申論題

I. Making a cloze test 
Based on your 250-word summary, design a cloze test with 5 blanks that targets vocabulary, cohesion, and content comprehension. Provide the correct answer for each question.
    In Taiwan, green bags of coconut-flavored Kuai Kuai crisps are seen as good luck charms that keep machines running smoothly. From ATMs to radio towers, these snacks are placed near technology to prevent malfunctions, a practice deeply embedded in Taiwanese culture. The Kuai Kuai company was founded in 1968 by Liao Jing Gang and his son Spencer, initially as a way to keep their pharmaceutical business active during slow periods. The name "Kuai Kuai" means "behave" or "be good" in Mandarin and Taiwanese, making it an appealing snack for children. However, the crisps took on a new role when a graduate IT student struggling with a malfunctioning computer placed a bag near his device, believing it might work as a talisman. Miraculously, the computer functioned properly afterward, and the legend of Kuai Kuai as a techprotector spread by word-of-mouth.

    Lucky charms are common in Taiwan, so it’s unsurprising that Kuai Kuai became widely adopted in labs, banks, hospitals, and radio stations. Engineers and technicians rely on it, believing the snack's name and green packaging (symbolizing "go" like a traffic light) create a positive effect. Even international performers bring Kuai Kuai abroad to ensure their equipment functions properly.

    Despite its popularity, Kuai Kuai’s supposed tech-protecting properties were never officially marketed by the company. The belief grew organically, allowing different industries to apply their own interpretations. The practice follows strict rules: only green bags are used, as red and yellow signify caution. Additionally, the bags must be replaced twice a year—during Lunar New Year and Ghost Festival—to maintain their effectiveness. Eating the crisps voids their supposed power, so many remain untouched.

    The phenomenon of Kuai Kuai highlights a blend of superstition and practicality. Ting Jen-Chieh, a social psychology researcher at Academia Sinica, notes that the tradition persists because it creates a sense of security. People may not fully believe in its power, but since everyone does it, the ritual continues. In research institutes, bags of Kuai Kuai are even protected inside boxes to prevent rodents from eating them.

    For Irene Liao, Spencer’s daughter and the company’s current general manager, the cultural significance of Kuai Kuai is a source of pride. Although most bags are never eaten, she insists on maintaining their quality, stating, "They’re meant to be eaten." This unique tradition cements Kuai Kuai’s place in Taiwanese office culture as more than just a snack—it’s a tech guardian.