Question

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."

You probably heard those lines in grammar school, but do you really agree that harsh (严厉的) or negative words do not harm us? Words have power. Surely we all have had our feelings hurt by something someone said.

We may not say words to hurt others, but the way we interpret (解释) them and how we say them may cause great harm. Here’s an example:

An ancient king dreamed all his teeth had fallen out. He sent for a wise man to explain his dream to him: the dream means that all your relatives will die and you will be left alone!

The king was very angry and threw the interpreter into prison. He then sent for another interpreter who said, "Congratulations! King! You will live many more years. In fact, you will survive all your relatives. Long Live the King!"

Both interpreters gave the same interpretation, but there was a huge difference in the way they said it.

Our speech must be understood by those who hear our words, but the way we say things and the intention behind them have as much power as the words themselves. Words can cause anger or appreciation. Which would you rather receive?

People who say harsh and negative things may not mean to harm, but have you ever known anyone who is a naysayer? They often look at the dark sides of things. They always see the glass as half empty rather than half full. How do you feel when you are around this type of person? Remember: words have power. Use them wisely.

1.The author mentions the story of the ancient king to show that _____.

A. one dream sometimes has different explanations

B. good words can bring good luck to people

C. people should be careful when talking to a king

D. different ways of saying things have different effects

2.The underlined word "naysayer" in the last paragraph refers to a person who always _____.

A. has a negative attitude

B. likes to be praised

C. talks big

D. likes to repeat what others say

3.According to the text, how can people understand each other better?

A. By sharing different life experiences.

B. By accepting different habits.

C. By properly using words.

D. By recognizing different values.

4.The author wrote the last paragraph to ______.

A. show how the dark sides of things affect people

B. advise people to see and say things positively

C. show how harsh and negative words hurt people

D. advise people to stay away from negative people

5.The passage mainly talks about ______.

A. the power of words

B. the cruelty of the king

C. how to understand others

D. how to build good relationships

Answer

1.D

2.A

3.C

4.B

5.A

【解析】

试题分析：语言蕴含力量，我们每个人几乎都被他人说过的话或多或少地伤害过。有时候，我们可能无意伤害他人，但是，我们说话的方式可能会影响到对方。语言含有力量，我们应该谨慎、合理使用它。

1.but the way we interpret (解释) them and how we say them may cause great harm. 但是我们表达的方式会给他人带来很大的伤害，根据第三段“Here’s an example”可知，下面要举例验证这句话，故选D。

2.They often look at the dark sides of things.”可知，这种人总是看到事物的黑暗面，故选A。

3.Remember: words have power. Use them wisely.”可知，作者认为语言蕴含力量，我们应该谨慎、合理地使用语言，故选C。

4.People who say harsh and negative things may not mean to harm, but have you ever known anyone who is a naysayer? They often look at the dark sides of things.”可知，有的人所说的话可能无意要伤害他人，但有的人总是看到事物消极的一面，因此我们说话要严谨，不能让别人造成误解，故选B。

5.but do you really agree that harsh (严厉的) or negative words do not harm us? Words have power. Surely we all have had our feelings hurt by something someone said.”和第三段“but the way we interpret (解释) them and how we say them may cause great harm.”可知，语言含有力量，我们每个人几乎都被他人的话语伤害过，而且，有时候，伤害我们感情的，可能是他人说话的方式。文章主要讲的是语言会对他人造成影响，应该谨慎说话，故选A。

考点：生活类短文阅读