1 . I started participating in student journalism when I was in high school. And when I started, I really just saw my articles as more fun versions of the academic essays I was writing every day in class. It wasn’t really until an article I wrote in March 2020, that I really understood the power of expressing my voice through journalism, and the unique appeal and responsibility of being both a student and a journalist.
Most of the things reported on in student publications directly or indirectly affect the journalists writing about them. This differs from mainstream publications (刊物), who often have the privilege (特权) to objectively cover things that they have no connection with. Student journalists, on the other hand, often find themselves trying to put on a different “hat” when it comes to reporting, but in my eyes part of the magic of being a student journalist is that despite putting on a different “hat”, it’s still the same you.
We know what is important to report on because we are constantly surrounded by the student voice. An Irish Times or Independent reporter would never know about the burden of high rents, or why so many campus spaces are not accessible, or feel the fears of examination changes in light of artificial intelligence. Students know what students care about, and what issues aren’t getting the attention they deserve.
I’ve always been drawn to comment articles, particularly because it’s a place I feel my voice holds a special significance, and one where my words and my articles come together to represent me. Opinion pieces are unique, in that they are the only article format that doesn’t have to be entirely objective. I, and many other comment writers I chat to, find this freeing. It’s a relaxing experience to work out an important issue from your own viewpoint and even with your own frustration (挫败、失意) or praise, and it feels especially personal.
We need to protect student journalists, but we also need to expand the field we can cover in student journalism. The student voice is powerful because it is diverse, and it’s critical to reflect their voice. The press also has an important role in defending itself. Freedom of information is one of the most sacred (神圣的) things we have, and one that we as students need to protect.
1. How are student journalists different from the mainstream publications?| A．They can hardly identify issues relevant to peers. |
| B．They have an objective viewpoint on the issues. |
| C．They report on issues directly affecting them. |
| D．They prioritize objectivity over other things |
| A．student voice may always lead us to making unfair judgments |
| B．student reporters can keep their individuality when playing various roles |
| C．student articles offer an entertaining twist on traditional academic essays |
| D．student journalists should focus on the topics within their professional fields |
| A．inform readers of the high rents |
| B．attach importance to student voice |
| C．praise mainstream media for their efforts |
| D．bring up the topic of artificial intelligence |
| A．Freedom of speech and the press |
| B．The importance of student journalism |
| C．The responsibility of mainstream media |
| D．Embracing the diversity of student voice |
2 . What kind of dinosaur are you? If you answered Tyrannosaurus rex, then the bad news is that you probably won’t get the job you’re applying for.
Welcome to the strange world of extreme interviewing, the latest trend in which interviewers throw bizarre questions at candidates to see how they react.
It may seem like a game, but extreme interviewing is deadly serious. The idea is to see how quickly job seekers think on their feet and, at a time when 25 percent of recent graduates are unemployed, it offers employers a new way of separating the brilliant candidates from the merely very good.
This new approach to selecting candidates comes from Silicon Valley in California. One of the early pioneers of extreme interviewing was Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, who could be famously cruel with job seekers. Faced once with a candidate he considered boring, Jobs suddenly pretended to be a chicken, flapping his arms and making clucking noises around the unfortunate applicant, waiting to see what he would do. In fact, the secret to extreme interviewing is neither in the question nor the answer. It is in the candidate’s reaction.
David Moyle, a headhunter with the recruitment agency Eximius Group, who admits to using the dinosaur question selecting candidates, said: “Essentially, that kind of interviewing is used by us to give someone an opportunity to show they are smart.”
“Most candidates actually get something out of it, it’s not about trying to crush them. We are trying to give them an opportunity to show their personality, rather than just showing how they perform in an interview.”
Of course, getting the job is just the start. In the modern business world, survival will depend on what kind of dinosaur you really are.
1. The word “bizarre” in paragraph 2 is closet in meaning to ______.| A．common | B．unusual | C．instinctive | D．dishonest |
| A．They can attract more graduates to apply in this way. |
| B．They can learn to answer job seekers properly in this way. |
| C．They can find the most outstanding applicants in this way. |
| D．They can avoid being cruel to the interviewees in this way. |
| A．Their past experience. | B．Their job performance. |
| C．Their interview skills. | D．Their real personality. |
3 . If you try to explain to someone, without using pictures, how to build the building that you have designed, it would take an enormous amount of writing and might end up with a very funny-looking building. The architect uses pictures called details to show how many hundreds of parts go together to form a complete building. This type of drawing is called drafting and is done by people called draftsmen.
Draftsmen make up the largest group of the architectural offices’ work force. Because of the wide range of duties they perform, draftsmen are sometimes called architectural technicians. In a typical office, there are not only career draftsmen but also architectural graduates working as junior draftsmen to learn the trade. Career draftsmen are usually graduates from a two-year junior college called technical school. There was a time when architectural office used young people right out of high school as tracers. Their job was to trace over the other people’s details while learning to be a draftsman. This is no longer possible with the fast-pace of architects’ offices today although a junior draftsman is given guides by the more experienced employees.
So a good comprehensive architectural drafting course is a must before anyone seeks a job with an architectural firm. The job of the draftsmen is to translate the ideas and directions of architects, designers and engineers into complete and accurate working drawings. These become the plans and details used in the actual construction of a building. The project must be shown in great detail and drawn very clearly, so there is no chance for misunderstanding by the contractors(承包商). Every line and figure has an effect on the finished product.
As you can see, the draftsman is a key member of the architectural team. Of course, a junior draftsman is not expected to produce a complete set of working drawings. Depending on the size of the office and difficulty of the project, draftsmen may work in groups. The group leader coordinates the group and works closely with the project architect while the drawings are being produced.
Working conditions are mostly very pleasant as draftsmen’s work is intense and many people depend on accurate work. Each draftsman has a large combination drawing board and desk with various drawing aids. Almost without exception, members of the architectural team have at one time in their careers worked as draftsmen. This is essential to an architect education and most architects never get very far away from the drafting board.
1. According to the passage, career draftsmen are usually ______.| A．experienced architects | B．architectural designers |
| C．high school graduates | D．graduates of technical schools |
| A．the architect’s rough drawings and directions |
| B．the ideas and directions for the project |
| C．the plans and details for the actual construction |
| D．the designer’s handbooks, tables and building codes |
| A．They all work in groups with a project architect. |
| B．They are the main members of the architectural team. |
| C．They provide labor and building materials. |
| D．They give guides to inexperienced architects. |
| A．An architect education. | B．The spirit of team work. |
| C．Accuracy in the drawings. | D．Advanced drawing aids. |
4 . “Come in, Kim. Have a seat, please.” said Bill Williams, the manager. This was Kim’s first experience with an assessment. After only six months he was due for a raise if this assessment (测评) was satisfactory.
“Kim.” began Bill Williams. “I am very pleased with the quality of your work. I have nothing but praise for your devotion and your hard work. My only concern is that you are not active enough in putting forward your suggestions.”
“But,” replied Kim. “I have always completed every assignment you have given me. Mr. Williams.” “I know that, Kim. And please, call me Bill. But what I expect is for you to think independently and introduce new ideas. I need more input from you—more feedback on how things are going I don’t need a “yes man”. You never tell me what you think. You just smile as though everything is find.”
“But,” said Kim. “I feel that since you are my superior, it would be presumptuous of me to tell you what to do.”
“I’m not asking you to tell me what to do, but what you think we could do. To make suggestions. I employed you because I respect your experience in this field, but you are not communicating your thoughts to me.”
“Yes, I see. I’m not accustomed to this, but I will try to do as you say…, Bill”
“Good, then, I expect to hear more from you at staff meetings or at any other time you want to discuss an idea with me.”
“Yes, of course. Thank you, Mr. Will… Bill.”
1. Kim is the sort of employee who _______.| A．does not speak out his own ideas | B．is not devoted to the job |
| C．laughs too much over work | D．can not finish his work on time |
| A．full of respect | B．too confident and rude |
| C．lacking in experience | D．too shy and quiet |
| A．Kim has been invited to take charge of the staff meetings. |
| B．the manager appreciates those who just do what be tells them to do |
| C．the manager is pleased with Kim’s hard work and his suggestions |
| D．Kim is likely to have a higher salary if he can pass the assessment. |
5 . I was ten when I first sat with my grandmother behind the cashier(收银台)in her general store. Before long, she let me sit there by myself.I quickly learned the importance of treating customers politely and saying “thank you”.
At first I was paid in candy.
By the time I was 12, My grandmother thought I had done such a good job that she promoted me to selling cosmetics(化妆品). I developed the ability to look customers directly in the eye. Even though I was just a kid, women would ask me such things as “What color do you think I should wear? ”I took a real interest in their questions and was able to translate what they wanted into makeup(化妆)ideas.
The job taught me a valuable lesson: to be a successful salesperson, you didn’t need to be a rocket scientist—you needed to be a great listener.
| A．Later I received 50 cents an hour. |
| B．I ended my selling a record amount of cosmetics. |
| C．Today I still carry that lesson with me: I listen to customers. |
| D．My grandma’s trust taught me how to handle responsibility. |
| E．Soon I found myself looking more beautiful than ever before. |
| F．Watching my money grow was more rewarding than anything I could have bought. |
6 . Virtual (虚拟) Teams
Virtual teams are a great way to enable teamwork in situations where people are not sitting in the same office at the same time. Such teams are now widely used by companies and organizations to cut business costs. This is particularly so for businesses that use virtual teams to build global presence, or need less common skills or knowledge from people who are unwilling to travel.
Virtual teams are governed by the same basic principles as traditional teams.
Not everyone can perform well in a virtual team environment.
Managers of virtual teams need to pay much more attention to having clear goals, performance standards, and communication rules. People have various assumptions on what to expect from each other.
One of the biggest challenges of virtual teams is building trust between the team members. Trust is important for unblocking communication between members and increasing motivation of each person in the team. The issue of trust needs special attention at any stage of team existence.
| A．Yet, there is one significant difference. |
| B．Not every type of project is suitable for a virtual team. |
| C．A virtual team can choose whatever project they like to work on. |
| D．The members must be self-motivated and able to work independently. |
| E．Members of virtual teams communicate quite well although they never meet face-to-face. |
| F．To avoid misunderstanding, clear rules that everyone understands and agrees on are necessary. |
7 . When I stepped out the plane from Miami into Charlotte, North Carolina, airport for a connecting flight home, I immediately knew something was wrong. Lots of desperate people crowded the terminal. I quickly learned that flights headed to the Northeast were called off because of a storm. The earliest they could get us out of Charlotte was Tuesday. It was Friday. A gate agent stood on the counter and shouted, “Don’t ask us for help! We cannot help you!”
I joined a crowd that ran from terminal to terminal in search of a flight out. Eventually, I found six strangers willing to rent a van with me. We drove through the night to Washington, where I took a train the rest of the way to Providence.
The real problem, of course, is that incidents like this happen every day, to everyone who flies, more and more often. It really gets to me, though, because for eight years I was on the other side, as a flight attendant for Trans-World Airlines(TWA).
I know the days are gone when attendants could be written up if we did not put the lines napkins with the TWA logo in the lower right-hand corner of the first-class diners’ trays. As are the days when there were three dinner options on flights from Boston to Los Angeles in economy class. When, once, stuck on a tarmac (机场停机坪) in Newark for four hours, a planeload of passengers got McDonald’s hamburgers and fries by thoughtfulness of the airline.
I have experienced the decline of service along with the rest of the flying public. But I believe everything will change little by little, because I remember the days when to fly was to soar (翱翔). The airlines, and their employees, took pride in how their passengers were treated. And I think the days are sure to come back one day in the near future.
1. Many people crowded the terminal because ________.| A．they were ready to board on the planes |
| B．something was wrong with the terminal |
| C．the flights to the Northeast were canceled |
| D．the gate agent wouldn’t help the passengers |
| A．by air | B．by van | C．by train | D．by underground |
| A．The writer lived in Charlotte, North Carolina. |
| B．The writer thought the service was not as good as it used to be. |
| C．The writer with other passengers waited to be picked up patiently. |
| D．Passengers would feel proud of how they were treated on the plane. |
8 . Many questions can be expected in advance and it’s wise to have some well-constructed answers that you can tailor more closely on the day. It’s sensible to have a number of key phrases to use. Remember to always try and make your answers positive.
Q1: Tell me about yourself. (The interviewer is really saying “I want to hear you talk.”)
A1: This is just to get things started, but it is a very common question. Write a script, and practice it so that it sounds natural. Spend a maximum of four minutes describing your qualifications, career history and your range of skills. Emphasize those skills that are relevant to the job on offer.
Q2: What have been your achievements to date? (The interviewer is saying “Are you an achiever?”)
A2: Again, this is a common question, so be prepared. Select an achievement that is experience-related and fairly recent. Identify skills you used in this achievement and say what the results were.
Q3: What do you like about your present job? (The interviewer is really trying to find out whether you will enjoy the things the new job has to offer.)
A3: This is a straightforward question. All you have to make sure is that your ‘likes’ correspond to the skills etc. required for the job on offer. Be positive, describe your job as interesting and diverse, but do not overdo it. After all, you are leaving?
Q4: What are your strengths? (The interviewer simply wants a straightforward answer as to what you are good at.)
A4: This is the one question that you are definitely going to get, so there is no excuse for being unprepared. Concentrate on discussing your main strengths. List three or four explanations of how they could benefit the employer. Strengths to consider include technical proficiency; ability to learn quickly; determination to succeed; positive attitude; your ability to relate to people and achieve a common goal. You may be asked to give examples of the above, so be prepared.
Q5: Tell me about the most difficult situation you’ve had to face and how you handled it.
(The interview is really trying to find out your definition of “difficult” and whether you can show a logical approach to problem solving using your initiative.)
A5: This can be a trap! To avoid it, select a difficult work situation that was not caused by you and which can be quickly explained in a few sentences. Explain how you defined the problem, what the options were, why you selected the one you did and what the outcome was. Always end on a positive note.
1. The passage is mainly intended to ________.| A．highlight the importance of looking positive in an interview |
| B．give suggestions on how to answer interview questions |
| C．provide some sample answers to interview questions |
| D．illustrate how to look confident in an interview |
| A．talk about what you dislike about it |
| B．comment positively on your colleagues |
| C．relates it to the job you are applying for |
| D．describe how interesting it is as far as possible |
| A．Tell me about yourself? |
| B．Tell me about your strengths? |
| C．What have been your achievements to date? |
| D．How did you handle the most difficult situation? |
9 . Teaching is widely recognized to be a stressful occupation, characterized by numerous and varied challenges: administrative burdens, long hours, classroom management difficulties, to name but a few.
But if it’s clear that teacher stress is widespread, it’s not always clear how teacher stress should be defined. Traditionally, educational policy research has focused on working conditions (i.e., school administration) as the main driver of occupational health. That is, teacher stress tends to be viewed as a result of working in a stressful environment, often characterized as lacking sufficient funding or effective leadership.
Chris Kyriacou and others have argued that teacher stress is better understood as resulting from a mismatch between the pressures and demands made on educators and their ability to cope with those demands. Workforce conditions alone are not sufficient to explain why some teachers are highly stressed. Rather, what matters most is how each teacher sees the demands they face in relation to the resources they have available to meet those demands.
| A．These demands take a toll, resulting in job dissatisfaction, workplace fatigue, burnout, and reduced occupational commitment. |
| B．Just as beauty is said to be in the eye of the beholder, stress depends on the teacher’s unique view of their classroom. |
| C．For example, this holds true for 25% of teachers in Great Britain and Italy; 20-22% in Malaysia and Germany; and 25-26% in Australia and the U.S. |
| D．However, if only 20-25% of teachers report high levels of stress, then that would suggest that the working environment itself is only part of the issue. |
| E．Teachers are isolated from colleagues for much of the day, spending less than 5% of their work time collaborating with peers. |
| F．Clearly, then, there must be more to the story. |
10 . Life is like a roller coaster; every point has ups and downs. The truly victorious people stay committed to their broad goals even in unplanned circumstances. One true example of such people comes from a woman passionate about spreading happiness and helping others. Nicole Thornes is a mother, a former police officer, and now serving society as a death doula.
Believing small efforts could comfort individuals and unite society, Nicole thought a police officer had the opportunity to prevent crime, bring justice and create a better society for everyone. She was determined to become a police officer to protect life and bring prosperity. All her passion and motivation drove her to pursue a Criminal Justice degree to become a police officer.
Although she became a mother during her studies, she didn’t give up on her passion. Nicole could have called off her studies, but her passion for serving society didn’t let her step down. She took a break from her studies when her kids needed more attention but later came back to continue her study and completed her degree. Nicole finally became a police officer and everything went according to her plans.
But uncertainty put her in a challenging situation. Nicole suffered from an injury. The sudden medical retirement called off her journey as a police officer, but her dreams and passion did not let her stop. So, she became a death doula, allowing her to be there for people whenever needed and provide comfort to the dying and their families during difficult times. She chose this field after her grandfather’s death. She couldn’t bear the pain of losing him; therefore, she decided to become a death doula and contribute her services to help those suffering from the pain of losing their loved ones.
Nicole Thornes has written her book, Daddy’s Home, covering true events of losing someone and inspiring readers to cope with the feelings of emptiness and recover from mental illness after losing someone close. Daddy’s Home inspires readers and tells them the importance of a new beginning, helping people lighten the burden from their chest after the grief of losing someone.
1. What can be learned about Nicole Thornes?| A．Nicole Thornes dreamed of becoming a police officer since she was born. |
| B．Nicole Thornes pursued a Criminal Justice degree, but she gave up halfway. |
| C．Nicole Thornes took up a writing career immediately after getting physically hurt. |
| D．Nicole Thornes wrote a book, impressing on readers the significance of a new start. |
| A．The unbearable pain brought by her grandfather’s death. |
| B．Her break from academic studies to take care of her kids. |
| C．Her sudden medical retirement due to her incurable injury. |
| D．Her determination to finish writing her book, Daddy’s Home. |
| A．a death fighter | B．a special trainer |
| C．a support giver | D．a creative police officer |
| A．Nicole Thornes and her dream |
| B．The ups and downs of Nicole Thornes |
| C．Nicole Thornes: The writer of Daddy’s Home |
| D．Nicole Thornes: The journey from a police officer to a death doula |
