Gaokao Exam Gaokao English: Reading Comprehension 2

Question 1

Read the passage and answer the question.

Passage: Social media platforms were designed to connect people, but research increasingly suggests they may also drive social division. Algorithms prioritize content that provokes strong emotional reactions — often outrage — because such content keeps users engaged longer. As a result, users are frequently exposed to extreme viewpoints, which can reinforce existing beliefs and deepen polarization between groups.

According to the passage, why do social media algorithms favor emotionally provocative content?

Accepted Answer

Because it keeps users on the platform longer.

Answer

The passage states algorithms prioritize provocative content because it keeps users engaged longer — a direct causal relationship.

Question 2

Read the passage and answer the question.

Passage: Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor yet support approximately 25% of all marine species. They are sometimes called the 'rainforests of the sea.' Warming ocean temperatures cause corals to expel the algae living in their tissues, turning them white — a process called bleaching. Bleached corals are not dead but are under severe stress and can die if temperatures remain elevated.

What does 'bleaching' refer to in the passage?

Accepted Answer

The process by which corals expel algae due to warm water, turning white.

Answer

The passage defines bleaching precisely as corals expelling algae due to warming, which turns them white.

Question 3

Read the passage and answer the question.

Passage: Many people believe that multitasking increases productivity. However, cognitive scientists have found the opposite to be true. The human brain does not truly perform two tasks simultaneously; instead, it switches rapidly between tasks, incurring a 'switching cost' each time. This cost reduces accuracy and slows overall completion time, making multitaskers less efficient than those who focus on one task at a time.

What can be inferred from the passage about multitasking?

Accepted Answer

It is not as efficient as it is commonly believed to be.

Answer

The passage directly contradicts the popular belief in multitasking by citing scientific evidence of reduced accuracy and slower completion.

Question 4

Read the passage and answer the question.

Passage: Throughout history, epidemics have shaped societies in profound ways. The Black Death of the 14th century killed an estimated one-third of Europe's population, disrupting the feudal system and accelerating social change. The 1918 influenza pandemic killed more people than World War I. These events remind us that infectious diseases are not merely health crises but forces capable of transforming economies and political structures.

The author's main point in this passage is:

Accepted Answer

Infectious diseases have far-reaching consequences beyond public health.

Answer

The passage argues that epidemics are not merely health crises but reshape economies and political structures — the broader impact is the main point.

Question 5

Read the passage and answer the question.

Passage: The discovery of antibiotics in the 20th century was one of medicine's greatest achievements. Diseases once considered death sentences became easily treatable. However, overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, or 'superbugs.' The World Health Organization warns that antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health today.

The word 'emergence' in the passage most nearly means:

Accepted Answer

rise and development

Answer

'Emergence' in context refers to the rise and development of resistant bacteria as a new threat.

Gaokao Exam Practice Test

Gaokao Exam Practice Test

Gaokao Exam Gaokao English: Reading Comprehension 2