2026年真题31

Listen to a talk in a history class (woman) Today, let’s talk about the ancient Maya civilization and explore a fascinating revelation about its decline, a vast civilization with impressive cities and flourishing culture that suddenly crumbled into history. For years, scholars have debated what might have happened. And now, recent research has brought stalagmites into spotlight. Stalagmites, those formations rising up from the floor of a cave, are more than just geological wonders. They serve as climate records, capturing changes in precipitation over thousands of years. In 2025, scientists analyzed stalagmites from caves near the former Maya heartlands. The data revealed a series of prolonged droughts that coincided with periods of decline for the Maya society. Now, Maya were heavily dependent on agriculture, with water being a critical resource for their survival. When these droughts occurred, the scarcity of water likely put immense pressure on their food production and societal structures. Imagine cities struggling without enough water for crops leading to food shortages and social unrest. It’s important to note, though, that while these climate changes were significant, they weren’t the sole cause. Other factors like warfare and politics played a role, too. Yet, the revelation from these stalagmites provides a clearer picture of how environmental changes can trigger societal shifts. This discovery not only sheds light on the past but also serves as a reminder of our vulnerability to climate change today.

Listen to part of a talk in a psychology class (man) Imagine you’re a painter. Now, would your passion for painting be driven purely internal motivation? In other words, would you paint just for the joy of it? What if you’re being paid for your paintings? Intuitively, we might assume that an external reward or financial incentive would amplify your motivation, but that’s not the case. Paradoxically, the opposite often occurs, a phenomenon known in psychology as the over justification effect. Intrinsic motivation decreases when external incentives come into play. Let me describe an experiment from the 1970s. Children who naturally gravitated toward drawing with markers were observed. Some children were promised rewards for their drawings. Then, during free time, the group that expected rewards spent significantly less time drawing compared to other kids, suggesting that extrinsic rewards can lower an individual’s interest. The underlying mechanism here is a perceived shift in autonomy. So, take an activity that’s initially pursued just for the fun of it, introduce an external reward and individuals feel their actions are no longer self-driven, but driven by the reward itself. The activity feels more like an obligation than a passion. And you can imagine implications across various fields, education, business, where encouraging intrinsic motivation is crucial. Students or employees who are rewarded for activities they already enjoy could lose their enthusiasm over time. Understanding the over justification effect can help us when we’re creating settings intended to nurture, not suppress, intrinsic motivation.

Listen to a talk in a biology class (woman) Imagine an animal so well protected that even a hungry tiger walks away frustrated. Meet the Indian pangolin, a nocturnal mammal covered in overlapping scales that act like a suit of armor. These scales are made of keratin, the same protein found in human fingernails. They’re a powerful defense mechanism. When it encounters an enemy, the pangolin performs volvation, curling into a tight ball, providing itself with an impenetrable shield. This remarkable use of volvation makes pangolin exceptional among mammals. Few other creatures can achieve such a complete protective posture. Pangolins also have strong claws for digging and a long, sticky tongue that can extend to twenty-five centimeters, perfect for capturing ants and termites. They lack teeth, so instead of chewing, they grind their food in their stomach. Their stomach is lined with keratin plates, similar to their outer scales. These plates are extremely hard and work together with the contractions of the stomach to crush and grind captured prey. Now, although the Indian pangolin’s armor deters most predators, tigers, leopards, and hyenas occasionally manage to pry them open. Still, the greatest threat to the Indian pangolin is illegal hunting for scales and meat, which, together with habitat destruction, have pushed it toward endangered status. Why does this matter? Well, pangolins are ecological guardians. By consuming millions of insects, they prevent pest outbreaks that could harm crops and forests. Their digging also helps air get into the soil, improving plant health. Losing pangolins would disrupt these processes, creating ripple effects across various ecosystems.

Listen to a talk in a marketing class (woman) Today, we’re diving into the dynamic and often unpredictable world of viral marketing. Viral marketing is a strategy that has redefined how brands connect with audiences in the digital age. Viral marketing, of course, harnesses the power of social networks, relying on individuals to share content that resonates, entertains, or provokes thought. When executed effectively, a viral campaign can generate massive exposure. This amplifies brand visibility at a fraction of the cost of traditional advertising methods. You don’t need to pay for ads when the video or meme is exploding on its own. What makes viral marketing so compelling is its potential for exponential reach. A single post, video or meme can cascade through online communities, crossing geographic and demographic boundaries in mere hours. But this strategy is far from foolproof. One of the biggest challenges is unpredictability. There’s no guaranteed formula for virality. What resonates with one audience may be ignored by another. And content that’s edgy or controversial may be more likely to go viral, but it can also spark backlash and damage a company’s reputation. Another risk is loss of control. Once content goes viral, it’s no longer in the hands of the brand. Memes, remixes, and commentary can distort the original message, sometimes in ways that conflict with the brand’s values or goals. But despite these risks, viral marketing remains an invaluable tool, particularly for startups and emerging brands seeking rapid traction. Next, let’s talk about some case studies of particularly effective viral marketing campaigns.