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 effect they will have. But we should be aware that our words cause certain responses in 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 (刻薄的) and critical language will most likely cause the clerk to be defensive.

Words possess power because of their lasting effects. 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 (自尊) 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.There is no need for us to feel embarrassed when we talk to ourselves because _________.

A. almost everybody has the habit of talking to themselves

B. talking to ourselves always gives us courage

C. we can benefit from talking to ourselves

D. it does no harm to have “self-talk” when we are alone

2. The underlined part in the third paragraph means that we should also timely ________.

A. remind ourselves

B. praise ourselves

C. make ourselves relaxed

D. give ourselves amusement

3.The author would probably hold the view that _________.

A. encouraging words are sure to lead to kind offers

B. negative words may motivate us to make more progress

C. people tend to remember friendly words

D. it is better to think twice before talking to others

4.In which column of the newspaper can you most likely read this passage?

A. News.  B. Advice column.

C. Health.  D. Language.

Answer

1.C

2.B

3.D

4.D

【解析】

试题分析：文章介绍说话对我们有持久的影响。自言自语对我们是有好处的，要怎样自言自语，还有我们说话前要三思。

1.细节理解题。从第二段中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是有好处的。故选C。

2.推理判断题。从后面的句子：The next time you finish a project, do well in a test, or finally clean your room, join me in saying “Good job!”可知做一件成功的事情，要和自己说“good job”就是表扬自己。选A

4.细节题：从第五段的句子：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可知作者认为我们说话前要三思。故选B。

3.细节理解题。从第五段的句子：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可知作者认为我们说话前要三思。故选D。

4.文章介绍说话对我们有持久的影响。自言自语对我们是有好处的，要怎样自言自语，还有我们说话前要三思。抓住每一段的要点可知，这篇文章最有可能在语言类的报纸里读到。故选D。

考点：科教类阅读