申論題

三、 Reading comprehension test design 20%
Please read the following passages and design four reading comprehension questions for each passage. They must include three multiple-choice questions and one short-answer question. Answers to each question must be provided.
(A)
Recent findings in neuroscience illuminate a striking reality: the relentless pursuit of wealth and success, so often idealized, can result in considerable emotional and psychological distress. A comprehensive study involving over 400 individuals examined the greed personality trait (GPT) and its emotional consequences. The results indicate that individuals with high GPT scores are more prone to depression, anger, and aggression. Moreover, this relationship extends beyond external behavior to internal neurobiological structures. Neuroimaging data revealed that those with elevated levels of greed exhibited significant differences in brain regions responsible for emotion regulation, decision-making, and empathy. These distinct neural patterns suggest that greed may fundamentally reshape brain function, amplifying the likelihood of experiencing negative emotional states. Participants with higher GPT not only expressed more emotional volatility but also showed divergent activity in areas linked to moral reasoning and social sensitivity. This highlights the neurological costs of unchecked greed and suggests that its influence deeply permeates cognitive and affective processes.
Beyond individual consequences, the societal and organizational implications of greed are equally concerning. Economically, cultures that reward greedy behavior often face systemic instability, as demonstrated by the 2008 financial crisis. In the corporate world, the glorification of greed can foster toxic work environments dominated by hyper-competition, eroded trust, and high employee turnover. From a psychological standpoint, the study reveals that individuals with elevated GPT often fall into a pattern of chronic comparison and dissatisfaction, perpetuating emotional unrest. These insights are pivotal in guiding healthier cultural norms—ones that prioritize long-term well-being over short-term gains. In workplaces where greed is encouraged, collaboration tends to be overshadowed by individualism, resulting in diminished morale and productivity. Leadership plays a crucial role in reversing this trend. By cultivating empathy, encouraging collaboration, and redesigning reward structures to value collective achievement, organizations can foster prosocial behavior. Such a shift not only benefits employee well-being but also enhances overall organizational resilience and effectiveness.
(B)
In 2024, Collins Dictionary selected “brat” as its Word of the Year, reflecting a significant cultural shift influenced by British pop artist Charli XCX’s sixth studio album, Brat. Traditionally, “brat” referred to a misbehaving or annoying child. However, under Charli XCX’s influence, the term has evolved to embody a “confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude,” as defined by Collins Dictionary.
The album Brat not only dominated music charts but also sparked the “brat summer” movement—a cultural phenomenon emphasizing self-assurance, independence, and indulgence. This movement permeated various aspects of society, from fashion trends to political discourse. Notably, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign embraced the “brat” aesthetic, with Charli XCX herself declaring, “Kamala IS brat,” a sentiment that resonated across social media platforms.
The influence of “brat” extended beyond music and politics into broader societal trends. The term became synonymous with a lifestyle that challenges conventional norms, encouraging individuals to embrace their authentic selves unapologetically. This shift is indicative of a broader cultural movement towards self-expression and defiance of traditional expectations.
Collins Dictionary’s choice underscores the dynamic nature of language and its ability to capture the zeitgeist. The selection process involves monitoring a 20-billion-word database to identify terms that have gained significant traction. In 2024, “brat” stood out not only for its widespread usage but also for its embodiment of the year's cultural and social climate.
Other words shortlisted by Collins for 2024 reflect similar cultural trends. Terms like “era,” inspired by Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, and “delulu,” meaning to be utterly mistaken or unrealistic, highlight the influence of pop culture and social media on language evolution. These selections demonstrate how contemporary events and figures shape our lexicon, capturing the essence of the times.
The designation of “brat” as Word of the Year signifies more than a linguistic trend; it marks a cultural movement that champions confidence, independence, and a departure from traditional norms. As society continues to evolve, so too does our language, reflecting the ever-changing values and attitudes that define each era.