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.The main idea of the first paragraph is that _________.

A．words have a lasting effect on us

B．inspiring words give us confidence

C．negative words may let us down

D．not sticks and stones but words will hurt us

2.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

3.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

4.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

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

A．News.

B．Advice column.

C．Health.

D．Language.

Answer

1.A

2.C

3.B

4.D

5.D

 【解析】

试题分析：

1.A 段落大意题。根据第一段最后两行It doesn’t matter if the words come from someone else or ourselves— the positive and negative effects are just as lasting.说明本段讲的是语言对我们有很大的影响，故A正确。

2.C 细节题。根据第二段2,3行we really shouldn’t be because more and more experts believe talking to ourselves out loud is a healthy habit.说明talking to ourselves out是一个好习惯，再根据第三段This “self-talk” helps us motivate ourselves, remember things, solve problems, and calm ourselves down.说明我们可以从这个习惯中得到很大的益处。故C正确。

3.B 推理题。根据. 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.说明我们要鼓励自己，即表扬自己，故B正确。

4.D 细节题。根据倒数第二段2,3行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.

说明语言的影响很大，所以在说的时候一定要三思而后行。故D正确。

5.D 推理题。本文讲述的是语言的威力，以及语言对人的影响。在四个选项新闻，建议栏，健康或者语言栏中，最有可能是在语言栏中，故D正确。

考点：考查教育类短文阅读