慈濟大學 110 年 《英文》

【題組共用題幹】

What strikes home as the shuttle boat approaches the $5 billion megaresort being constructed off the coast of Dubai is its sheer _____. Nearly two decades in the making, the Heart of Europe (HoE) forms just one section of the World—a vast collection of man-made islands roughly in the shape of an atlas—but when completed it will be the _____ centerpiece. In the middle of a pandemic, it could yet prove to be a work of genius in its efforts to recreate the continent of Europe for upscale vacationers unwilling to make the trek. Amid a global travel downturn caused by COVID-19, it also represents a major leap of faith in Dubai’s long-term allure.

After a four-kilometer boat ride from the mainland, the World’s 300 artificial islands rise up out of the Arabian Gulf like inverted golf bunkers. Most of these have stood empty since the project began in 2003, with subsequent global financial downturns _____ encourage developers. And then the Heart of Europe comes into view. _____ fifteen luxury hotels, vacation homes and billionaire mansions now stand or are beginning to appear on these aquatic plots. Most are still unfinished, awaiting the final touches _____ the first completion deadlines at the end of 2020.

21. (A) waste
    (B) resourcefulness
    (C) overindulgence
    (D) audacity

【題組共用題幹】

What strikes home as the shuttle boat approaches the $5 billion megaresort being constructed off the coast of Dubai is its sheer _____. Nearly two decades in the making, the Heart of Europe (HoE) forms just one section of the World—a vast collection of man-made islands roughly in the shape of an atlas—but when completed it will be the _____ centerpiece. In the middle of a pandemic, it could yet prove to be a work of genius in its efforts to recreate the continent of Europe for upscale vacationers unwilling to make the trek. Amid a global travel downturn caused by COVID-19, it also represents a major leap of faith in Dubai’s long-term allure.

After a four-kilometer boat ride from the mainland, the World’s 300 artificial islands rise up out of the Arabian Gulf like inverted golf bunkers. Most of these have stood empty since the project began in 2003, with subsequent global financial downturns _____ encourage developers. And then the Heart of Europe comes into view. _____ fifteen luxury hotels, vacation homes and billionaire mansions now stand or are beginning to appear on these aquatic plots. Most are still unfinished, awaiting the final touches _____ the first completion deadlines at the end of 2020.

22. (A) opulent
    (B) incongruous
    (C) impulsive
    (D) deprived

【題組共用題幹】

What strikes home as the shuttle boat approaches the $5 billion megaresort being constructed off the coast of Dubai is its sheer _____. Nearly two decades in the making, the Heart of Europe (HoE) forms just one section of the World—a vast collection of man-made islands roughly in the shape of an atlas—but when completed it will be the _____ centerpiece. In the middle of a pandemic, it could yet prove to be a work of genius in its efforts to recreate the continent of Europe for upscale vacationers unwilling to make the trek. Amid a global travel downturn caused by COVID-19, it also represents a major leap of faith in Dubai’s long-term allure.

After a four-kilometer boat ride from the mainland, the World’s 300 artificial islands rise up out of the Arabian Gulf like inverted golf bunkers. Most of these have stood empty since the project began in 2003, with subsequent global financial downturns _____ encourage developers. And then the Heart of Europe comes into view. _____ fifteen luxury hotels, vacation homes and billionaire mansions now stand or are beginning to appear on these aquatic plots. Most are still unfinished, awaiting the final touches _____ the first completion deadlines at the end of 2020.

23. (A) done little
    (B) doing little
    (C) done few
    (D) doing few

【題組共用題幹】

What strikes home as the shuttle boat approaches the $5 billion megaresort being constructed off the coast of Dubai is its sheer _____. Nearly two decades in the making, the Heart of Europe (HoE) forms just one section of the World—a vast collection of man-made islands roughly in the shape of an atlas—but when completed it will be the _____ centerpiece. In the middle of a pandemic, it could yet prove to be a work of genius in its efforts to recreate the continent of Europe for upscale vacationers unwilling to make the trek. Amid a global travel downturn caused by COVID-19, it also represents a major leap of faith in Dubai’s long-term allure.

After a four-kilometer boat ride from the mainland, the World’s 300 artificial islands rise up out of the Arabian Gulf like inverted golf bunkers. Most of these have stood empty since the project began in 2003, with subsequent global financial downturns _____ encourage developers. And then the Heart of Europe comes into view. _____ fifteen luxury hotels, vacation homes and billionaire mansions now stand or are beginning to appear on these aquatic plots. Most are still unfinished, awaiting the final touches _____ the first completion deadlines at the end of 2020.

24. (A) More or less
    (B) Notwithstanding
    (C) No fewer than
    (D) Nothing but

【題組共用題幹】

What strikes home as the shuttle boat approaches the $5 billion megaresort being constructed off the coast of Dubai is its sheer _____. Nearly two decades in the making, the Heart of Europe (HoE) forms just one section of the World—a vast collection of man-made islands roughly in the shape of an atlas—but when completed it will be the _____ centerpiece. In the middle of a pandemic, it could yet prove to be a work of genius in its efforts to recreate the continent of Europe for upscale vacationers unwilling to make the trek. Amid a global travel downturn caused by COVID-19, it also represents a major leap of faith in Dubai’s long-term allure.

After a four-kilometer boat ride from the mainland, the World’s 300 artificial islands rise up out of the Arabian Gulf like inverted golf bunkers. Most of these have stood empty since the project began in 2003, with subsequent global financial downturns _____ encourage developers. And then the Heart of Europe comes into view. _____ fifteen luxury hotels, vacation homes and billionaire mansions now stand or are beginning to appear on these aquatic plots. Most are still unfinished, awaiting the final touches _____ the first completion deadlines at the end of 2020.

25. (A) needed to meet
    (B) needed to have met
    (C) needing to meet
    (D) needing to have met

【題組共用題幹】

The planet needs China to curb its appetite for meat. In the first three decades of the “reform and opening” era the number of farmed animals in the country tripled. Raising them polluted water supplies and _____ scarce arable land. Around the globe, China’s growing hunger for red meat, specifically, has seen _____ beef imports grow 40-fold between 2010 and 2018. The boom threatens Latin American forests and Arctic ice caps alike, as cattle-rearing prompts land-clearing and emits greenhouse gases.

To be fair, China’s 1.4 billion people are being asked to show a self-restraint unknown in the gluttonous West. Even now, in China where children yawn at dishes which their grandparents once saw only at weddings and high holidays, meat consumption per person is only half of America’s. But China’s government, too, wants its people to eat less meat. Obesity, type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure are _____. To curb such afflictions, guidelines issued in 2016 urge adults to eat just 40-75 grams of meat a day, or about half the current national average. Market signals are also pushing shoppers to _____. China’s most popular meat, pork, is nearly 70% costlier than a year ago because herds are being wiped out by African swine fever, a disease harmless to people but _____ to pigs.

26. (A) make up for
    (B) gobbled up
    (C) do away with
    (D) make do with

【題組共用題幹】

The planet needs China to curb its appetite for meat. In the first three decades of the “reform and opening” era the number of farmed animals in the country tripled. Raising them polluted water supplies and _____ scarce arable land. Around the globe, China’s growing hunger for red meat, specifically, has seen _____ beef imports grow 40-fold between 2010 and 2018. The boom threatens Latin American forests and Arctic ice caps alike, as cattle-rearing prompts land-clearing and emits greenhouse gases.

To be fair, China’s 1.4 billion people are being asked to show a self-restraint unknown in the gluttonous West. Even now, in China where children yawn at dishes which their grandparents once saw only at weddings and high holidays, meat consumption per person is only half of America’s. But China’s government, too, wants its people to eat less meat. Obesity, type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure are _____. To curb such afflictions, guidelines issued in 2016 urge adults to eat just 40-75 grams of meat a day, or about half the current national average. Market signals are also pushing shoppers to _____. China’s most popular meat, pork, is nearly 70% costlier than a year ago because herds are being wiped out by African swine fever, a disease harmless to people but _____ to pigs.

27. (A) for
    (B) their
    (C) as
    (D) its

【題組共用題幹】

The planet needs China to curb its appetite for meat. In the first three decades of the “reform and opening” era the number of farmed animals in the country tripled. Raising them polluted water supplies and _____ scarce arable land. Around the globe, China’s growing hunger for red meat, specifically, has seen _____ beef imports grow 40-fold between 2010 and 2018. The boom threatens Latin American forests and Arctic ice caps alike, as cattle-rearing prompts land-clearing and emits greenhouse gases.

To be fair, China’s 1.4 billion people are being asked to show a self-restraint unknown in the gluttonous West. Even now, in China where children yawn at dishes which their grandparents once saw only at weddings and high holidays, meat consumption per person is only half of America’s. But China’s government, too, wants its people to eat less meat. Obesity, type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure are _____. To curb such afflictions, guidelines issued in 2016 urge adults to eat just 40-75 grams of meat a day, or about half the current national average. Market signals are also pushing shoppers to _____. China’s most popular meat, pork, is nearly 70% costlier than a year ago because herds are being wiped out by African swine fever, a disease harmless to people but _____ to pigs.

28. (A) taking a growing toll
    (B) getting a driving force
    (C) booming the bust
    (D) leading the pack

【題組共用題幹】

The planet needs China to curb its appetite for meat. In the first three decades of the “reform and opening” era the number of farmed animals in the country tripled. Raising them polluted water supplies and _____ scarce arable land. Around the globe, China’s growing hunger for red meat, specifically, has seen _____ beef imports grow 40-fold between 2010 and 2018. The boom threatens Latin American forests and Arctic ice caps alike, as cattle-rearing prompts land-clearing and emits greenhouse gases.

To be fair, China’s 1.4 billion people are being asked to show a self-restraint unknown in the gluttonous West. Even now, in China where children yawn at dishes which their grandparents once saw only at weddings and high holidays, meat consumption per person is only half of America’s. But China’s government, too, wants its people to eat less meat. Obesity, type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure are _____. To curb such afflictions, guidelines issued in 2016 urge adults to eat just 40-75 grams of meat a day, or about half the current national average. Market signals are also pushing shoppers to _____. China’s most popular meat, pork, is nearly 70% costlier than a year ago because herds are being wiped out by African swine fever, a disease harmless to people but _____ to pigs.

29. (A) lay out
    (B) make off
    (C) do without
    (D) cut back

【題組共用題幹】

The planet needs China to curb its appetite for meat. In the first three decades of the “reform and opening” era the number of farmed animals in the country tripled. Raising them polluted water supplies and _____ scarce arable land. Around the globe, China’s growing hunger for red meat, specifically, has seen _____ beef imports grow 40-fold between 2010 and 2018. The boom threatens Latin American forests and Arctic ice caps alike, as cattle-rearing prompts land-clearing and emits greenhouse gases.

To be fair, China’s 1.4 billion people are being asked to show a self-restraint unknown in the gluttonous West. Even now, in China where children yawn at dishes which their grandparents once saw only at weddings and high holidays, meat consumption per person is only half of America’s. But China’s government, too, wants its people to eat less meat. Obesity, type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure are _____. To curb such afflictions, guidelines issued in 2016 urge adults to eat just 40-75 grams of meat a day, or about half the current national average. Market signals are also pushing shoppers to _____. China’s most popular meat, pork, is nearly 70% costlier than a year ago because herds are being wiped out by African swine fever, a disease harmless to people but _____ to pigs.

30. (A) intoxicated
    (B) benign
    (C) lethal
    (D) salutary

【題組共用題幹】

Everyone has good and bad moods, but for some, feeling happy or sad seems to be linked to the weather. According to one common theory, the more sunlight people get, the better they feel. Are the theories, such as this one, _____ by science, though?

One way in which weather seems to affect mood is seen in those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). People with SAD feel bad during the same season each year—usually in the winter. Psychologists are not sure what causes SAD, but they think that it could be brought on by a lack of sunlight. Not getting enough sun interferes with one’s pattern of sleep and affects the brain chemical that controls one’s mood.

To better understand the relationship between weather and mood, scientists from various parts of the world have studied the effects of a variety of weather types. A 1980 study conducted in the U.K. found that of all the weather factors measured, humidity affected mood the most by making people feel sleepier and less able to concentrate. Since then, however, other studies have drawn different conclusions.

In 2008, a detailed study on weather and mood was done by researchers from a German university. Participants were first given a personality test, and then a diary for _____ their daily mood. The researchers used ZIP codes to track the weather in each person’s area. In the end, the study found that darker days, cooler temperatures, and winds often had negative effects on mood. However, _____ most of us think of as good weather—clear skies and sunshine—was found to have minimal positive effects.

Mixed results were again found in a 2011 survey of people in the Netherlands. In this study, researchers identified four distinct categories that described ways in which people react to the weather. Among these groups, the “summer haters” reported being in a worse mood when the weather was sunny and warm, which goes _____ the general idea of SAD.

Findings from these studies are so varied that researchers could come to only one conclusion: there might be a link between mood and weather, but no universal rule seems to govern it. Therefore, _____ waiting for the right weather to lift us up, take control by doing things that bring you joy.

31. (A) backed up
    (B) taken up
    (C) broken up
    (D) added up

【題組共用題幹】

Everyone has good and bad moods, but for some, feeling happy or sad seems to be linked to the weather. According to one common theory, the more sunlight people get, the better they feel. Are the theories, such as this one, _____ by science, though?

One way in which weather seems to affect mood is seen in those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). People with SAD feel bad during the same season each year—usually in the winter. Psychologists are not sure what causes SAD, but they think that it could be brought on by a lack of sunlight. Not getting enough sun interferes with one’s pattern of sleep and affects the brain chemical that controls one’s mood.

To better understand the relationship between weather and mood, scientists from various parts of the world have studied the effects of a variety of weather types. A 1980 study conducted in the U.K. found that of all the weather factors measured, humidity affected mood the most by making people feel sleepier and less able to concentrate. Since then, however, other studies have drawn different conclusions.

In 2008, a detailed study on weather and mood was done by researchers from a German university. Participants were first given a personality test, and then a diary for _____ their daily mood. The researchers used ZIP codes to track the weather in each person’s area. In the end, the study found that darker days, cooler temperatures, and winds often had negative effects on mood. However, _____ most of us think of as good weather—clear skies and sunshine—was found to have minimal positive effects.

Mixed results were again found in a 2011 survey of people in the Netherlands. In this study, researchers identified four distinct categories that described ways in which people react to the weather. Among these groups, the “summer haters” reported being in a worse mood when the weather was sunny and warm, which goes _____ the general idea of SAD.

Findings from these studies are so varied that researchers could come to only one conclusion: there might be a link between mood and weather, but no universal rule seems to govern it. Therefore, _____ waiting for the right weather to lift us up, take control by doing things that bring you joy.

32. (A) buttressing
    (B) recording
    (C) venting
    (D) fluctuating

【題組共用題幹】

Everyone has good and bad moods, but for some, feeling happy or sad seems to be linked to the weather. According to one common theory, the more sunlight people get, the better they feel. Are the theories, such as this one, _____ by science, though?

One way in which weather seems to affect mood is seen in those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). People with SAD feel bad during the same season each year—usually in the winter. Psychologists are not sure what causes SAD, but they think that it could be brought on by a lack of sunlight. Not getting enough sun interferes with one’s pattern of sleep and affects the brain chemical that controls one’s mood.

To better understand the relationship between weather and mood, scientists from various parts of the world have studied the effects of a variety of weather types. A 1980 study conducted in the U.K. found that of all the weather factors measured, humidity affected mood the most by making people feel sleepier and less able to concentrate. Since then, however, other studies have drawn different conclusions.

In 2008, a detailed study on weather and mood was done by researchers from a German university. Participants were first given a personality test, and then a diary for _____ their daily mood. The researchers used ZIP codes to track the weather in each person’s area. In the end, the study found that darker days, cooler temperatures, and winds often had negative effects on mood. However, _____ most of us think of as good weather—clear skies and sunshine—was found to have minimal positive effects.

Mixed results were again found in a 2011 survey of people in the Netherlands. In this study, researchers identified four distinct categories that described ways in which people react to the weather. Among these groups, the “summer haters” reported being in a worse mood when the weather was sunny and warm, which goes _____ the general idea of SAD.

Findings from these studies are so varied that researchers could come to only one conclusion: there might be a link between mood and weather, but no universal rule seems to govern it. Therefore, _____ waiting for the right weather to lift us up, take control by doing things that bring you joy.

33. (A) why
    (B) how
    (C) what
    (D) which

【題組共用題幹】

Everyone has good and bad moods, but for some, feeling happy or sad seems to be linked to the weather. According to one common theory, the more sunlight people get, the better they feel. Are the theories, such as this one, _____ by science, though?

One way in which weather seems to affect mood is seen in those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). People with SAD feel bad during the same season each year—usually in the winter. Psychologists are not sure what causes SAD, but they think that it could be brought on by a lack of sunlight. Not getting enough sun interferes with one’s pattern of sleep and affects the brain chemical that controls one’s mood.

To better understand the relationship between weather and mood, scientists from various parts of the world have studied the effects of a variety of weather types. A 1980 study conducted in the U.K. found that of all the weather factors measured, humidity affected mood the most by making people feel sleepier and less able to concentrate. Since then, however, other studies have drawn different conclusions.

In 2008, a detailed study on weather and mood was done by researchers from a German university. Participants were first given a personality test, and then a diary for _____ their daily mood. The researchers used ZIP codes to track the weather in each person’s area. In the end, the study found that darker days, cooler temperatures, and winds often had negative effects on mood. However, _____ most of us think of as good weather—clear skies and sunshine—was found to have minimal positive effects.

Mixed results were again found in a 2011 survey of people in the Netherlands. In this study, researchers identified four distinct categories that described ways in which people react to the weather. Among these groups, the “summer haters” reported being in a worse mood when the weather was sunny and warm, which goes _____ the general idea of SAD.

Findings from these studies are so varied that researchers could come to only one conclusion: there might be a link between mood and weather, but no universal rule seems to govern it. Therefore, _____ waiting for the right weather to lift us up, take control by doing things that bring you joy.

34. (A) for
    (B) against
    (C) unlike
    (D) with

【題組共用題幹】

Everyone has good and bad moods, but for some, feeling happy or sad seems to be linked to the weather. According to one common theory, the more sunlight people get, the better they feel. Are the theories, such as this one, _____ by science, though?

One way in which weather seems to affect mood is seen in those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). People with SAD feel bad during the same season each year—usually in the winter. Psychologists are not sure what causes SAD, but they think that it could be brought on by a lack of sunlight. Not getting enough sun interferes with one’s pattern of sleep and affects the brain chemical that controls one’s mood.

To better understand the relationship between weather and mood, scientists from various parts of the world have studied the effects of a variety of weather types. A 1980 study conducted in the U.K. found that of all the weather factors measured, humidity affected mood the most by making people feel sleepier and less able to concentrate. Since then, however, other studies have drawn different conclusions.

In 2008, a detailed study on weather and mood was done by researchers from a German university. Participants were first given a personality test, and then a diary for _____ their daily mood. The researchers used ZIP codes to track the weather in each person’s area. In the end, the study found that darker days, cooler temperatures, and winds often had negative effects on mood. However, _____ most of us think of as good weather—clear skies and sunshine—was found to have minimal positive effects.

Mixed results were again found in a 2011 survey of people in the Netherlands. In this study, researchers identified four distinct categories that described ways in which people react to the weather. Among these groups, the “summer haters” reported being in a worse mood when the weather was sunny and warm, which goes _____ the general idea of SAD.

Findings from these studies are so varied that researchers could come to only one conclusion: there might be a link between mood and weather, but no universal rule seems to govern it. Therefore, _____ waiting for the right weather to lift us up, take control by doing things that bring you joy.

35. (A) in spite of
    (B) in case of
    (C) on account of
    (D) instead of

【題組共用題幹】

Australia is the home of two of the wonders of the world, one a natural wonder, the other man-made. The natural wonder is the Great Barrier Reef, while the man-made wonder is the Sydney Opera House, one of the world’s most beautiful and amazing buildings.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was established in 1975. It is the world’s largest protected marine area in the world. It is approximately 348,700 square kilometers and approximately 2,300 kilometers long. It is made up of nearly 3,000 small reefs, including 760 fringing reefs, and 300 coral cays. There are also 618 islands which were once part of the mainland. As the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world, the Great Barrier Reef provides a habitat for nearly 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, 4,000 species of mollusks, 500 species of seaweed, 215 species of birds, 16 species of sea snakes, and 6 species of sea turtles. There is also a large population of dugongs, also called sea cows, which can grow to about three meters in length and weigh as much as 400 kilograms. They are more closely related to elephants than to marine mammals such as whales and dolphins.

Every year tens of thousands of tourists, both from Australia and overseas, visit the reefs and marvel at its colorful wonders. Special boats take visitors out to the reefs, where they can view the underwater world through glass-bottomed boats or by scuba-diving and snorkeling. Unfortunately, they are currently under continuous threats from pollution and a plant called the crown of thorns, which destroy the coral. Perhaps Australia’s greatest fear is that an oil tanker might go out of control and strike the reefs, releasing millions of liters of oil onto them, causing irreparable damage.

The Sydney Opera House was opened in 1973. It was designed by Jorn Utson, a Danish architect who won the international competition organized by the New South Wales government to find the best design. The building was so unusual that it created an enormous outcry from more traditional architects. Further controversy arose when it was discovered during construction that it required materials and construction techniques that had not previously been used. Utson himself was relieved of his position as supervising architect. Local architects were engaged to complete the drawings, and one of the world’s leading firms of civil engineers, Ove Arup & Partners, was hired to work out how to build the remarkable edifice. The cost of construction was so great that a national lottery was organized to raise the necessary funds.

Although the exterior of the building is faithful to Utson’s design, much of the interior was changed. In an attempt to make up to Utson for the disgraceful way he was treated, he has recently been invited back to Australia to advise on the renovations to the interior, which will be much nearer to his original intentions.

The Sydney Opera House stands at Bennelong Point on Sydney Harbor. Its vast roof, built to recreate the idea of a large yacht, gleams in the sun, and every day thousands of tourists visit it and marvel at the incredible beauty of this great building. Inside, there are theaters and a concert hall for opera performances, and a number of restaurants. There is always something on at the Opera House.

Apart from the two wonders of the world, there are many other places for tourists to visit, not least of which are the huge sheep and cattle properties, some of them as large as a small country. There are also many vineyards, as Australia has become one of the world’s major wine-making nations, and orchards and plantations of various kinds. For the industrially-minded, there are huge open-cast mines and refineries, as Australia is one of the world’s largest producers of coal and iron ore.

Australia is one of the best places to eat in the world. Apart from the high quality of local fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, the cuisines of almost every country in the world are represented. Above all, Australia is a nation of migrants, and has large Anglo-Saxon, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Middle Eastern, and Asian populations, all of which contribute hugely to the culinary delights of a visit to Australia.

41. The word irreparable in the third paragraph is closest in meaning to _____.

(A) eradicated
(B) imprudent
(C) permanent
(D) simultaneous

【題組共用題幹】

Australia is the home of two of the wonders of the world, one a natural wonder, the other man-made. The natural wonder is the Great Barrier Reef, while the man-made wonder is the Sydney Opera House, one of the world’s most beautiful and amazing buildings.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was established in 1975. It is the world’s largest protected marine area in the world. It is approximately 348,700 square kilometers and approximately 2,300 kilometers long. It is made up of nearly 3,000 small reefs, including 760 fringing reefs, and 300 coral cays. There are also 618 islands which were once part of the mainland. As the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world, the Great Barrier Reef provides a habitat for nearly 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, 4,000 species of mollusks, 500 species of seaweed, 215 species of birds, 16 species of sea snakes, and 6 species of sea turtles. There is also a large population of dugongs, also called sea cows, which can grow to about three meters in length and weigh as much as 400 kilograms. They are more closely related to elephants than to marine mammals such as whales and dolphins.

Every year tens of thousands of tourists, both from Australia and overseas, visit the reefs and marvel at its colorful wonders. Special boats take visitors out to the reefs, where they can view the underwater world through glass-bottomed boats or by scuba-diving and snorkeling. Unfortunately, they are currently under continuous threats from pollution and a plant called the crown of thorns, which destroy the coral. Perhaps Australia’s greatest fear is that an oil tanker might go out of control and strike the reefs, releasing millions of liters of oil onto them, causing irreparable damage.

The Sydney Opera House was opened in 1973. It was designed by Jorn Utson, a Danish architect who won the international competition organized by the New South Wales government to find the best design. The building was so unusual that it created an enormous outcry from more traditional architects. Further controversy arose when it was discovered during construction that it required materials and construction techniques that had not previously been used. Utson himself was relieved of his position as supervising architect. Local architects were engaged to complete the drawings, and one of the world’s leading firms of civil engineers, Ove Arup & Partners, was hired to work out how to build the remarkable edifice. The cost of construction was so great that a national lottery was organized to raise the necessary funds.

Although the exterior of the building is faithful to Utson’s design, much of the interior was changed. In an attempt to make up to Utson for the disgraceful way he was treated, he has recently been invited back to Australia to advise on the renovations to the interior, which will be much nearer to his original intentions.

The Sydney Opera House stands at Bennelong Point on Sydney Harbor. Its vast roof, built to recreate the idea of a large yacht, gleams in the sun, and every day thousands of tourists visit it and marvel at the incredible beauty of this great building. Inside, there are theaters and a concert hall for opera performances, and a number of restaurants. There is always something on at the Opera House.

Apart from the two wonders of the world, there are many other places for tourists to visit, not least of which are the huge sheep and cattle properties, some of them as large as a small country. There are also many vineyards, as Australia has become one of the world’s major wine-making nations, and orchards and plantations of various kinds. For the industrially-minded, there are huge open-cast mines and refineries, as Australia is one of the world’s largest producers of coal and iron ore.

Australia is one of the best places to eat in the world. Apart from the high quality of local fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, the cuisines of almost every country in the world are represented. Above all, Australia is a nation of migrants, and has large Anglo-Saxon, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Middle Eastern, and Asian populations, all of which contribute hugely to the culinary delights of a visit to Australia.

42. According to the passage, which of the following statements is UNTRUE?

(A) Both wonders were opened/established in the 1970s.
(B) The dugongs are more related to whales than to elephants.
(C) The crown of thorns is a threat to the Great Barrier Reef.
(D) Australia is home to both natural and artificial wonders.

【題組共用題幹】

Australia is the home of two of the wonders of the world, one a natural wonder, the other man-made. The natural wonder is the Great Barrier Reef, while the man-made wonder is the Sydney Opera House, one of the world’s most beautiful and amazing buildings.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was established in 1975. It is the world’s largest protected marine area in the world. It is approximately 348,700 square kilometers and approximately 2,300 kilometers long. It is made up of nearly 3,000 small reefs, including 760 fringing reefs, and 300 coral cays. There are also 618 islands which were once part of the mainland. As the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world, the Great Barrier Reef provides a habitat for nearly 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, 4,000 species of mollusks, 500 species of seaweed, 215 species of birds, 16 species of sea snakes, and 6 species of sea turtles. There is also a large population of dugongs, also called sea cows, which can grow to about three meters in length and weigh as much as 400 kilograms. They are more closely related to elephants than to marine mammals such as whales and dolphins.

Every year tens of thousands of tourists, both from Australia and overseas, visit the reefs and marvel at its colorful wonders. Special boats take visitors out to the reefs, where they can view the underwater world through glass-bottomed boats or by scuba-diving and snorkeling. Unfortunately, they are currently under continuous threats from pollution and a plant called the crown of thorns, which destroy the coral. Perhaps Australia’s greatest fear is that an oil tanker might go out of control and strike the reefs, releasing millions of liters of oil onto them, causing irreparable damage.

The Sydney Opera House was opened in 1973. It was designed by Jorn Utson, a Danish architect who won the international competition organized by the New South Wales government to find the best design. The building was so unusual that it created an enormous outcry from more traditional architects. Further controversy arose when it was discovered during construction that it required materials and construction techniques that had not previously been used. Utson himself was relieved of his position as supervising architect. Local architects were engaged to complete the drawings, and one of the world’s leading firms of civil engineers, Ove Arup & Partners, was hired to work out how to build the remarkable edifice. The cost of construction was so great that a national lottery was organized to raise the necessary funds.

Although the exterior of the building is faithful to Utson’s design, much of the interior was changed. In an attempt to make up to Utson for the disgraceful way he was treated, he has recently been invited back to Australia to advise on the renovations to the interior, which will be much nearer to his original intentions.

The Sydney Opera House stands at Bennelong Point on Sydney Harbor. Its vast roof, built to recreate the idea of a large yacht, gleams in the sun, and every day thousands of tourists visit it and marvel at the incredible beauty of this great building. Inside, there are theaters and a concert hall for opera performances, and a number of restaurants. There is always something on at the Opera House.

Apart from the two wonders of the world, there are many other places for tourists to visit, not least of which are the huge sheep and cattle properties, some of them as large as a small country. There are also many vineyards, as Australia has become one of the world’s major wine-making nations, and orchards and plantations of various kinds. For the industrially-minded, there are huge open-cast mines and refineries, as Australia is one of the world’s largest producers of coal and iron ore.

Australia is one of the best places to eat in the world. Apart from the high quality of local fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, the cuisines of almost every country in the world are represented. Above all, Australia is a nation of migrants, and has large Anglo-Saxon, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Middle Eastern, and Asian populations, all of which contribute hugely to the culinary delights of a visit to Australia.

43. According to the passage, which of the following statements about the Sydney Opera House is INCORRECT?

(A) A national lottery helped raise the money to build the Opera House.
(B) It was opened two years earlier than the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was established.
(C) The image of the roof was designed as an enormous yacht shining in the sun.
(D) Both the interior and exterior of the building closely followed Utson’s original design.

【題組共用題幹】

It is near impossible to imagine a world without the artworks of Botticelli, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Without the Medici’s generous patronage and encouragement during the High Renaissance (14th-15th century), many landmark depictions of beauty and devotion would have never come to fruition.

The patriarch that gave origin to the family was Giovanni de’ Medici. Born in Florence, Italy, in 1360, he was the son of a wool merchant. Giovanni absolutely did not want to end up like his father, who died without much to his name. Instead of becoming a merchant, he became an apprentice to his distant uncle, Vieri de’ Medici, who owned a chain of banks.

The dowry he received from his marriage enabled him to take advantage of his uncle’s diminishing prominence, and he bought out all of Vieri’s banks in 1397. The family went on to establish more financial institutions in areas, such as London and Milan. Along with their namesake banks, the Medici dynasty expanded to wool factories, traded commodities such as silk and spices, and delved heavily into politics.

When Giovanni died in 1429, his lifelong ambitions were fulfilled as the family’s finances were in excellent shape when his son, Cosimo the Elder, took over. Around this time, the family became the wealthiest in all of Florence.

A good fraction of the family’s fortune was spent on commissioning works of art, whether it was for their home, public display, or devotion for the church. At the forefront of the family’s patronage and influence throughout their reign during the Italian Renaissance was Lorenzo the Magnificent, the great-grandson of Giovanni.

Botticelli was one of the favored artists that the Medicis financed. He was welcomed freely within their home (which included his own art studio) and attentively listened as well as engaged in intelligent, philosophical conversations among the nobles—many of which would spark inspiration for his works.

With the family’s utmost support and protection, especially for more secular matters, he was able to explore and portray divine subjects that were not on strict terms with Christianity—an artistic approach that was not widely supported at the time. The Birth of Venus, in particular, was speculated to have been commissioned by the family circa 1485–1486. The painting itself was kept secret due to its controversial nature as there were not any recollections of its existence before the 1550s.

44. According to the passage, which of the following statements about Giovanni de’ Medici can be INFERRED?

(A) His father was a wool merchant who financed Botticelli, for he had received lots of inspiration from his works.
(B) He learned banking systems from his uncle, Vieri de’ Medici, who owned a chain of banks.
(C) The great-grandson of Giovanni took over his wool factories after he died.
(D) Giovanni established and expanded the cattle ranches in Florence, Italy.

【題組共用題幹】

It is near impossible to imagine a world without the artworks of Botticelli, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Without the Medici’s generous patronage and encouragement during the High Renaissance (14th-15th century), many landmark depictions of beauty and devotion would have never come to fruition.

The patriarch that gave origin to the family was Giovanni de’ Medici. Born in Florence, Italy, in 1360, he was the son of a wool merchant. Giovanni absolutely did not want to end up like his father, who died without much to his name. Instead of becoming a merchant, he became an apprentice to his distant uncle, Vieri de’ Medici, who owned a chain of banks.

The dowry he received from his marriage enabled him to take advantage of his uncle’s diminishing prominence, and he bought out all of Vieri’s banks in 1397. The family went on to establish more financial institutions in areas, such as London and Milan. Along with their namesake banks, the Medici dynasty expanded to wool factories, traded commodities such as silk and spices, and delved heavily into politics.

When Giovanni died in 1429, his lifelong ambitions were fulfilled as the family’s finances were in excellent shape when his son, Cosimo the Elder, took over. Around this time, the family became the wealthiest in all of Florence.

A good fraction of the family’s fortune was spent on commissioning works of art, whether it was for their home, public display, or devotion for the church. At the forefront of the family’s patronage and influence throughout their reign during the Italian Renaissance was Lorenzo the Magnificent, the great-grandson of Giovanni.

Botticelli was one of the favored artists that the Medicis financed. He was welcomed freely within their home (which included his own art studio) and attentively listened as well as engaged in intelligent, philosophical conversations among the nobles—many of which would spark inspiration for his works.

With the family’s utmost support and protection, especially for more secular matters, he was able to explore and portray divine subjects that were not on strict terms with Christianity—an artistic approach that was not widely supported at the time. The Birth of Venus, in particular, was speculated to have been commissioned by the family circa 1485–1486. The painting itself was kept secret due to its controversial nature as there were not any recollections of its existence before the 1550s.

45. According to the passage, which of the following fields did the Medici family participate in?

(A) Politics, artists’ cultivation and secular artwork preservation
(B) Educational and financial institutions
(C) Traded commodities, transportation and fossil fuel
(D) Wool factories, tactics and botanics

【題組共用題幹】

It is near impossible to imagine a world without the artworks of Botticelli, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Without the Medici’s generous patronage and encouragement during the High Renaissance (14th-15th century), many landmark depictions of beauty and devotion would have never come to fruition.

The patriarch that gave origin to the family was Giovanni de’ Medici. Born in Florence, Italy, in 1360, he was the son of a wool merchant. Giovanni absolutely did not want to end up like his father, who died without much to his name. Instead of becoming a merchant, he became an apprentice to his distant uncle, Vieri de’ Medici, who owned a chain of banks.

The dowry he received from his marriage enabled him to take advantage of his uncle’s diminishing prominence, and he bought out all of Vieri’s banks in 1397. The family went on to establish more financial institutions in areas, such as London and Milan. Along with their namesake banks, the Medici dynasty expanded to wool factories, traded commodities such as silk and spices, and delved heavily into politics.

When Giovanni died in 1429, his lifelong ambitions were fulfilled as the family’s finances were in excellent shape when his son, Cosimo the Elder, took over. Around this time, the family became the wealthiest in all of Florence.

A good fraction of the family’s fortune was spent on commissioning works of art, whether it was for their home, public display, or devotion for the church. At the forefront of the family’s patronage and influence throughout their reign during the Italian Renaissance was Lorenzo the Magnificent, the great-grandson of Giovanni.

Botticelli was one of the favored artists that the Medicis financed. He was welcomed freely within their home (which included his own art studio) and attentively listened as well as engaged in intelligent, philosophical conversations among the nobles—many of which would spark inspiration for his works.

With the family’s utmost support and protection, especially for more secular matters, he was able to explore and portray divine subjects that were not on strict terms with Christianity—an artistic approach that was not widely supported at the time. The Birth of Venus, in particular, was speculated to have been commissioned by the family circa 1485–1486. The painting itself was kept secret due to its controversial nature as there were not any recollections of its existence before the 1550s.

46. According to the passage, which of the following statements is CORRECT?

(A) The Medici family had works of art kept in vaults of a church.
(B) Botticelli was inspired by overhearing nobles’ gossips.
(C) Lorenzo the Magnificent was an admirer of the arts.
(D) The mainstream of arts during Italian Renaissance was Roman mythology.

【題組共用題幹】

People use words, of course, to express their thoughts and feelings. As everyone knows who has tried to write, choosing just the right word to express an idea can be difficult. Nevertheless, it is important to choose words carefully, for words can suggest meanings not intended at all. In fact, words can also be used to deceive. In order to express ourselves accurately and to understand what other people express, we must be aware that words can camouflage real attitudes. English is full of examples.

Experts at camouflage are those in advertising. Advertisers obviously want to emphasize the virtues of their products and detract from the products’ faults. To do this, they use carefully chosen words to mislead the unwary customer. Carl P. Wrighter in his book I Can Sell You Anything has dubbed “weasel words,” which the dictionary defines as words “used in order to evade or retreat from a direct or forthright statement or position.”

For example, the advertiser wants you to think that using his product will require no work or trouble. He cannot state that the product will be trouble free because there is usually no such guarantee; instead, he suggests it by using the expression “virtually,” as in this product is “virtually trouble free.” The careless listener will ignore the qualifier “virtually” and imagine that the product is no trouble at all. Another misleading expression is “up to.” During a sale, a car dealer may advertise reductions of “up to 25 percent.” Our inclination again is to ignore “up to” and think that most of the reductions are 25 percent, but too often we find that only a few products are reduced this much. The other day I saw a sign on a shoe store advertising “up to 40% off” for athletic shoes. Needing some walking shoes and wanting a good bargain, I went in, only to find that there were merely a few shoes marked down by 40 percent; most of the shoes were not even on sale.

Just as “weasel words” are used to engender favorable impressions, so are euphemisms. A euphemism is defined as “the substitution of an agreeable for inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant.” We often use euphemisms when our intentions are good. For instance, it is difficult to accept that someone we love has died, so people use all kinds of euphemisms for death such as “She passed away,” “He’s gone to meet his maker,” or “She is no longer with us.” To defend against the pain of such a reality, some use the humorous euphemism, “He’s kicked the bucket.” To make certain jobs sound less unappealing, people use euphemisms. A janitor is now a “custodial worker” or “maintenance person.” A trash man may be called a “sanitation engineer.” Such euphemisms are not harmful, but sometimes euphemisms can be used to camouflage potentially controversial or objectionable actions. For example, instead of saying we need to raise taxes, a politician might tell the public that we need “revenue enhancement measure.” When psychologists kill an animal they have experimented with, they prefer to use the term “sacrifice” the animal. Doctors prefer “terminate a pregnancy” to “abort the fetus.”

A final example of language that conveys unintended impressions is sexist language. Sexist language refers to expressions that demean females in some way. For instance, when someone refers to a grown woman as a “girl,” the implication is that she is still a child. Therefore, instead of an employer saying, “I’ll have my girl type that,” what should be said is, “I’ll have my assistant (or secretary) type that.” Other offensive expressions include “young things,” as in “She’s a cute young thing.” The proper term, “girl,” should be used in this case, since the “thing” is a young female. Further, the names of many jobs suggest women should not fill these positions. Thus, we use “chair” or “chairperson” instead of the sexist “chairman.” Likewise, a “foreman” should be called a “supervisor.”

We must always be careful to choose the words that convey what we really mean. If we do not want to give offense, then we should always be on guard against sexist (as well as racist) language. If we do not want to be misled by advertisements, we must keep our ears open for weasel words. Finally, when we use a euphemism, we should be aware that we are trying to make an idea more acceptable. At times this may be preferable, but let’s not forget that euphemisms camouflage reality. After all, “coloring the truth” is still lying.

47. What is the main idea of this passage?

(A) Do not trust language of advertising because it often exaggerates, and it is usually too good to be true.
(B) Examples of words that camouflage can be found in advertising, euphemisms, as well as sexist language.
(C) Sexist language is often offensive to women and children, rather than men.
(D) People should be encouraged to use euphemisms and avoid sexist language in their daily life.

【題組共用題幹】

People use words, of course, to express their thoughts and feelings. As everyone knows who has tried to write, choosing just the right word to express an idea can be difficult. Nevertheless, it is important to choose words carefully, for words can suggest meanings not intended at all. In fact, words can also be used to deceive. In order to express ourselves accurately and to understand what other people express, we must be aware that words can camouflage real attitudes. English is full of examples.

Experts at camouflage are those in advertising. Advertisers obviously want to emphasize the virtues of their products and detract from the products’ faults. To do this, they use carefully chosen words to mislead the unwary customer. Carl P. Wrighter in his book I Can Sell You Anything has dubbed “weasel words,” which the dictionary defines as words “used in order to evade or retreat from a direct or forthright statement or position.”

For example, the advertiser wants you to think that using his product will require no work or trouble. He cannot state that the product will be trouble free because there is usually no such guarantee; instead, he suggests it by using the expression “virtually,” as in this product is “virtually trouble free.” The careless listener will ignore the qualifier “virtually” and imagine that the product is no trouble at all. Another misleading expression is “up to.” During a sale, a car dealer may advertise reductions of “up to 25 percent.” Our inclination again is to ignore “up to” and think that most of the reductions are 25 percent, but too often we find that only a few products are reduced this much. The other day I saw a sign on a shoe store advertising “up to 40% off” for athletic shoes. Needing some walking shoes and wanting a good bargain, I went in, only to find that there were merely a few shoes marked down by 40 percent; most of the shoes were not even on sale.

Just as “weasel words” are used to engender favorable impressions, so are euphemisms. A euphemism is defined as “the substitution of an agreeable for inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant.” We often use euphemisms when our intentions are good. For instance, it is difficult to accept that someone we love has died, so people use all kinds of euphemisms for death such as “She passed away,” “He’s gone to meet his maker,” or “She is no longer with us.” To defend against the pain of such a reality, some use the humorous euphemism, “He’s kicked the bucket.” To make certain jobs sound less unappealing, people use euphemisms. A janitor is now a “custodial worker” or “maintenance person.” A trash man may be called a “sanitation engineer.” Such euphemisms are not harmful, but sometimes euphemisms can be used to camouflage potentially controversial or objectionable actions. For example, instead of saying we need to raise taxes, a politician might tell the public that we need “revenue enhancement measure.” When psychologists kill an animal they have experimented with, they prefer to use the term “sacrifice” the animal. Doctors prefer “terminate a pregnancy” to “abort the fetus.”

A final example of language that conveys unintended impressions is sexist language. Sexist language refers to expressions that demean females in some way. For instance, when someone refers to a grown woman as a “girl,” the implication is that she is still a child. Therefore, instead of an employer saying, “I’ll have my girl type that,” what should be said is, “I’ll have my assistant (or secretary) type that.” Other offensive expressions include “young things,” as in “She’s a cute young thing.” The proper term, “girl,” should be used in this case, since the “thing” is a young female. Further, the names of many jobs suggest women should not fill these positions. Thus, we use “chair” or “chairperson” instead of the sexist “chairman.” Likewise, a “foreman” should be called a “supervisor.”

We must always be careful to choose the words that convey what we really mean. If we do not want to give offense, then we should always be on guard against sexist (as well as racist) language. If we do not want to be misled by advertisements, we must keep our ears open for weasel words. Finally, when we use a euphemism, we should be aware that we are trying to make an idea more acceptable. At times this may be preferable, but let’s not forget that euphemisms camouflage reality. After all, “coloring the truth” is still lying.

48. According to the passage, which of the following statements is NOT true?

(A) When a raincoat is “virtually water-proof,” it is 100% water-resistant.
(B) “Firefighters” are preferred over “firemen.”
(C) “Weasel words” coined by Carl P. Wrighter would intentionally give reckless customers ambiguous information.
(D) Using “custodial worker” to refer to “janitor” is appropriate and pleasant.

【題組共用題幹】

People use words, of course, to express their thoughts and feelings. As everyone knows who has tried to write, choosing just the right word to express an idea can be difficult. Nevertheless, it is important to choose words carefully, for words can suggest meanings not intended at all. In fact, words can also be used to deceive. In order to express ourselves accurately and to understand what other people express, we must be aware that words can camouflage real attitudes. English is full of examples.

Experts at camouflage are those in advertising. Advertisers obviously want to emphasize the virtues of their products and detract from the products’ faults. To do this, they use carefully chosen words to mislead the unwary customer. Carl P. Wrighter in his book I Can Sell You Anything has dubbed “weasel words,” which the dictionary defines as words “used in order to evade or retreat from a direct or forthright statement or position.”

For example, the advertiser wants you to think that using his product will require no work or trouble. He cannot state that the product will be trouble free because there is usually no such guarantee; instead, he suggests it by using the expression “virtually,” as in this product is “virtually trouble free.” The careless listener will ignore the qualifier “virtually” and imagine that the product is no trouble at all. Another misleading expression is “up to.” During a sale, a car dealer may advertise reductions of “up to 25 percent.” Our inclination again is to ignore “up to” and think that most of the reductions are 25 percent, but too often we find that only a few products are reduced this much. The other day I saw a sign on a shoe store advertising “up to 40% off” for athletic shoes. Needing some walking shoes and wanting a good bargain, I went in, only to find that there were merely a few shoes marked down by 40 percent; most of the shoes were not even on sale.

Just as “weasel words” are used to engender favorable impressions, so are euphemisms. A euphemism is defined as “the substitution of an agreeable for inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant.” We often use euphemisms when our intentions are good. For instance, it is difficult to accept that someone we love has died, so people use all kinds of euphemisms for death such as “She passed away,” “He’s gone to meet his maker,” or “She is no longer with us.” To defend against the pain of such a reality, some use the humorous euphemism, “He’s kicked the bucket.” To make certain jobs sound less unappealing, people use euphemisms. A janitor is now a “custodial worker” or “maintenance person.” A trash man may be called a “sanitation engineer.” Such euphemisms are not harmful, but sometimes euphemisms can be used to camouflage potentially controversial or objectionable actions. For example, instead of saying we need to raise taxes, a politician might tell the public that we need “revenue enhancement measure.” When psychologists kill an animal they have experimented with, they prefer to use the term “sacrifice” the animal. Doctors prefer “terminate a pregnancy” to “abort the fetus.”

A final example of language that conveys unintended impressions is sexist language. Sexist language refers to expressions that demean females in some way. For instance, when someone refers to a grown woman as a “girl,” the implication is that she is still a child. Therefore, instead of an employer saying, “I’ll have my girl type that,” what should be said is, “I’ll have my assistant (or secretary) type that.” Other offensive expressions include “young things,” as in “She’s a cute young thing.” The proper term, “girl,” should be used in this case, since the “thing” is a young female. Further, the names of many jobs suggest women should not fill these positions. Thus, we use “chair” or “chairperson” instead of the sexist “chairman.” Likewise, a “foreman” should be called a “supervisor.”

We must always be careful to choose the words that convey what we really mean. If we do not want to give offense, then we should always be on guard against sexist (as well as racist) language. If we do not want to be misled by advertisements, we must keep our ears open for weasel words. Finally, when we use a euphemism, we should be aware that we are trying to make an idea more acceptable. At times this may be preferable, but let’s not forget that euphemisms camouflage reality. After all, “coloring the truth” is still lying.

49. According to the passage, which of the following statements is NOT “coloring the truth”?

(A) Jason has early retirement because the company he had worked for was under bad financial condition.
(B) The scientists hold the annual ceremony for those animals sacrificed for the experiments.
(C) People show their condolences because their friends or relatives passed away.
(D) The shoe owner always warm-heartedly calls his female assistant by saying, “Little young thing, would you please come to help?”

【題組共用題幹】

People use words, of course, to express their thoughts and feelings. As everyone knows who has tried to write, choosing just the right word to express an idea can be difficult. Nevertheless, it is important to choose words carefully, for words can suggest meanings not intended at all. In fact, words can also be used to deceive. In order to express ourselves accurately and to understand what other people express, we must be aware that words can camouflage real attitudes. English is full of examples.

Experts at camouflage are those in advertising. Advertisers obviously want to emphasize the virtues of their products and detract from the products’ faults. To do this, they use carefully chosen words to mislead the unwary customer. Carl P. Wrighter in his book I Can Sell You Anything has dubbed “weasel words,” which the dictionary defines as words “used in order to evade or retreat from a direct or forthright statement or position.”

For example, the advertiser wants you to think that using his product will require no work or trouble. He cannot state that the product will be trouble free because there is usually no such guarantee; instead, he suggests it by using the expression “virtually,” as in this product is “virtually trouble free.” The careless listener will ignore the qualifier “virtually” and imagine that the product is no trouble at all. Another misleading expression is “up to.” During a sale, a car dealer may advertise reductions of “up to 25 percent.” Our inclination again is to ignore “up to” and think that most of the reductions are 25 percent, but too often we find that only a few products are reduced this much. The other day I saw a sign on a shoe store advertising “up to 40% off” for athletic shoes. Needing some walking shoes and wanting a good bargain, I went in, only to find that there were merely a few shoes marked down by 40 percent; most of the shoes were not even on sale.

Just as “weasel words” are used to engender favorable impressions, so are euphemisms. A euphemism is defined as “the substitution of an agreeable for inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant.” We often use euphemisms when our intentions are good. For instance, it is difficult to accept that someone we love has died, so people use all kinds of euphemisms for death such as “She passed away,” “He’s gone to meet his maker,” or “She is no longer with us.” To defend against the pain of such a reality, some use the humorous euphemism, “He’s kicked the bucket.” To make certain jobs sound less unappealing, people use euphemisms. A janitor is now a “custodial worker” or “maintenance person.” A trash man may be called a “sanitation engineer.” Such euphemisms are not harmful, but sometimes euphemisms can be used to camouflage potentially controversial or objectionable actions. For example, instead of saying we need to raise taxes, a politician might tell the public that we need “revenue enhancement measure.” When psychologists kill an animal they have experimented with, they prefer to use the term “sacrifice” the animal. Doctors prefer “terminate a pregnancy” to “abort the fetus.”

A final example of language that conveys unintended impressions is sexist language. Sexist language refers to expressions that demean females in some way. For instance, when someone refers to a grown woman as a “girl,” the implication is that she is still a child. Therefore, instead of an employer saying, “I’ll have my girl type that,” what should be said is, “I’ll have my assistant (or secretary) type that.” Other offensive expressions include “young things,” as in “She’s a cute young thing.” The proper term, “girl,” should be used in this case, since the “thing” is a young female. Further, the names of many jobs suggest women should not fill these positions. Thus, we use “chair” or “chairperson” instead of the sexist “chairman.” Likewise, a “foreman” should be called a “supervisor.”

We must always be careful to choose the words that convey what we really mean. If we do not want to give offense, then we should always be on guard against sexist (as well as racist) language. If we do not want to be misled by advertisements, we must keep our ears open for weasel words. Finally, when we use a euphemism, we should be aware that we are trying to make an idea more acceptable. At times this may be preferable, but let’s not forget that euphemisms camouflage reality. After all, “coloring the truth” is still lying.

50. From which field can we possibly find this passage?

(A) Anthropology
(B) Marketing Strategies
(C) Rhetoric
(D) Physiology