語言是展現時代變化的烙印，新的詞匯和表達可以體現人們的思考方式。比如，新的專業術語往往能反映目前該領域中最受關注的具體概念或現象。試著做六道《英語小測驗》題，學習源自各類商業、科學、科技領域的新詞。

1. The ‘glass cliff’ is an expression associated with leadership in business. But what does it mean?

a) A situation where a woman or minority takes control of leadership when the chances of failure are high

b) A situation in which a wrong word could bring about disastrous results

c) A situation which is so difficult it cannot be overcome

d) A situation where everything that is said is considered negative or hurtful

2. ‘Chatbot’ is a word you might see in the context of technology. But what does it mean?

a) A robot which is designed to sit near you and talk to you

b) A computer programme designed to simulate conversation like a human being over the internet

c) A person who cannot stop talking on social media

d) A robot cat

3. ‘Bracket-buster’ is new sports terminology connected to college basketball. But what does it mean?

a) A mathematical formula which predicts who will win the tournament

b) A low ranking team which unexpectedly defeats a high ranking team

c) A manoeuvre in the game which is so spectacular, no one can believe it happened

d) A moment when two or more players injure each other, breaking bones in the process

4. ‘Bitcoin’ is a word you might hear in the context of technology. But what does it mean?

a) A small piece of metal used instead of real money

b) A piece of metal used to secure circuitry together

c) A type of digital currency and payment system

d) A type of digital mark which denotes a person who owes money to the bank

5. In business, you might hear the expression ‘soft launch’. But what does it mean?

a) The launch of a new soft drink

b) A simulation of the launch of a product run by analysts

c) A term used specifically within aeronautics companies when a new aircraft is tested via a computer simulation

d) The release of a new product to a restricted market rather than everyone

6. ‘Cloud’ is a word associated with technology. But what does it mean?

a) A digital storage area accessible from anywhere with a network connection

b) A network of mobile phones which are connected via Bluetooth

c) An area where very little signal is able to get through

d) A programme that allows rapid copying of bank account details from a crowd of people’s mobile phones by a hacker standing in the middle of the crowd

答案

1) a, 2) b, 3) b, 4) c, 5) d, 6) a.