1 . The Internet has completely changed the workplace over the past three decades. Artificial Intelligence is now all set to do the same, and businesses that don’t take advantage of the technology risk being left behind.
Global tech giants like Amazon have been leading the change, and businesses of all sizes are now using the technology for employing and managing their staff.
Among them is L’Oreal. With about a million applicants for roughly 15,000 new positions each year, the company is using AI to hire.
“We really wanted to save time and focus more on quality, diversity and candidate experience. And AI solutions were the best way to go faster on these challenges,” said Eva Azoulay, global vice-president of L’Oreal’s Human Resources Department.
The company uses Mya, a chatbot, to save employers’ time during the first stage of the process. It handles routine questions from candidates, and checks details such as availability and visa requirements. Should candidates make it to the next round, they’ll run into Seedlink, an AI software that scores applicants based on their answers to open-ended interview questions. These scores don’t replace human judgment, said Azoulay, but they do exclude candidates who might not seem like obvious choices.
Early results have been promising. For one internship program, where 12,000 people apply for about 80 spots, employers claim they saved 200 hours of time while hiring the most diverse group to date.
Other businesses have gone beyond employment and are using AI to help manage employees. Some UK firms have started using Isaak, a system designed by the London-based company StatusToday, to track how many hours staff spend online and the number of emails they receive. London real estate agent JBrown has been using this system since March. CEO James Brown said it helps the firm understand employees’ habits and prevent them from overworking. “It enables us to solve bottleneck problems and relieve overburdened employees,” he said.
Despite these examples of good practice, there is still a long way for AI to reach its full potential, and the technology comes with risks. Another AI danger could be its impact on jobs through automation.
McKinsey predicts AI could add $13 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with early adopters doubling their cash flow over that period. But the demand for repetitive (重复的) or digitally-unskilled jobs could drop by around 10%, the consulting firm said in a 2018 report.
1. What can we learn about AI technology from Paragraph 1?| A．It causes a great problem in workplace. |
| B．It will become a necessary part of business. |
| C．It requires businesses to invest much money. |
| D．It will replace the Internet in the future. |
| A．pick out the most suitable candidates directly |
| B．come up with more questions unlimitedly |
| C．improve the company’s hiring efficiency |
| D．save money by replacing human judgment |
| A．Prepare. | B．Consider. | C．Remove. | D．Include. |
| A．prevent their employees from surfing the Internet |
| B．force their employees to form good working habits |
| C．monitor the contents of all their employees’ emails |
| D．help their employees avoid being overstressed at work |
| A．What AI will bring to the workplace. |
| B．Why AI could be good for the workplace. |
| C．How businesses can prepare for an AI future. |
| D．How to use AI to improve workplace efficiency. |
1. What is the speaker?
| A．A teacher. | B．An editor. | C．A student. |
| A．Communication skills. | B．High scores. | C．Experience. |
| A．To learn to write. | B．To make money. | C．To have fun. |
| A．Right after the meeting. | B．Tomorrow morning. | C．Next week. |
“Someone once asked me, ‘What’s the tool you would want to give any student’? And I said, ‘A mask and snorkel (潜水通气管) set,’’’ the ocean biologist Thys says in a video. And Thys explains, “Ninety-eight percent of the living space on this planet is the ocean. It’s worth a view.”
Thys has devoted her career to seeing the ocean, and to helping others watch the great diversity of the underwater world. A big part of what motivates her work is the chance to let people develop a sense of respect for the grandness of the ocean, and to get people to participate in efforts to protect endangered ocean ecosystems.
Since studying ocean biology, Thys has focused her research on how sea animals live. One animal she particularly studies is the ocean sunfish. “It’s so different from any other fish,” says Thys. “It looks like a mistake. Where does the tail go?” Thys adds. “The sunfish provides an entry point to understanding more about the behavior of creatures in the ocean, and about how environmental changes impact underwater ecosystems.”
Thys’s work also takes her above ground, where she’s looking at ways to create new connections between human populations and natural environments to help address social and environmental challenges. For instance, she’s working on nature’s effects on mental well-being.
Thys’s passion for her work is evident in every lecture, video, and public appearance she makes. Using the media, Thys encourages people to learn about the ocean and love it. Due to many ocean research projects and activities from the media, Thys is up to her neck in work every day. She could hardly spare plenty of time for a good rest. Thys’s devotion to her work as an ocean scientist and ecological warrior is infectious. She’s a role model and an inspiring guide to ocean life.
1. Why would Thys like to send students a mask and snorkel set? (no more than 8 words)2. What greatly motivates Thys’s work according to Paragraph 2? (no more than 10 words)
3. What does Thys think of the ocean sunfish? (no more than 10 words)
4. What does the underlined part in the last paragraph mean? (no more than 5 words)
5. What’s your attitude towards Thys and her work? (no more than 20 words)
4 . STUDENT EMPLOYMENT ON CAMPUS
All students may apply to work on campus.
Getting started
Before starting any position, all students need to complete required taforms and show identification. International students also need:
*Social Security card *Bank account
*Valid passport *Official work permit
*Letter of support from the office of International Student Life
Looking for a job on Handshake
Handshake is an online job search platform for college students. With a Handshake account, students can receive information about career events and personalized job recommendations. To use Handshake, just follow these steps:
*Log in to Handshake using your email address already provided by the college.
*Complete personalization of your profile.
*Start your job search by clicking “Jobs” button.
*Fill out desired information:location, job type, etc.
*Apply directly by clicking “Apply Now” button.
You can also make appointments to meet with a career coach, access career resources, and explore careers that interest you. On-campus jobs available for students
*Academic department assistant (Flexible working hours on Monday/Thursday)
*Dining services (Lunchtime on weekdays)
*Library assistant (Flexible working hours on Monday/Wednesday/Friday)
*Bookstore/mailroom(9:00-12:00 at weekends)
*Athletic department (18:00-22:00 on weekdays)
Maximum working hours
*During the semester (学期), domestic students can work a maximum of 10 hours a week; international students can work a maximum of 20 hours a week.
*During the summer break,a student may not work more than 30 hours a week.
*The total number of hours may not exceed (超过) the maximum hours allowed even if a student has more than one job.
For more information, find us at Career Development Office, 211Hughes Hall; careerdevelopment@dreamcollege.edu, 555-520-1314
1. What documents are necessary for an international student to seek employment?| A．Passport and Insurance Certificate. |
| B．Work permit and Academic report. |
| C．Bank account and Letter of support. |
| D．Health Certificate and Social Security card. |
| A．consult a career coach | B．personalize your profile |
| C．attend job training | D．set up a new email account |
| A．In the athletic department. | B．In the dining hall. |
| C．In the library. | D．In the bookstore. |
| A．40 hours per week during the summer break. |
| B．20 hours per week during the semester. |
| C．2 jobs, each with 16 hours per week. |
| D．3 jobs, each with 2 hours per week. |
| A．A university website. | B．A course guide. |
| C．A summer camp notice. | D．A business magazine. |
5 . 阅读短文，并按照题目要求用英语回答问题。
You’ve got to know your own value, know what you want, and stick with it. That’s what T. McDowell’s advice to others is, and it’s certainly worked for him. This high school senior is currently the owner of Immersion Imaging, a successful company specializing in Internet commerce solutions and online financial databases.
McDowell launched the company in 2012, which was originally called 4th Dimension Graphics. Two years later, it was recognized as Immersion Imaging. Surprisingly, he didn’t begin the company with the assistance of any partner, but instead founded it on his own with the experience and contacts that he already had.
“It’s always been a one - person operation. I could easily take on partners or scale up the business some more, but I want to keep it this way for now,” McDowell said. I don’t lack any contracts right now. I like it because it’s flexible, so that if I need more income, I can do more; and if I take a break for a while, I don’t have any problems.” If McDowell spends between 30 and 60 hours a week working, Immersion Imaging will offer him a steady income.
Part of the reason why McDowell ended up in the computer industry might be explained by the exposure he had as a child. However, he spends his free time on more than just computers. His real interest lies in aviation. With his business spirit and success, McDowell won’t have a problem realizing his dreams of the sky one day
1. What does McDowell’s company focus on? (No more than 10 words)6 . Community Development Projects Overseas
The aim of Community Development Projects abroad in Temple Conservation, DIY and more is to improve poorer local communities. You can do them as part of your work experience, gap year or career break, or just as a volunteering holiday.
South Africa
Time: 1st, March — 31st, May 2024
Registration fee: $65
Maintenance/Handyman/DIY skills, this project would love to have you! The project is truly unique. You will assist an Animal Rehabilitation Center that desperately needs any help it can get and you will be benefiting the animals at the same time! And, of course, the location is very unusual. And finally, conservation are lovely people to work with!
Sri Lanka
Time: 1st, May — 31st, July 2024
Registration fee: Free
Buddhist Temple Repair and Construction, Project in Kandy
Rebuild and repair Buddhist temple in and around Kandy. This unique and fascinating project offers an opportunity to learn about Sri Lankan construction using traditional manual methods, without using modern machines.
Work includes construction, repairing temples, cleaning in and around temples, interacting with children and villagers and helping the Temples arrange Community Centers for the village youths. You will also assist with the repair of paintings and sculptures inside the temples.
Zimbabwe
Time: 1st, October — 31st, December, 2024
Registration fee: $120
Community Healthcare and Medical Project in Gweru gain basic medical experience in local clinics and play a role in HIV/AIDS education and awareness. You will be able to get involved in not only this clinic but others in the nearby area as well. You do not need to be qualified in any particular area. You will work with children from the ages of 3 to 6 years. It is a very worthwhile, enjoyable placement.
1. What is the aim of Community Development Projects abroad?| A．To improve your work experience. |
| B．To bring you a chance to travel abroad. |
| C．To offer a meaningful volunteering holiday. |
| D．To better underdeveloped local communities. |
| A．People skilled in painting. |
| B．People good at treating AIDS. |
| C．People experienced in travelling. |
| D．People expert at tending animals. |
| A．It will all be done in modern method. |
| B．It will involve using hands and strength. |
| C．Experienced experts will direct the work. |
| D．The village youths will help with the repair. |
| A．health and medicine |
| B．animals and resources |
| C．food and environment |
| D．community and education |
| A．They require specific skills. |
| B．They charge a registration fee. |
| C．They have the same length of time. |
| D．They need fluency in foreign languages. |
Ren Sainan chanced upon the funeral industry in 2019. With a degree in e-commerce, she joined an online retailer that deals in funeral supplies after several failures in attempting to get a “normal” job upon graduation.
Encouraged by her family, colleagues and friends, Ren realized that what matters most is living for the moment and working for what she loves. Putting aside the opinions of others, she began to model for new shrouds (寿衣) for live-broadcasting as part of her daily job. Gradually, she found that working in the funeral industry is meaningful and that everyone has a story.
One night during the Spring Festival, Ren received a call. A girl sobbed, asking whether she had a green burial suit, as she was preparing for the funeral of her father who used to be a soldier at Jiayu Pass, safeguarding China’s northwestern frontier. He had a deep affection for the color green.
Searching through piles of clothes at the warehouse, Ren failed to find the color. Moved by the daughter and the father, she decided to make a green-colored suit along with a tailor at the company.
In the beginning, Ren was afraid of telling her mother about working as a model and designer for burial clothes. “After I accepted myself in this job, I talked about it with my mother. Her first reaction was ‘you should resign,’” Ren said. She made a trip home in Pingdingshan, a two-hour drive from Zhengzhou where she works, in hope to impress her mother with various products. “She softened her tone as these designs upended her perception of saying goodbye to the world,” she said.
In traditional Chinese culture, the discussion of death is taboo (禁忌的), and the shrouds, along with other funeral supplies, are things people avoided talking about in daily life. And even with good employment opportunities, people were reluctant to work as funeral directors.
As a shroud model, Ren’s presentation has changed people’s fixed images of the funeral supplies. While amazed at the diverse and personalized development of the funeral industry, Chinese netizens have also expressed their admiration for Ren’s job.
Aging, sickness, and death are common states of life. It might be, in a sense, lucky to have an opportunity to experience the range of human emotions from joy to grief, from despair to hope.
1. Why did Ren Sainan choose a job in the funeral industry? (no more than 8 words)2. What is the top concern of Ren Sainan in her life? (no more than 10 words)
3. What does the underlined word in Paragraph 5 probably mean? (1 word)
4. Why are few people willing to work as funeral directors? (no more than 10 words)
5. What do you think of Ren Sainan? Please explain. (no more than 20 words)
I was engaged in my daily job search, and an ad seemed to appear suddenly. It was about a job that was within walking distance of my home, and I found I met all its requirements. I thought it was just perfect for me.
“I want that job,” I whispered to myself, and then tried to gather some confidence. “That job has my name on it.”
Anyone who has been out of work for a period knows how badly job loss can affect one’s self-esteem. One moment, I was an important person in the company; the next moment, thanks to internal restructuring (内部改革), I was deemed surplus. It was quite a shock. I began to question my ability and myself.
But now, for this perfect job, I pulled up my resume and composed what I hoped was a perfect application. As I pushed “Send”, I closed my eyes and told myself with every ounce of certainty I had, “I’ve got this job.” Luckily, I received an e-mail inviting me to an interview. I was delighted!
“I know this is my job,” I spoke the words to my reflection in the mirror on the day of my interview. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a bit nervous, but I knew that I was going to put my best foot forward and make a great impression.
It was a beautiful summer day, and the sunshine seemed to energize me. I was led into a conference room where the department managers greeted me. They had my resume in front of them and took notes as I answered their questions. What I had seen in the office appealed to me, and I could already picture myself sitting at my desk. A sense of belonging filled me.
By the end of the week, the desired call arrived, and my dream became a reality. I accepted the job, and my heart jumped for joy.
1. How did the author respond to the employment ad? (no more than 5 words)2. How can we understand the underlined part in Paragraph 3? (no more than 8 words)
3. What did the author do on the beautiful summer day? (no more than 5 words)
4. What happened to the author by the end of the week? (no more than 10 words)
5. What do you think of the author’s job hunting? Please explain why. (no more than 20 words)
A taxi driver taught me a million-dollar lesson in customer satisfaction and expectation. Motivational speakers charge thousands of dollars to give this kind of training to corporate executives (企业高管) and staff. It cost me a $12 taxi ride.
I had flown into Dallas for the only purpose of calling on a customer. Time was of the essence and my plan included a quick turnaround trip from and back to the airport. A spotless taxi pulled up.
The driver rushed to open the passenger door for me and made sure I was comfortably seated before he closed the door. As he got in the driver’s seat, he mentioned that the neatly folded “Wall Street Journal” next to me was for my use. He then showed me several tapes and asked me what type of music I would enjoy.
Well! I looked around for a “Candid Camera”! Wouldn’t you? I could not believe the service I was receiving! I took the opportunity to say, “Obviously you take great pride in your work. You must have a story to tell.”
“You bet,” he replied, “I used to be in Corporate America. But I got tired of thinking my best would never be good enough. I decided to find my niche in life where I could feel proud of being the best I could be. I knew I would never be a rocket scientist, but I love driving cars, being of service and feeling like I have done a full day’s work and done it well. So I became a taxi driver. One thing I know for sure, to be good in my business I could simply just meet the expectations of my passengers. But, to be GREAT in my business, I have to EXCEED the customer’s expectations! I like both the sound and the return of being ‘great’ better than just getting by on ‘average’”.
1. Why did the author fly to Dallas? (no more than 5 words)2. What does Paragraph 3 mainly talk about? (no more than 10 words)
3. What does the underlined word in Paragraph 5 probably mean? (1 word)
4. According to the driver’s words in Paragraph 5, what made him become a taxi driver? (no more than 10 words)
5. What’s your dream job? And how would you do it to go from “GOOD” to “GREAT”? (no more than 20 words)
Do you scan yourself in your early 20s already dressed in a smart suit as well as using a company phone? Currently more and more young people have been looking for internships (实习生职位) rather than Saturday jobs. But should people be expected to do a proper job at all while they’re still young?
For many, weekend or evening work is a rite of passage that may involve cleaning toilets, milking cows or operating the machine that puts jam into a doughnut.
Plentiful teenagers or students aren’t impressive in holding down a part-time job. But it’s a opportunity to try to experience the world of work and take a crucial first step into adulthood.
But the number of young people doing a Saturday job has decreased by a half in 15 years, according to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. It’s economic downturn that has kept it rough for young people to find any kind of job. And many enterprises put forward higher requirement, which are associated with this phenomenon as well. For those seeking a career, there is now greater pressure to choose professional jobs and get work experience.
Those who go on to successful careers often mention their days of waiting tables or picking fruit as experiences of growth. Actor Sean Connery may have the 007 role as a protuberance on his CV while he embarked on working as a milkman when only 14. George Clooney once strove for selling women’s shoes.
What is a proper job? White collar work is a golden job that a host of people want to obtain and professionals in finance, advertising, journalism and the law often work exceedingly long hours. However, there is a sense that sitting at a desk all one’s life is not always real work in the same way as some other jobs are.
Dr Paul Sissons, senior researcher at the Work Foundation, argues that the solid choice to realised occupation triumph could be getting eminent grades. He says that formal qualifications still influence employers’ decision.
1. According to the passage, what are the examples given of Saturday jobs? (no more than 15 words)2. What’s made it more difficult for young people to find a job? (no more than 8 words)
3. What does the underlined word “protuberance” in Paragraph 5 probably mean? (1 word)
4. According to an expert mentioned in the article, what could be the best way of achieving career success? (no more than 5 words)
5. As a student who will step into the society, how do you plan for your future career? (no more than 25 words)
