A special trend has swept through China, where unemployed young people are paying to pretend to work in rented offices — without earning a single penny. These “pretend-to-work companies” have been growing in popularity this year to meet a growing demand among unemployed youths.
These specialized companies offer daily “workplace experiences” for fees ranging from 30 to 50 yuan. Customers gain access to office amenities like desks, lunch areas, and Wi-Fi, offering anyone the chance to experience various working environments. For people who want more real-like feelings, extra payment can get them “task packages”. These include made-up tasks, fake managers, and even arranged team meetings or minor workplace conflicts.
People’s motivations to pay to mimic a routine that many strive to escape vary widely. Some view it as a social experiment. They think staying home all day feels aimless. Here, they dress up, commute, and interact with others — even if it’s all pretend. It gives structure to their day. Others see it as a low-cost alternative to cafes or co-working spaces. For them, it is just nice to be able to go somewhere cheap to relax instead of staying at certain a shop for a whole day. Most importantly, they don’t feel guilty about staying for hours. A few hop that the experience might help them secure a real job in the near future.
Critics argue that the trend mirrors underlying social tensions. “It’s a symptom of work-centered culture,” a sociologist (社会学家) noted. “Young people feel pressured to ‘look busy’ even when unemployed, fearing judgment from family or peers.” Yet supporters defend it as harmless escapism. “It’s no different from role-playing games,” said an Internet user. “We’re just creating our own version of adulting without the stress of real deadlines or bosses.”
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1.1. What is the main feature of “pretend-to-work companies”?
A They organize meetings frequently.
B They charge for fake work.
C They provide limited Wi-Fi.
D They train job seekers.
解析：选B。细节理解题。根据第一段的“unemployed young people are paying to pretend to work in rented offices”及第二段的“These specialized companies offer daily ‘workplace experiences’ for fees”可知，这类公司的主要特点是向顾客收取费用，让他们体验“假装工作”。故选B。
2.2. What can be inferred about “task packages” in pretend-to-work companies?
A They cost no money.
B They are practical tasks.
C They enhance realism.
D They guarantee jobs.
解析：选C。推理判断题。第二段提到的“For people who want more real-like feelings, extra payment can get them ‘task packages’. These include made-up tasks, fake managers, and even arranged team meetings or minor workplace conflicts.”对于那些想要更真实的感觉的人来说，支付额外的钱可以得到“任务包”：虚构的任务，假的经理等。由此可推断，“任务包”通过虚构任务、假经理等元素增强“工作”的真实感。故选C。
3.3. What is the main idea of the third paragraph?
A Reasons for joining pretend-to-work activities.
B Criticisms of the pretend-to-work trend.
C Methods to improve job-seeking skills.
D Comparisons between cafes and offices.
解析：选A。段落大意题。第三段第一句“People’s motivations to pay to mimic a routine that many strive to escape vary widely. ”点明“人们付费假装工作的动机各异”。接下来的内容分别从“视为社会实验”“低成本社交场所”“填补求职空白”等方面具体阐述，即本段核心围绕“假装上班公司流行的原因”展开。故选A。
4.4. What do critics say about the trend of pretend-to-work?
A It improves job skills.
B It promotes creativity.
C It reduces work stress.
D It shows social anxiety.
解析：选D。细节理解题。根据最后一段的“Critics argue the trend mirrors underlying social tensions.”可知，批评者认为，这一趋势反映了潜在的社会焦虑，这是“以工作为中心”文化的症状，即使失业，年轻人也会感到有压力要“看起来很忙”，因为他们担心家人或同龄人的评判。故选D。
