO probably do next in response to the results of this research?

A．Eliminate possibilities for difference in awarding rates.

B．Design a language examination for all the reviewers.

C．Emphasize the importance of gender awareness.

D．Improve the assessment procedures and criteria.

2 . How Will Machines and AI Change the Future of Work?

Several recent studies have examined how machine automation and artificial intelligence (AI) will change the future of work.

The Rand Corporation recently issued its own report on the future effects of automation and AI on jobs and the workplace. Osonde Osoba was a co-author of the report.     1    

In 16th century England, Queen Elizabeth famously refused an inventor’s request for a patent for a device to make material for clothing. The Queen explained that the device would lead to major job losses, forcing affected workers to become “beggars”.

    2     But he believes the future problems have been overestimated without historical evidence to back up the predictions.

The McKinsey Global Institute has also studied the issue. Its research suggests that up to one-third of work activities across 46 nations could be displaced by 2030.     3     It says this growth, along with other economic influences, could help offset (弥补) the displacement of millions of workers. “All workers will need to adapt, as their occupations evolve alongside increasingly capable machines,” the report said. This will require ongoing retraining of workers. In addition, employees will be spending more time on activities difficult to automate.

    4     These include jobs depending on human motor skills, positions requiring creative thinking and actions, and jobs dealing with intense social interaction.

Rand Corporation’s Osonde Osoba agrees with McKinsey. He also thinks that it will be very difficult for companies to completely automate most jobs, because they require a worker to perform many different duties and to react to unexpected situations.

A．Osoba says this can be problematic for machines, which do not understand cultural norms in the population.

B．McKinsey identifies three job types that will be very difficult to replace with a machine.

C．He noted that fears over machines taking jobs from humans goes back centuries.

D．The study also predicts rising demand for educators, and “creatives”, a group of workers including artists, performers and entertainers.

E．The study says automation will also raise productivity and economic growth.

F．Osoba agrees there will be major job destruction due to AI and automation, especially for lower skilled workers.

3 .

EDUCATION OUTREACH COORDINATOR (对外协调员) POSITION OVERVIEW Position title: Academic Coordinator I Percent time: 100% Expected start: April 10, 2022 or later Position duration: This position is funded for two years (possibility of extension based on performance and/or funding) POSITION DESCRIPTION The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a qualified Education Outreach Coordinator for the Biotech education outreach program. The person in this position will be coordinating teaching events which includes but is not limited to: • coordinating and setting up schedules between teachers, volunteers, and faculty members • assisting with organizing events, updating the website, helping with fundraising • assisting with administration related to the joint Master’s program • arrange meetings with partner institutions The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through teaching and service. The posting will remain open until filled. QUALIFICATIONS Basic qualifications (required at time of application) • BA in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related field at time of application Additional qualifications (required at time of start) • A minimum of 2 years’ experience of scheduling and coordinating meetings • A minimum of 2 years’ experience of using Excel Preferred qualifications • An MA degree • A minimum of 2 years’ past work experience in education outreach or working with a nonprofit. • Event coordination with K-12 schools • Experience in Google platform • Experience of posting to social media • Experience of updating websites • Excellent interpersonal skills

1. Which of the following is true about the job advertised?

A．It’s a full-time job.	B．It’s a permanent job.
C．It’s volunteer work.	D．It’s academic work.

2. According to the job posting, an education outreach coordinator’s work mainly includes ________.

A．teaching volunteers and faculty members to set up schedules

B．helping the administrators to set up some education programs

C．organizing teaching events for the education outreach program

D．coordinating the programs between the academic communities

3. Suppose all the following candidates meet the basic qualifications, who is most qualified for the position?

A．A person who has excellent interpersonal skills.

B．A person who once worked in a company for three years.

C．A person who is good at using Excel and likes using social media.

D．A person who has 3 years’ experience of coordinating meetings.

4 .

Posting 1. I haven’t got any formal qualifications - Will this stop me getting a good job? I’ve been doing the same job for ten years, but it’s going nowhere. I’m bored and poorly paid, and the managers who are assigning jobs to me to do are much younger than me. I want to get a better job, but I won’t be able to, because I haven’t got a degree. It seems really unfair. Annie	Replay A Not yet ________, no. Ask if they can give you some management training all firms should provide this if possible. Perhaps you’re not ready for your new responsibilities yet. But give your new job a chance first. And don’t worry about what your colleagues think! Good luck! Keith
Posting 2 My boss is always making me work over time. My job involves controlling budgets and making decisions, and the work is challenging and enjoyable. We get on very well in the office and outside. The problem is that I’m in the office almost every day, because my manager is always asking us to come in at weekends. I don’t want to say no, but the problem is that I hardly have any free time. Any advice? Hassan	Reply B Hello ________ I think you need to be more positive. If you don’t Pt apply, how will you know if they want you or not? If you don’t have lots of exams you’ve done on your resume, write about all the skills you have instead. Noreen
Posting 3 ________________ I was promoted and became a manager last year. To be honest, it’s not really ‘me’ to be assigning jobs to other people or interviewing job candidates. I’m not very good at making decisions or solving problems. I got on really well with my workmates before, but they’re not so friendly towards me now. What should I do just resign? Javier	Reply C Hi ________. Have you looked at your contract to see how many hours you should actually work? There must be something about your hours there. Also, if you say yes all the time, people probably think you’re happy to do all the work. Wildboy99

1. Which of the following might be the best title of Posting 3?

A．I don’t think I’ve got the right management skills.

B．I don’t see any chance of further promotion.

C．I can’t get along well with my colleagues.

D．I can’t resign at the very moment.

2. The names that fit the blanks in Reply A, Reply B and Reply C, respectively, are________.

A．Annie, Hassan, Javier	B．Hassan, Javier, Annie
C．Hassan, Annie, Javier	D．Javier, Annie, Hassan

3. The posts and replies are most likely to be found on the website of ___.

A．Jobinterviewadvice. com	B．jobproblems.com
C．Jobvacanciesonline.com	D．Joboutlook.com

5 . HOW TO GET A PAY RAISE

Advice from organizational psychologist Liane Davey, author of You First: Inspire Your Team to Grow Up, Get Along, and Get Stuff Done.

CHOOSE YOUR MOMENT “Tie the timing of your request for a raise to positive results. If you have a notable success in the middle of the year, start the discussion soon afterwards. Even if the pay cycle means the raise cannot happen for some time you will have seeded the conversation at a moment when your manager is feeling positively inclined towards you.”
KNOW YOUR WORTH “Before making your request, write down a list of your accomplishments, and ask a trusted confidant what you bring to the team—particularly what is unique about your contribution—to ensure you get a comprehensive list. Be prepared to talk about the impact you have, rather than effort alone, as this is what makes your case for a raise compelling.”
PLAY IT COOL “In difficult conversations, your tone and body language are especially important. Go in calmly and projecting that you believe you are adding value. Don’t under-do it by dropping eye contact or making yourself smaller. But don’t over-do it by raising your chin too high or making statements you don’t intend to follow through—that will destroy your credibility.”
ASK FOR CLARITY “If you are unsuccessful, first find out why your request was denied. Do not let your manager get away with a superficial answer such as “we don’t have the budget”-there is always budget, so ask what else took priority. Next, ask what specific actions you can take that will make you more likely to be given a pay raise in the future.”
BE FLEXIBLE “Remember that pay is only one way your company can demonstrate your value. Some companies have little room for pay raises, but more room to negotiate on annual leave, flexible hours or working from home. If your efforts to get a rise are unsuccessful, do not give up without first searching for alternative sources of value.”

1. Which of the following actions may hurt your credibility?

A．Proposing your pay raise request at a wrong time.

B．Making a list of your efforts rather than impacts.

C．Making statements that you won’t follow through.

D．Asking what specific actions will ensure a pay raise.

2. According to the passage, all of the following are alternative sources of value except ______.

A．more annual leave	B．free medical checkups
C．flexible working hours	D．the possibility of home-officing

3. ______ will help you clearly understand the company’s priority that will secure a pay raise.

A．Knowing your worth	B．Playing it cool
C．Asking for clarity	D．Being flexible

6 . Since its founding in 1923, Yellow Corporation has been a leader in the transportation industry, using trucks to transport goods between points in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. For decades, Yellow achieved success by concentrating virtually all of its attention on increasing efficiency at every turn. Yellow has long been a master at ensuring that trucks are full before they have a warehouse, and it has also developed precisely time delivery schedules.

Unfortunately, Yellow eventually fell victim to its own success. As operational efficiency increased, customer service received less and less attention, and before long, newer and more responsive companies were taking away the firm’s customers. Accompanying this problem was the fact that the customers most likely to seek a more service-oriented transportation provider were also the ones willing to pay high prices for the extra service. As a result, Yellow’s financial performance began to decline, slowly at first, but then more dramatically. Naturally, the decline in profit led to even worse across-the-board service.

To help turn Yellow around, the board of directors offered Bill Zollars the position of CEO. Already a highly respected manager, Zollars was attracted by the opportunity to revitalize the carrier. Zollars quickly learned that organizational change at Yellow would have to be fundamental. Over a period of decades, people throughout the company were often willing to do only the minimal amount necessary to get their jobs done. Zollars knew that he had to alter the attitudes, behavior, and performance of 30,000 employees. He began by improving communication. The CEO spent 18 months traveling to several hundred locations, and at each site, he talked face-to-face with customers and with employees at all levels.   He asked for opinions and provided his own message---namely, that enhanced customer service was to become the firm’s new focus.

Zollars’s plan consisted of more than promises and motivational speeches. While previous leaders often didn’t focus on problems and refused to reveal information about the firm’s   performance, Zollars openly acknowledged the company’s defect rate---the percentage of shipments that were late, wrong, or damaged. Employees were shocked to find that the rate was 40 percent, but that knowledge was necessary to enhance motivation and set a benchmark for improvement. Zollars also instituted the company’s first ongoing program for surveying customer satisfaction, and the results were reported openly throughout the company. Zollars made a real effort to listen to employees, gave them authority to make decisions, and developed an enviable reputation for honesty and commitment. “If people doing the work don’t believe what’s coming from the leadership,” says Zollars, “it doesn’t get implemented.”

1. What caused Yellow Corporation’s financial performance to decline?

A．There was suddenly some difficulty finding enough warehouses.

B．Fewer customers were willing to pay high prices for extra services.

C．More transportation providers emerged with the market expanding.

D．It put more emphasis on operational efficiency than on customer service.

2. What did Zollars do to facilitate the fundamental changes in Yellow Corporation?

A．He communicated with customers in person.

B．He employed some highly respected managers.

C．He reevaluated all the employee’s performance.

D．He estimated the minimal amount of job each should do.

3. It can be inferred from the last paragraph that it was ______ that contributed to the success of Zollars’s plan.

A．the precise calculation of the company’s defect rate

B．the ongoing survey of the employers’ satisfaction

C．the improvement of the leadership’s confidence

D．the revelation of information to the employees

4. Which of the following might be the best title of the passage?

A．The CEOs of Yellow Corporation

B．The Future at Yellow Corporation

C．The Success of Yellow Corporation

D．The Turnaround at Yellow Corporation

7 . As a first lady, every workday is desirably different. However, there is one expectation that follows me, and others like me, wherever I go: that I play the role of a sidekick(助手)

This past summer, for instance, European Council President Donald Tusk shared a video online from the G7 meeting. The video was of spouses of U. S. President Donald Trump, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Mr. Tusk and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan. The title: “The Light Side of the Force.”

The video made me feel uncomfortable. It is regrettable to see intelligent women reduced to props(道具)who exist to support their husbands’ political agendas - to see them celebrated first and foremost for their gentle demeanors(风度). In 2019, can we not do better than assume the spouses of our leaders have nothing more worthwhile to do than wander after their other halves to watch traditional performances and take in the view while their made counterparts take care of “serious business”?

It also made me think: On the occasions when I travel with my husband, am I contributing to the myth that female spouses are the “light” side of their powerful husbands?

Since becoming first lady of Iceland in 2016, I have had the chance to wrestle with the contradictions that come with this under-fined role. On the one hand, to serve my country in this way is an honor for which I am very grateful. It is also an opportunity: When choosing activities in which I wish to take part, I am guided by the assumptions of my role as spouse and how I wish to modernize them. On state visits, for example, one of my aims is to destroy the often-gendered expectations of what “the wife” should do - I participate in discussions about sustainable tourism, entre-preneurship and innovation, and yes, gender equality.

Yet I still hate the occasions when my presence is assumed rather than requested. I am not my husband’s handbag, to be seized as he runs out the door and displayed silently by his side during public appearances. It’s uncomfortable to be told I look much nicer with my hair longer or that I should not wear green again because it’s not my color. On almost every solo trip I make as first lady, I am asked who is looking after our four young children as if their father had no parental obligations. If I am ever asked about my professional background, it is always in the past tense, although I still continue much of my paid work. (Why should I get a new job because my husband was elected to one?)

When I share these opinion of being able to help shape debate surrounding gender equality because of something my husband has achieved. I am proud of my husband and his achievements - but no one wants to be judged as her partner’s decoration.

The author, Elisa Jean Reid, is the first lady of Iceland

1. What probably led the author to write this article?

A．Her husband’s expectation of her to play the role of a sidekick.

B．A video posted online by Europeans Council President Donald Tusk.

C．The universal expectations of what first ladies should do.

D．The contradictions that had bothered her since she became first lady.

2. According to the author, most people assume a first lady’s duties include ________.
① travelling with her husband
② taking care of political issues.
③ participating in discussions about gender equality
④ exchanging opinions with first ladies of other nations

A．only ①

B．① and ②

C．only ④

D．① and ④

3. We can learn from the article that ________.

A．the author is not on friendly terms with Donald Tusk

B．being first lady of Iceland is not the author’s formal job

C．the author is unsatisfied with her current position - first lady of Iceland

D．the author has found that she can hardly modernize people’s expectation of first ladies

4. By writing this article, the author mainly wanted to ________.

A．encourage other first ladies to voice their complains

B．complain that her husband rarely looks after their four young children

C．argue against the general assumption of first ladies

D．express her gratitude for being given the opportunity to shape debate surrounding gender equality.

9 . China: Making Graduates Employable

Universities in China are facing similar demands to improve the employability of their graduates as those in the UK, new research among employers has revealed.     1     In Britain, the government has set up its own internship scheme to help graduates find work during the recession.

But what are the skills employers want and how much do they differ between the two nations?     2     The partnerships are funded by the government through the British Council under the second phase of the Prime Minister’s Initiative for International Education. In this scheme, universities are encouraged to exchange ideas and develop programmes aimed at improving the entrepreneurship and employability of graduates. “We found employers in both countries put a great emphasis on leadership qualities and initiative – things that are learned through the activities students engage in and the responsibilities they take on during their time at university,” Heffernan told a conference in London organized by the council, which is inviting proposals for 10 new UK-China partnerships.

    3    

Generally, it includes family and friends and links with people working in other companies, voluntary organizations, or leisure activities. The Chinese also tend to take more time building up relationships with people before getting down to business. The University of Plymouth and its partner China Agricultural University in Beijing are working to determine the skills most likely to lead to employability and successful careers. Staff at both universities have conducted face-to-face and telephone interviews with local employers of graduates in three areas, marketing, human resources and finance-accounting.

    4     In the UK they chose communication including written and verbal communication, networking skills and foreign language ability - as the top priority followed by the ability to work in a team.

“Students in China generally lose touch with society and they need help to understand how companies work and what is involved in the different jobs and professions. They know very little outside the campus and that is where I think they differ from students in the UK. We can share our experiences.”

A．“However, there are some clear differences in the emphasis put on different attributes, such as the value placed by the Chinese on ‘guanxi’, the network of connections that a person has built up.” he said.

B．Employers in both countries valued the personal skills of graduates seeking work in human resources.

C．The Chinese employers said the person who could complete a job and get things done was highly prized

D．That is the question Dr. Troy Heffernan, a senior lecturer in marketing at the University of Plymouth, set out to answer through his involvement in one of 13 partnerships between institutions in the UK and China.

E．A draft of a report to be published later this year shows marketing executives in both countries put a high emphasis on good communication skills.

F．The Chinese government issued a circular earlier this year urging universities and colleges to strengthen their efforts in preparing students for the workplace.

10 . Brief Introduction of 21st Century English Education Media

China Daily launched the first 21st Century newspaper on May 5, 1993 as an English education weekly for Chinese students to learn English. Today, the brand consists of both print and digital platform, through which it constantly provides quality content. The 21st Century brands involve print media, new media, teaching research, brand activities and research training, establishing it as China’s leading brand in English education.

We Are Looking For: native English-speaking sub-editor

Job Description:

1) copy-editing stories written by staff and from other media sources

2) writing headlines, checking and contributing ideas for story selection and writing

3) helping production and development of other editorial materials - producing written content, recording audio/video material, hosting new media programs, etc.

Job Requirements:

1) a university degree (bachelor's or master's) in journalism with over two years' work experience in either journalism or teaching English.

2) skillful at writing content, including headlines.

3) the capability to work to a deadline in a team atmosphere.

Location: Beijing

Benefit package:

1) salary with bonus with a 12-month contract renewed annually

2) free on-site accommodation with water, gas and electricity all covered

3) roundtrip airfare

4) medical insurance

5) paid vacations, free workday meals, etc.

To apply, please send your resume and article samples (particularly pieces on culture, arts, entertainment, sports and science) to: wangru@_______stcentury.com.cn

1. Which of the following about 21^stCentury English Education Media is NOT true?

A．The 21st Century newspaper is aimed at helping Chinese students learn English.

B．The 21st Century newspaper is published every month.

C．We can either read the print or the digital version of the newspaper.

D．It plays an important role in China’s English education.

2. The job of the native English-speaking sub-editor involves the following EXCEPT ________.

A．teaching Chinese students English.

B．editing the stories written by others.

C．propose ideas to story selection and writing.

D．helping with the work of other editorial materials.

3. If one wants to apply for this job, he/she ________.

A．should have a university degree in language education.

B．doesn’t need to have related working experience.

C．should include one of his/her articles in the application e-mail.

D．doesn’t need to have the ability to cooperate.