114 年 國立臺灣大學日本文學系碩士班《英文（A）》

I. Vocabulary (40%): Choose the word that BEST completes the sentence.

1. The CEO decided to ______ from his position after ten years of service.
   (A) resign
   (B) persist
   (C) acquire
   (D) retain

2. The security team managed to ______ the confidential message before it reached the wrong hands.
   (A) interpret
   (B) interfere
   (C) interject
   (D) intercept

3. She had to ______ through the fog to see the approaching car.
   (A) peer
   (B) stare
   (C) glance
   (D) ignore

4. The manager decided to ______ some of his responsibilities to his team members.
   (A) assume
   (B) oversee
   (C) withhold
   (D) delegate

5. The teacher encouraged the students to ______ their ideas before presenting them to the class.
   (A) neglect
   (B) refine
   (C) impose
   (D) discard

6. The detective was able to ______ the true motive behind the crime after examining all the evidence.
   (A) deduce
   (B) obliterate
   (C) evoke
   (D) deter

7. The professor's lecture was ______ filled with complex ideas that required deep concentration.
   (A) simplistic
   (B) trivial
   (C) erudite
   (D) superficial

8. The politician's response was ______, leaving the audience unsure of their true stance.
   (A) decisive
   (B) ambiguous
   (C) explicit
   (D) transparent

9. The text was written in a ______ style, making it difficult for modern readers to understand.
   (A) precise
   (B) casual
   (C) archaic
   (D) contemporary

10. Her ______ demeanor often intimidated those who didn't know her well.
    (A) austere
    (B) gregarious
    (C) indulgent
    (D) playful

11. The team was praised for their ______ effort in completing the project under tight deadlines.
    (A) negligent
    (B) lethargic
    (C) herculean
    (D) effortless

12. The two software programs are ______ with each other, making it impossible to run them on the same system.
    (A) incompatible
    (B) harmonious
    (C) complementary
    (D) compatible

13. The judge's decision was based on legal ______, which provided guidance in similar cases.
    (A) precedent
    (B) conjecture
    (C) speculation
    (D) anomaly

14. The journalist's exposé caused a public ______, leading to widespread protests.
    (A) tranquility
    (B) compliance
    (C) uproar
    (D) concord

15. The scientist's theory faced significant ______ from the academic community due to its controversial nature.
    (A) rebuttal
    (B) endorsement
    (C) consensus
    (D) conformity

16. Unfortunately, their plans to launch the new product ______ due to unforeseen technical issues.
    (A) made do
    (B) broke into
    (C) turned down
    (D) fell through

17. Smoking is forbidden here. Hence, please ____ your cigarette.
    (A) put up with
    (B) put down
    (C) put away
    (D) put out

18. The project was completed ______ ahead of schedule, thanks to the team's hard work.
    (A) briefly
    (B) constantly
    (C) significantly
    (D) rarely

19. The decision was made ______ without considering the long-term consequences.
    (A) impetuously
    (B) cautiously
    (C) consciously
    (D) deliberately

20. The novel's plot was ______ constructed, with each chapter building seamlessly on the previous one.
    (A) flippantly
    (B) masterfully
    (C) awkwardly
    (D) carelessly

II. Cloze test (30%): Choose the BEST answer for each missing word or phrase in the
following excerpted passages.
Passage A: Questions 21-30
While artificial intelligence (AI) offers remarkable benefits, it also presents significant challenges
and drawbacks that society must address. One major concern is the (21) ______ of bias in AI
systems, which often stems from the data used to train them. For instance, if an AI system is trained
on data that reflects societal prejudices, it may (22) ______ these biases in its outputs, leading
to unfair outcomes in areas such as hiring or law enforcement. Another issue is the potential for
widespread job displacement as AI technologies automate tasks previously performed by humans.
While proponents argue that AI creates new opportunities, critics contend that these opportunities
may not replace the jobs lost, particularly in industries (23) ______ low-skilled labor is
predominant. Additionally, AI systems are not always transparent, (24) ______ it difficult to
understand how they arrive at their decisions-a problem known as the "black box" effect. This
lack of (25) ______ can erode trust and accountability, especially in critical fields like healthcare
or finance. Furthermore, as AI becomes more advanced, it raises ethical concerns about autonomy
and control. For example, the use of AI in autonomous weapons could (26) ______ global
security by reducing the human oversight needed in military operations. There is also the risk of
AI being used maliciously, such as in cyberattacks or the creation of deepfakes, which can (27) ______
public trust in media and institutions. Another significant drawback is ensuring that
pronouns (28) ______ the correct antecedents in AI-generated text, as mismatches can confuse
readers or distort meaning. In addition, the proliferation of AI technologies can exacerbate existing
inequalities, as access to advanced AI tools often depends on financial and technical resources that
are unevenly distributed. While governments and organizations are working on regulations, the
(29) ______ nature of technological advancements makes it challenging to keep policies up to
date. Finally, when discussing accountability, it is essential to ensure the subject and verb in a
sentence agree correctly. These challenges illustrate the importance of (30) ______ ethical
frameworks and policies to ensure that AI serves humanity in a responsible and equitable way.

Questions
21. (A) detection
(B) exposure
(C) eradication
(D) presence

22. (A) obscure
    (B) reject
    (C) amplify
    (D) devalue

23. (A) where
    (B) when
    (C) which
    (D) that

24. (A) that makes
    (B) making
    (C) will make
    (D) having made

25. (A) transparency
    (B) accessibility
    (C) flexibility
    (D) predictability

26. (A) highlight
    (B) undermine
    (C) embellish
    (D) safeguard

27. (A) tweak
    (B) erode
    (C) validate
    (D) coerce

28. (A) corelate with
    (B) look up
    (C) identify with
    (D) refer to

29. (A) transformative
    (B) obsolete
    (C) dynamic
    (D) standardized

30. (A) ignoring
    (B) violating
    (C) opposing
    (D) implementing

Passage B: Questions 31-35
Scams in Taiwan have been on the rise in recent years, and they often target unsuspecting
individuals. One of the most common scams involves fake phone calls or text messages that (31) ______
people into believing they owe money or have won a prize. Scammers usually (32) ______
their victims by pretending to be from official organizations such as banks or
government agencies. They ask for personal information or urge victims to make an immediate
payment to avoid legal trouble. The messages are often written in a way that (33) ______
urgency, inspiring a sense of panic in the victim. To avoid falling victim to such scams, people
should report (34) ______ communications and always verify the source before taking action.
In addition, it is important to remember that scams often appear in ways that make them look
genuine, so being cautious and skeptical is key. People should also be aware that scammers often
try to appeal (35) ______ people's emotions to make them act quickly.

31. (A) prove
    (B) mistake
    (C) help
    (D) deceive

32. (A) trick
    (B) reassure
    (C) comfort
    (D) assist

33. (A) create
    (B) creates
    (C) created
    (D) creating

34. (A) sustainable
    (B) suspicious
    (C) suspended
    (D) susceptible

35. (A) to
    (B) in
    (C) for
    (D) on

III. Reading comprehension (30%): Answer the following questions according to the
information provided or implied in the articles. Choose the BEST answer to each question.
Article A: Questions 36-40
The Great Barrier Reef, located off the northeastern coast of Australia, is one of the most famous
natural wonders of the world. Spanning over 2,300 kilometers, it is the largest coral reef system
on Earth, made up of nearly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands. The reef is home to an
incredibly diverse range of marine life, including fish, corals, sea turtles, and various species of
sharks and rays. It plays a significant role in marine ecology, providing habitat, food, and shelter
to countless organisms. However, the reef faces numerous threats, including climate change, coral
bleaching, overfishing, and pollution. Rising sea temperatures, in particular, have caused
widespread coral bleaching, which weakens the reef and makes it more vulnerable to disease.
Efforts are underway to protect and preserve the reef, including regulations on fishing, restrictions
on coastal development, and initiatives to reduce pollution. Despite these efforts, the reef continues
to face significant challenges, and its long-term survival depends on continued global action to
mitigate climate change and protect marine ecosystems.

Questions
36. What is the Great Barrier Reef known for?
(A) Its size and diversity of marine life
(B) Its proximity to major Australian cities
(C) Its role in global agriculture
(D) Its freshwater resources

37. What is one of the major threats to the Great Barrier Reef mentioned in the passage?
    (A) Air pollution
    (B) Rising sea temperatures
    (C) Fish overpopulation
    (D) Microplastics in the ocean

38. Which of the following is correct about this article?
    (A) The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world.
    (B) The reef has no significant threats to its survival.
    (C) Rising sea temperatures have helped the reef thrive.
    (D) The reef is located on the western coast of Australia.

39. Which statement is NOT supported by the article?
    (A) The reef faces threats such as climate change, coral bleaching, and overfishing.
    (B) The reef is shrinking due to the impact of human activities.
    (C) The reef is a significant habitat for marine life.
    (D) The reef is protected by regulations on fishing and coastal development.

40. This article is most likely to be:
    (A) A scientific report about marine ecosystems
    (B) A travel brochure for tourists visiting Australia
    (C) A fictional story about ocean life
    (D) A political debate about coastal development

Article B: Questions 41-45
The Austronesian language family is one of the largest and most widely dispersed in the world,
encompassing over 1,200 languages spoken across a vast area from Southeast Asia to the Pacific
Islands and even parts of Africa. Linguists have traced the origins of Austronesian languages to
Taiwan, where it is believed the family began around 5,000 years ago. The indigenous languages
of Taiwan, known as Formosan languages, are considered the most diverse within the Austronesian
family, providing crucial evidence for the Taiwan origin hypothesis. From Taiwan, Austronesian-
speaking populations migrated southward, spreading their languages and cultures to the
Philippines, Indonesia, and beyond. This migration was not a single event but rather a series of
gradual expansions, driven by factors such as resource scarcity, technological advancements, and
the development of seafaring capabilities.
One of the key methods used to study the origins of Austronesian languages is comparative
linguistics. By analyzing shared features in vocabulary, grammar, and phonology, linguists
reconstruct Proto-Austronesian, the hypothetical ancestral language of the family. Words for
domesticated animals, agricultural practices, and seafaring tools are commonly reconstructed,
offering insights into the lifestyles and innovations of early Austronesian speakers. For example,
Proto-Austronesian terms for "rice" and "boat" suggest that agriculture and maritime travel were
integral to their society. This reconstruction not only illuminates the linguistic history but also
provides a window into the cultural and environmental context in which these ancient people lived.
Archaeological evidence complements linguistic research and adds depth to our
understanding of Austronesian migration. Excavations have uncovered pottery styles, seafaring
technology, and agricultural tools consistent with Austronesian expansion patterns. The Lapita
culture, identified through distinctive pottery, is a key archaeological marker of Austronesian
settlement in the Pacific. Moreover, genetic studies of modern populations have provided further
support for the movement of Austronesian-speaking peoples. The development of sophisticated
maritime skills, such as the ability to navigate vast ocean distances using only the stars and ocean
currents, was crucial for their success. These skills enabled them to settle remote islands in the
Pacific, including Hawaii and Easter Island, as well as regions like Madagascar off the coast of
Africa.
Austronesian languages exhibit remarkable diversity, reflecting thousands of years of
adaptation to different environments and social contexts. While some languages, like Tagalog in
the Philippines and Maori in New Zealand, have millions of speakers and robust documentation,
others are critically endangered. For instance, the Rapa language of Easter Island is spoken by only
a handful of people, putting it at risk of extinction. Language documentation and revitalization
efforts are being carried out in various regions to preserve this rich linguistic heritage. These efforts
include recording native speakers, developing educational materials, and promoting the use of
endangered languages in local communities. The loss of a language represents not only a loss of
linguistic diversity but also the disappearance of unique cultural knowledge embedded within the
language.

Questions:
41. According to the article, which statement below is FALSE?
(A) The Austronesian language family originated in Taiwan.
(B) Comparative linguistics is used to reconstruct Proto-Austronesian.
(C) Austronesian languages are found exclusively in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
(D) Some Austronesian languages, like Rapa, are critically endangered.

42. Which topic below is NOT covered in the article?
    (A) The origins of Austronesian languages
    (B) The role of maritime skills in Austronesian expansion
    (C) Genetic evidence supporting Austronesian migration
    (D) The influence of Austronesian languages on Indo-European languages

43. How do linguists study the origins of the Austronesian language family?
    (A) By analyzing the development of writing systems
    (B) By comparing features of Austronesian languages to reconstruct Proto-Austronesian
    (C) By studying the influence of Austronesian languages on African languages
    (D) By examining phonetic changes in isolated Austronesian languages

44. What evidence especially supports the migration of Austronesian-speaking populations?
    (A) The diversity of modern Austronesian languages
    (B) Linguistic similarities between Proto-Austronesian and African languages
    (C) Archaeological findings, such as pottery styles and maritime tools
    (D) Historical records written in Proto-Austronesian

45. What is one purpose of language revitalization efforts?
    (A) To eliminate differences between endangered languages
    (B) To ensure linguistic diversity and preserve cultural knowledge
    (C) To prioritize widely spoken Austronesian languages
    (D) To replace oral traditions with written documentation

Article C: Questions 46-50
The rise of all-gender restrooms, also known as unisex or gender-neutral restrooms, reflects a
growing societal commitment to inclusivity. These facilities are designed to accommodate
individuals of all gender identities, providing a safe and private space for everyone. Unlike
traditional gender-segregated restrooms, which cater exclusively to "male" or "female" users, all-
gender restrooms are open to anyone, regardless of gender. This approach seeks to eliminate
barriers and discomfort often experienced by non-binary or transgender individuals in public
spaces. While the concept is not new, its widespread adoption in schools, workplaces, and public
facilities has accelerated in recent years:
Advocates for all-gender restrooms argue that they promote dignity, equality, and
convenience. For transgender and non-binary people, using traditional restrooms can be a source
of anxiety or discrimination. Gender-neutral facilities also benefit parents with children of different
genders, people with disabilities who may require assistance from caregivers of another gender,
and individuals seeking greater privacy. However, opponents often cite concerns about safety,
privacy, and cultural values. Critics worry that such restrooms could lead to misuse or make certain
users uncomfortable, though studies have shown no increase in safety issues related to their
implementation.
The design of all-gender restrooms varies widely, ranging from single-stall units with floor-
to-ceiling doors to multi-stall layouts with enhanced privacy features. Many institutions
transitioning to gender-neutral facilities aim to balance inclusivity with the comfort of all users.
For instance, some schools have converted single-user restrooms into all-gender options, while
others have incorporated multi-user designs that include additional privacy features, such as
enclosed stalls and separate handwashing areas. The success of these designs often depends on
public awareness and education to dispel misconceptions and promote understanding.
Globally, the adoption of all-gender restrooms reflects diverse cultural attitudes toward
gender and inclusivity. In countries like Sweden and Canada, where gender equality is prioritized,
gender-neutral restrooms are more common and widely accepted. In contrast, some regions face
resistance due to cultural norms and legal barriers. Despite these challenges, the movement for
inclusive restrooms continues to gain momentum, driven by advocacy groups and progressive
policies. The push for gender-neutral restrooms underscores a broader societal effort to recognize
and respect the diversity of human experiences.

Questions:
46. Which of the following would be an appropriate title for the article?
(A) "The Controversy Surrounding All-Gender Restrooms"
(B) "Designing the Future of Public Restrooms"
(C) "The Rise of All-Gender Restrooms: A Move Toward Inclusivity"
(D) "Privacy Concerns in Public Restroom Design"

47. Which inference from the article is NOT correct?
    (A) All-gender restrooms are becoming more common in many parts of the world.
    (B) Opponents of all-gender restrooms frequently cite safety as a concern.
    (C) The design of all-gender restrooms does not vary significantly across institutions.
    (D) Public awareness and education play a role in the success of gender-neutral facilities.

48. The word "misuse" in paragraph 2, line 6, is closest in meaning to:
    (A) Improper use
    (B) Frequent use
    (C) Disregard
    (D) Neglect

49. What does the article suggest about the benefits of all-gender restrooms?
    (A) They primarily serve individuals with disabilities.
    (B) They reduce privacy concerns for all users.
    (C) They address the needs of diverse groups, including parents and caregivers.
    (D) They eliminate traditional restrooms in most institutions.

50. What cultural difference does the article highlight about the adoption of all-gender
    restrooms?
    (A) All countries have embraced the concept equally.
    (B) Countries like Sweden and Canada are leaders in implementing these facilities.
    (C) Cultural resistance has prevented any progress in inclusive restroom design.
    (D) Legal barriers are absent in regions opposed to gender-neutral restrooms.