Section FRead the text on foreign aid and answer the following questions. 1. Foreign aid is a policy feature of many developed nations. When one country provides assistance to another, usually in the form of money, food, supplies, technology, or services, this is called foreign aid. This help is usually given to support poorer countries or those recovering from disasters, wars, or other crises. When foreign aid is delivered directly from one government to another it is called bilateral aid; if it goes through international organisations like the United Nations it is known as multilateral aid. The aim is to improve living conditions, support development, and create long-term benefits for both countries. 2. There are many aims of foreign aid. For the recipient country, the goal of foreign aid can be to reduce poverty, improve education and healthcare, or provide assistance with infrastructure necessities such as roads and clean water. Aid can also be given in response to emergencies such as floods, famines, or earthquakes. For the donor country, aid is often used to develop relationships, promote peace and security, and support countries with shared political or strategic interests. Sometimes, donor countries also give aid to generate trade opportunities or encourage political stability in certain regions. 3. It is not surprising that the biggest foreign aid providers are usually wealthier nations. Some of the top donors include the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, and Canada. These countries often give aid through international programs or their own government agencies. For example, the United States gives aid through an organisation called USAID (United States Agency for International Development), while the UK has the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). 4. Worldwide, foreign aid can come in many forms. It might be money sent to build schools or hospitals, or it could be food shipments during a famine. Aid can also include medicine and vaccines, especially during health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Sometimes donor countries send experts like doctors, teachers, or engineers to help train local workers. Other times, aid takes the form of infrastructure projects, like building bridges, roads, or water systems to help communities develop and grow. 5. Similarly, there is no typical dollar value for foreign aid. The amount of aid a country gives is usually measured as a percentage of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is the total value of all goods and services it produces. Most donor countries give between 0.2% and 0.7% of their GDP to foreign aid each year. The United Nations has suggested that developed countries should aim to give 0.7%. Some countries, like Norway and Sweden, often meet or even exceed this goal, while others, like the United States, give a smaller percentage of their GDP, though they still give large amounts overall due to the size of their economies. 6. Foreign aid is a tool of “soft power”. Soft power is the ability of a country to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than force or threats. Foreign aid is a powerful strategy to achieve this. When a country helps others in need, it can improve its reputation and make friends around the world. For example, China has invested heavily in Africa by building roads, hospitals, and schools, which boosts its image and influence. Similarly, Australia provides aid to nearby Pacific Island countries, helping to strengthen regional relationships and keep peace and stability in its neighbourhood. 7. Foreign aid often shows strong friendships between countries. For example, the United States gives large amounts of aid to Israel, reflecting their close political and military alliance. Australia provides aid to Papua New Guinea and other Pacific nations, which share cultural and geographical ties. The European Union provides aid to Ukraine to support its development and show solidarity during times of conflict. These examples show how foreign aid is not just about charity – it’s also about supporting allies and common goals. 8. In the future of foreign aid is likely to become more focused and smarter. Countries are now trying to make aid more effective by targeting the most urgent needs and making sure the money is well spent. Climate change, global health, and technology will likely become big priorities in future aid programs. As the world becomes more connected, helping others through aid will continue to be important for creating a safer, fairer, and more stable world for everyone.Questions 23 – 24 . What do the underlined words in the text refer to? Write ONE WORD from the text to complete the sentence. 23. ‘it’ in paragraph 4 refers to Answer Question 11[input].简答题