Resources: The Economist
Under the weight of 145% tariffs from the US, China’s economy is suffering. However, an unbelievable industry is helping the country recover: the gig economy. It is without a doubt that Donald Trump’s trade war is ___(1)___ this once-suspicious industry ___(1)___the largest state-approved e-market in the world. The gig companies include delivery services and ride-hailing, ___(2)___ have 84 million people relying on them. Meituan, a delivery firm, employs 7.5 million couriers to deliver products. (3)___, Meituan’s workforce, mostly employed through third-party contracting firms, is 41% larger than in 2021, and it is expected to grow by 15% annually until 2027. Another example is JD.com, an e-commerce firm that announced it would hire 100,000 new riders by the end of July. Thanks to the help of gig companies, the industry is leading to political (4)___. The government is encouraging gig-economy companies to provide welfare to their employees, including meals and subsidies for drivers. ___(5)___, there is still skepticism among the public, with many believing that the wool still comes from the sheep’s back, implying that these benefits may ultimately come out of the workers' own pockets.In conclusion, the gig economy supports the entire country. Although China wishes to have high-tech workers to produce semiconductors for the world, the reality is that it now relies on low-tech workers delivering meals on scooters. This shift is keeping the economy afloat, even ___(6)___the turbulence of trade wars.
- (A) cheering ; up (B) taking; over (C) transforming; into (D) putting ; down
- (A) what (B) when (C) who (D) which
- (A) Moreover (B) However (C) Instead (D) In contrast
- (A) celebration (B)rehabilitation (C) evaluation (D) declaration
- (A) Likewise (B) Hence (C) Furthermore (D)Nevertheless
- (A) amid (B) at (C) on (D) under
Answer: CDABDA
Reading Test:
(1) What is the passage mainly about?
(A) China is suffering from heavy tariffs imposed by the US.
(B) Gig companies are becoming indispensable industries in China.
(C) Meituan is the largest gig company in China.
(D) China is relying on high-tech workers to boost its economy.
(2) Why are gig companies helping China's economy?
(A) They are inexpensive to operate.
(B) They boost employment in China.
(C) They provide welfare to workers.
(D) They hire excessive numbers of employees.
(3) Which of the following statements is NOT true?
(A) Meituan’s workforce is larger than it was in 2021.
(B) China is relying more on low-tech workers.
(C) Gig companies only include ride-hailing services.
(D) People believe welfare costs are ultimately borne by them.
Answer: 1~3 BBC
(4) Please fill in the bank with the correct answer and make grammatical changes.
Meituan has ________ 7.5 million couriers to deliver products, which shows that many people are ________on it.
Answer: employed; relying
(5) Which phrase means that the benefits ultimately come from one's resources?
Answer: The wool still comes from the sheep's back.
