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(积极的) and negative(消极的) 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(激励) 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. However, harsh and critical language will most probably 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 (受益) 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. remind ourselves

B. praise ourselves

C. make ourselves relaxed

D. give ourselves entertainment

4.The author would probably hold the view that ________.

A. encouraging words are sure to lead to kind offers

B. negative words may stimulate 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】本文是一篇说明文。主要讲述了言语对人们既有积极影响，又有消极影响，并且这种影响是持续的。其中自我鼓励的言语对我们有重要的积极意义。我们要注意使用恰当的言语回应别人。

1.主旨大意题。根据“It doesn’t matter if the words come from someone else or ourselves — the positive and negative (消极否定的)effects are just as lasting.”可知，不管言语出自他人还是我们自己，它的积极与消极影响都是持续的。故选D。

2.细节理解题。根据“This “self-talk” helps us motivate(激励) ourselves, remember things, solve problems, and calm ourselves down.”可知，这种“自言自语”能帮助我们激励自己、记住事情、解决问题、让自己冷静。故选B。

3.细节理解题。根据“The next time you finish a project, do well in a test, or finally clean your room, join me in saying ‘Good job!’”，下次你完成一个项目、在测试中表现优异或终于清理了房间时，跟我一起对自己说“干得好！”，可推断横线部分意思为要经常鼓励自己。故选B。

4.细节理解题。根据“Before speaking, we should always ask ourselves: Is it loving? Is it needed?”可知，在说话前我们要问自己这些话语是否合适，因此在和别人说话前要三思。故选D。