Question

A popular saying goes, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”However, that’s not really true.Words have the power to build us up or tear us down. It doesn’t matter if the words come from someone else or ourselves--the positive and negative effects are just as lasting.

We all talk to ourselves sometimes. We’re usually too embarrassed to admit it, though. In fact, we really shouldn’t be, because more and more experts believe talking to ourselves out loud is a healthy habit.

This“ self-talk” helps us motivate ourselves, remember things, solve problems, and calm ourselves down.Be aware, though, that as much as 77%of self-talk tends to be negative. So in order to stay positive, we should only speak words of encouragement to ourselves.We should also be quick to give ourselves a pat on the back ,The next time you finish a project, do well in a test, or finally clean your room, join me in saying“ Good job!”

Often, words come out of our mouths without us thinking about the effects they will have. But we should be aware that our words cause certain responses to others. For example, when returning an item to a store, we might use warm, friendly language during the exchange. And the clerk will probably respond in a similar manner. Or harsh and critical language will most likely cause the clerk to be defensive.

Words possess power because of their lasting effect. Many of us regret something we once said. And we remember unkind words said to us! Before speaking, we should always ask ourselves: Is it true? Is it loving? Is it needed? If what we want to say doesn’t pass this test, then it’s better left unsaid.

Words possess power: both positive and negative. Those around us receive encouragement when we speak positively. We can offer hope, build self-esteem and motivate others to do their best. Negative words destroy all those things.Will we use our words to hurt or to heal? The choice is ours.

1.The author argues in the first paragraph that __________.

A. words will never hurt us at all

B. words have lasting effects on us

C. inspiring words give us confidence.

D. negative words may let us down

2.Why should not we feel embarrassed when it comes to talking to ourselves?

A. Talking to ourselves is believed to be good for our health.

B. Almost everybody has the habit of talking to oneself.

C. Talking to ourselves helps us to solve all the problems.

D. It is harmful to have “self-talk” when we are alone.

3.The underlined phrase “give ourselves a pat on the back” in Paragraph three means “ _________”.

A. blame ourselves      B. punish ourselves     

C. talk to ourselves       D. praise ourselves

4.Which of the following statements would the author agree to?

A. Unkind words are unlikely to be forgotten.   

B. Positive words may destroy all the good relations.

C. It is better to think twice before talking to others.

D. Kind words are sure to cause unfavorable response.

5.Why should we talk in a friendly way when returning an item to a store?

A. Because kind words destroy true relationships.      

B. Because the clerk in a store is hard to deal with.

C. Because critical language may hurt your feelings. 

D. Because friendly words cause positive responses.

Answer

1.B

2.A

3.D

4.C

5.D

【解析】

试题分析：文章讲述的是，语言对我们有很大的影响。比如talk to oneself这样的行为对我们就有很多好处。但是，我们在和别人说话的时候，要特别注意自己的措辞。因为这可能会对别人产生不好的影响。

1.段落大意题。根据文章第一段最后一句“It doesn’t matter if the words come from someone’s else or ourselves --- the positive and negative effects are just as lasting.”可知，文章讲述的是语言对我们有持久的影响。故选B。

2.细节理解题。根据文章第二段“We all talk to ourselves sometimes. We’re usually too embarrassed to admit it, though. In fact, we really shouldn’t be because more and more experts believe talking to ourselves out loud is a healthy habit.”可知，自言自语对我们来说是一种很好的习惯，因为我们可以从中得到很多好处。故选A。

3.推理题。根据下一句“The next time you finish a project, do well in a test, or finally clean your room, join me in saying “Good job!””可知，要经常表扬自己，让自己从自言自语中得到更多的益处。故选D。

4.推理题。根据文章倒数第三段第一、二行“Often, words come out of our mouths without thinking about the effect they will have. But we should be aware that our words cause certain responses in others.”可知，语言对别人也会有很大的影响，所以我们要注意自己的言行。说话时要特别谨慎，三思而后行。故选C。

5.根据倒数第三段“when returning an item to a store, we might use warm, friendly language during the exchange. And the clerk will probably respond in a similar manner. Or harsh and critical language will most likely cause the clerk to be defensive.”可知，对店员友善，他也会用类似的方式回应，而批评性的话语会使店员产生防御心理，从而不利于退还物品。故选D。

考点：教育类短文阅读