Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions fr...

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 31 to 40.

The traditional university degree, once the undisputed golden ticket to a stable career, is seeing its dominance challenged in the global labor market. In its place, a new currency is emerging: micro-skills. Employers are increasingly bypassing generic diplomas in favor of candidates who can demonstrate mastery in niche areas such as prompt engineering, blockchain analysis, or data crisis management. [I] Unlike broad academic qualifications that take years to acquire, these are hyper-specific competencies designed to address immediate industry needs. This shift represents a move from hiring based on potential to hiring based on proven capability.

This paradigm shift is primarily driven by the relentless pace of technological evolution. Traditional curricula often struggle to keep up with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and big data, rendering some textbooks obsolete before they even reach the classroom. [II] Consequently, companies are prioritizing agility over pedigree. They seek individuals who possess the granular know-how to navigate complex digital tools right now, rather than those with theoretical knowledge that requires extensive retraining. The gap between a static academic syllabus and dynamic market reality has necessitated a more targeted approach to talent acquisition.

The appeal of micro-skills lies in their verification and applicability. A portfolio showcasing a successful project using Python scripts to automate a workflow is often far more persuasive than a transcript listing a passing grade in "Computer Science 101." [III] This "show, don't tell" approach democratizes the job market, opening doors for self-taught talent and career switchers who may lack formal education but possess the requisite capabilities. It creates a meritocratic environment where demonstrated ability trumps social background or alumni status, fostering a more diverse and dynamic workforce.

However, this does not spell the absolute end of the university degree. Higher education still provides foundational critical thinking and soft skills that are invaluable for long-term leadership and strategic planning. [IV] Instead, the future likely holds a hybrid model where foundational degrees are continuously supplemented by stackable micro-credentials. Lifelong learning is no longer a corporate buzzword; it is a survival strategy for the modern professional who wishes to remain relevant in an ever-changing economy.

(Adapted from Forbes)

Question 31. Which of the following best summarises paragraph 2?

A. The speed of technological advancement is forcing companies to value practical skills over the reputation of a candidate's university.

B. Traditional universities have completely stopped using textbooks because they cannot keep up with the changes in artificial intelligence.

C. Companies prefer hiring candidates with theoretical knowledge because they are easier to retrain than those with practical skills.

D. The primary reason for the rise of micro-skills is that academic syllabuses are becoming too difficult for modern students to master.