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’s 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 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 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 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．not sticks and stones but words will hurt us

B．inspiring words give us confidence

C．negative words may let us down

D．words have a lasting effect on us

2.There is no sense for us to feel embarrassed when we talk to ourselves because _______

A．almost everybody has the habit of talking to themselves

B．we can benefit from talking to ourselves

C．talking to ourselves always gives us courage

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．praise ourselves                        B．remind 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 stimulate（刺激） us to make more progress

C．people tend to remember friendly words

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

Answer

1.D

2.B

3.A

4.D

【解析】

试题分析：本文讲述的是语言对我们有很大的影响，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用词。因为可能会对别人产生不好的影响。

1.D 段落大意题。根据本文第一段最后一句It doesn’t matter if the words come from someone’s else or ourselves --- the positive and negative effects are just as lasting.可知讲述的是语言对我们有持久的影响。故D正确。

2.B 细节题。根据文章第二段可知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.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B正确。

3.A 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!”可知该句告诉我们要经常表扬自己，让自己从自言自语指得到更多的益处。故A正确。

4.D 推理题。根据文章倒数第三段1,2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。要特别谨慎。故D正确，

考点：考察教育类短文阅读