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.理解题：从第二段的句子：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。选C。

2.B 词义猜测题：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B。

3. D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。选D。

4.D 文章来源题。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。可判断此文最可能来自报纸中的“语言”专栏。故选D。

考点：考查日常生活类短文阅读

【名师点睛】

关于细节理解题

用细节定位法：细节理解题属直接解答性问题，是阅读理解题中最简单的一种，多数属中低难度的送分题。但由于高考所占的比例很大，应特别引起注意。事实和细节题的命题特点是：把某词语、某个句子或某具体事实用不同于原文的另一方式或句型表达，即同义改写。解答这类题的窍门是：A)注意掌握英语的多种表达法；B)正确分析词语在句中的作用；C)熟练运用英语的句型转换；D)读懂题干所提出的问题，并准确地找到文中涉及该问题的句子。

比如文章第26题The author would probably hold the view that ，就需要快速定位在文章的第五段的句子：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。选D。