40. What does the author imply by describing delayed gratification as an “evolutionary-adaptive response”?
(A) It is an inherited trait that cannot be changed.
(B) It develops independently of social structures.
(C) It is universally advantageous across all contexts.
(D) It evolves to suit specific environmental conditions.

36. According to the passage, delayed gratification functions mainly as _____. (A) an emotional response to reward scarcity (B) a learned social behavior reinforced by culture (C) a self-regulatory cognitive mechanism (D) an instinctive reaction governed by emotion

37. The reference to “cool” thoughts serves to illustrate that delayed gratification _____. (A) depends entirely on emotional detachment (B) requires abstract intelligence rather than self-control (C) is fixed once neural development is complete (D) can be enhanced through conscious cognitive strategies

38. Why does the author introduce maladaptive behaviors such as procrastination and ADHD? (A) To illustrate connections of insufficient self-regulation (B) To argue that gender differences are caused by neural development (C) To criticize diagnostic categories in psychology (D) To imply that willpower is more important than brain structure

39. What role do frontal-striatal pathways play, according to the passage? (A) They generate emotional responses to reward. (B) They regulate impulse control and reward selection. (C) They store long-term memories related to motivation. (D) They explain gender differences in rational thinking.

41. The word “outsource” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to _____. (A) delegate to an external source (B) improve through technology (C) reject in favor of tradition (D) evaluate for accuracy

42. Why does the author mention the historical reaction to the invention of writing in paragraph 2? (A) To suggest that AI will ultimately strengthen memory. (B) To argue that memory is no longer a necessary cognitive skill. (C) To show that philosophers have always been opposed to education. (D) To illustrate that technological change involves both benefits and costs.

43. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 regarding “auxiliary” uses of AI, such as outlining? (A) They are generally accepted as harmless by all educators. (B) They are mechanical tasks that do not require cognitive effort. (C) They may hinder the development of a student’s ability to comprehend arguments. (D) They are more useful for advanced scholars than for beginning students.

44. What is implied about the relationship between literacy and democracy in paragraph 3? (A) Democracy is only possible in societies where AI is forbidden in educational settings. (B) Democracy requires participants to evaluate arguments and make reasoned judgements. (C) Traditional literacy is becoming obsolete in most democratic nations. (D) Informed decision-making is less important than creative interaction with texts.

45. Which statement best reflects the author’s primary position in the final paragraph? (A) AI should replace traditional literacy practices in higher education. (B) AI use is unavoidable and therefore should not be restricted. (C) Higher education must preserve practices that foster independent, cognitively mature thinkers. (D) More advanced technological resources in universities could improve students’ AI literacy.

46. The author’s emphasis on “economic insecurity” in paragraph 1 primarily serves to _____. (A) explain why consumer debt was historically common (B) suggest that frugality is encouraged by religious beliefs (C) contrast survival-oriented societies with consumer-oriented ones (D) argue that scarcity inevitably produces social stability