Question

    Many people avoid apologizing because admitting to wrongdoing makes them uncomfortable. “We like to view ourselves as good people-as kind and considerate,” says Ryan Fehr, a professor at the University of Washington. “Apologies force us to admit to ourselves that we don't always live up to our own standards. We might also fear that the victim won't accept our apology, further damaging our positive sense of self. For these reasons, an apology can be very difficult to give.”

For many, apologizing is stressful, awkward and uncomfortable. But a heartfelt apology has positive effects. It can improve your mental health, repair damaged relationships and promote self-esteem. “Apology acts as a signal of one's moral character,” Fehr says.

Researchers at Ohio State University have determined that effective apologies have five elements: expressing regret, explaining what went wrong, acknowledging responsibility, offering to repair the situation and requesting forgiveness. All five aren't necessary every time. “The more of those elements were included, the more likely the apology was seen as convincing,” says Roy Lewicki, the lead study author. “Acknowledgement of responsibility turned out to be the most important piece, followed by an explanation of why it happened and declaration of regret.”

“Sometimes, an immediate apology is called for,” says Antony Manstead, a psychology professor at Cardiff University. “But if the other party is angry at your wrongdoing, it may be more effective to wait, because their anger may stop them accepting an apology. Some research suggests that a delay increases an apology's effectiveness because it conveys that the wrongdoer has had time to reflect on. his/her misdeeds,” says Mara Olekalns, a professor of management at Melbourne Business School. “The best time to apologize is when one feels ready to sincerely apologize,” says Etienne Mullet, research director of the Ethics and Work Laboratory at the Institute of Advanced Studies. “There is nothing worse in these situations than insincere apologies.”

1.Why do many people feel uncomfortable to apologize?

A.They are kind and considerate people. B.They are afraid of losing face.

C.They believe themselves right. D.They have high moral standards.

2.What is the most important when it comes to making an effective apology?

A.To express regret. B.To express what went wrong.

C.To accept responsibility. D.To request forgiveness.

3.What can be inferred about an apology from the last paragraph?

A.The sooner, the better. B.The later, the better.

C.The more often, the better. D.The more genuine, the better.

4.What is the passage mainly about?

A.How you can make an effective apology. B.Why people avoid apologizing.

C.What benefits you can get from an apology. D.When you can make a heartfelt apology.

Answer

1.B

2.C

3.D

4.A

【解析】

本文是一篇说明文，主要讲述了许多人拒绝道歉，因为道歉使他们很丢面子。但是，道歉是一个人道德品质的标志，本文就作出有效的道歉进行了说明——要承担责任、越真诚越好。

1.细节理解题。根据第二段第一句For many, apologizing is stressful, awkward and uncomfortable. 可知，对许多人来说，道歉是一种有压力的、尴尬的和不舒服的行为。根据stressful, awkward and uncomfortable可知，许多人认为道歉是很丢面子的事情。故选B。

2.细节理解题。根据第三段最后一句Acknowledgement of responsibility turned out to be the most important piece, followed by an explanation of why it happened and declaration of regret.可知，对责任的承认是最重要的一件事，接着是对其发生原因的解释和对其表示遗憾。所以，说到有效的道歉，最重要的是承担责任。故选C。

3.推理判断题。根据最后一段最后一句There is nothing worse in these situations than insincere apologies. 可知，在这种情况下，没有什么比不真诚的道歉更糟糕的了。由此判断出道歉时，越诚恳越好。故选D。

4.主旨大意题。文章第一段讲述了许多人拒绝道歉，因为道歉使他们很丢面子。第二段讲述但真诚的道歉有积极的影响。 它可以改善你的心理健康，修复受损的关系，促进自尊。三、四两段就作出有效的道歉进行了说明——要承担责任、越真诚越好。因此，选项A符合本文大意：怎样才能有效地道歉。故选A。