2025年全国硕士研究生招生考试英语（二）真题

Section I Use of English

Directions: Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C or D on the ANSWER SHEET. (10 points)

It’s a curious mix of optimism and pessimism propelling us into the 21st century. Technology promises to make our lives easier, but at the same time, it’s creating a more complex world. 1 , the technological revolution is not just changing how we work; it’s also changing the very 2 of work itself. As we move into this new era, we need to understand the 3 of these changes.

One of the most significant impacts is on the nature of jobs. Many routine tasks, once performed by humans, are now 4 by machines. This shift has led to fears of widespread unemployment. 5 , history has shown that technological advancements often create new types of jobs, even as they 6 others. For example, the rise of the automobile industry 7 the decline of the horse-drawn carriage industry, but it also created millions of jobs in manufacturing, sales, and maintenance.

The key to 8 in this new landscape is adaptability. Workers who can 9 new skills and embrace change will be the most sought after. This means that education and training must 10 to provide the necessary tools for lifelong learning. Governments and businesses also have a role to play in 11 this transition. They can invest in reskilling programs and create policies that 12 workers during periods of change.

Of course, there are challenges. The pace of change can be 13 , and the fear of being left behind is real. However, by fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning, we can 14 these challenges. The future of work is not something that happens to us; it’s something we help create. By 15 the opportunities and challenges of the technological revolution, we can build a future that is both prosperous and equitable.

1. A) In addition B) Nevertheless C) For instance D) In fact
2. A) concept B) performance C) organization D) nature
3. A) implications B) limitations C) innovations D) specifications
4. A) automated B) complicated C) accelerated D) dominated
5. A) Moreover B) Therefore C) However D) Otherwise
6. A) eliminate B) create C) replace D) reduce
7. A) witnessed B) caused C) predicted D) avoided
8. A) survival B) victory C) success D) progress
9. A) acquire B) abandon C) assess D) apply
10. A) adapt B) adjust C) evolve D) transform
11. A) managing B) facilitating C) starting D) hindering
12. A) protect B) support C) challenge D) reassure
13. A) overwhelming B) exciting C) slow D) predictable
14. A) overcome B) ignore C) embrace D) magnify
15. A) addressing B) avoiding C) questioning D) highlighting

Section II Reading Comprehension

Part A Directions: Read the following four passages. Answer the questions after each passage by choosing A, B, C or D. Mark your answers on the ANSWER SHEET. (40 points)

Text 1

In the past, young people were expected to follow in their parents' footsteps. They would take over the family business or find a similar job in the same industry. Today, however, the career paths of young people are far more diverse and less predictable. The traditional notion of a "job for life" is disappearing, replaced by a "portfolio career" where individuals may hold multiple jobs, often in different fields, throughout their working lives.

This shift is driven by several factors. Globalization has increased competition and made industries more volatile. Technological change has accelerated, rendering some skills obsolete while creating demand for new ones. Furthermore, the rise of the gig economy and freelance work has provided more flexibility and autonomy for workers. As a result, young people are more likely to change careers, not just jobs, multiple times in their lives.

This new reality presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, it offers the freedom to explore different interests and passions. On the other hand, it can lead to job insecurity and a lack of clear progression. For employers, this trend means they must invest more in training and development to retain skilled workers. For individuals, it means a greater need for adaptability and continuous learning.

Despite the challenges, many experts believe that the future of work is bright for those who are prepared. The key is to develop a set of transferable skills—such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving—that are valuable across different industries. By focusing on these skills, individuals can navigate the changing job market with confidence.

16. What is the main idea of the passage? A) The gig economy is replacing traditional employment. B) Young people today face more career uncertainty than their parents. C) A "job for life" is still the ideal for many young people. D) Technological change is the sole reason for career shifts.

17. According to the passage, what is a "portfolio career"? A) A career path that is inherited from one's parents. B) A career involving jobs in the same industry throughout one's life. C) A career consisting of multiple jobs in various fields. D) A career focused on acquiring transferable skills.

18. What is one of the challenges faced by young people in the new job market? A) Too many job opportunities to choose from. B) A lack of opportunities to explore their interests. C) Job insecurity and unclear career progression. D) Difficulty in finding a family business to take over.

19. What do experts suggest young people do to succeed in the future job market? A) Stick to one industry to gain deep expertise. B) Acquire transferable skills that are versatile. C) Prioritize job security over personal interests. D) Avoid changing careers too frequently.

20. What can be inferred about employers from the passage? A) They prefer hiring young people with a "job for life" mentality. B) They are less willing to invest in employee training. C) They need to adapt their strategies to retain skilled workers. D) They are mainly responsible for the rise of the gig economy.

Text 2

The idea of "work-life balance" has become a central concern for many professionals. The pressure to succeed in a competitive global economy often leads to long hours and a constant connection to work through technology. This can result in stress, burnout, and a diminished quality of life. To address this issue, some companies have started implementing policies designed to help employees achieve a better balance.

One popular approach is the four-day workweek. Proponents argue that by working one less day a week, employees can reduce stress, improve their well-being, and even become more productive during their shorter workweek. Companies that have adopted this model report positive results, including higher employee satisfaction and lower turnover rates.

Another strategy is the "right to disconnect" policy, which allows employees to ignore work-related communications outside of their working hours. This policy recognizes that constant connectivity can blur the lines between work and personal life, leading to exhaustion. By giving employees the legal right to disconnect, companies aim to protect their personal time and promote a healthier work environment.

While these policies show promise, they are not without their critics. Some argue that a four-day workweek might not be feasible for all industries, such as healthcare or retail. Others worry that a "right to disconnect" could lead to delays in responding to urgent issues. Despite these concerns, the trend towards prioritizing employee well-being is gaining momentum, and it is likely to shape the future of work.

21. What is the main problem discussed in the passage? A) The negative impact of technology on personal life. B) The difficulty of achieving work-life balance for professionals. C) The inefficiency of the traditional five-day workweek. D) The high cost of implementing new work policies.

22. What is the four-day workweek intended to do? A) To increase the total number of working hours per week. B) To improve employee well-being and productivity. C) To reduce the number of employees in a company. D) To make it easier for employees to disconnect from work.

23. What is the "right to disconnect" policy? A) A policy that requires employees to work longer hours. B) A legal right for employees to ignore work communications after hours. C) A strategy to improve communication within a company. D) A way to handle urgent work issues more efficiently.

24. What is a criticism of the four-day workweek? A) It might not be suitable for all types of businesses. B) It leads to higher employee turnover rates. C) It causes more stress for employees. D) It reduces employee satisfaction.

25. What is the author's attitude towards the new work policies? A) Skeptical. B) Indifferent. C) Optimistic. D) Critical.

Text 3

The sharing economy, exemplified by platforms like Airbnb and Uber, has transformed how people access goods and services. By connecting individuals who have underutilized assets with those who want to use them, these platforms create value that was previously untapped. This model has grown rapidly, but it has also raised significant questions about regulation, labor rights, and consumer protection.

One of the most contentious issues is the classification of workers. Are the