Question

【题目】 Words have the power to build us up or tear us down. It doesn't matter if the words come from ourselves or someone else. The positive and negative effects are just as lasting.

【1】 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. 【2】

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. 【3】

Words possess power because of their lasting effect. Many of us regret something we once said. We remember unkind words said to us as well. Before speaking, we should always ask ourselves: 【4】 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 and motivate others to do their best. 【5】 Will we use our words to hurt or to heal? The choice is ours.

A. Is it loving?

B. How should I say it?

C. We all talk to ourselves sometimes.

D. Negative words destroy all those things.

E. Generally people like positive and pleasant words.

F. However, critical language may cause anger and defense.

G. So we should only speak encouraging words to ourselves.

Answer 1

【答案】

【1】C

【2】G

【3】F

【4】A

【5】D

【解析】

这是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了语言的力量。积极的语言可以激励我们，消极的语言会摧毁我们。

【1】后文We're usually too embarrassed to admit it, though. (然而，我们通常觉得太尴尬而不承认)与C. We all talk to ourselves sometimes. (我们所有人都会时不时自言自语)承接自然，后文的it指代选项的内容，即“我们所有人都会时不时自言自语”，故选C项。

【2】前文Be aware, though, that as much as 77% of self-talk tends to be negative. (但是，要清楚多达77%的自言自语倾向于消极)与G. So we should only speak encouraging words to ourselves. (因此，我们应该只对自己说鼓励的话)承接自然，前后句构成明显的因果关系，negative和encouraging是关键词，故选G项。

【3】前文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. (例如，当把一件商品退回商店时，我们在交换期间可能会用温和、友好的语言。店员很可能会用同样的方式回复你) F. However, critical language may cause anger and defense. (然而，批评的语言可能会造成愤怒和抵抗)承接自然，前后是两种对比的情况，且构成明显的转折关系，friendly和critical是关键词，故选F项。

【4】前文Before speaking, we should always ask ourselves: (在说话之前，我们应该问问自己)与A. Is it loving? (它是表示关爱的话吗？)承接自然，前文提出“问自己”，下文给出问题，故选A项。

【5】前文Those around us receive encouragement when we speak positively. We can offer hope, build self-esteem and motivate others to do their best. (当我们说积极的话时，我们周围的人会得到鼓励。我们可以提供帮助、建立自信以及激励他们做到最好)与D. Negative words destroy all those things. (消极的话语会毁掉所有这一切)承接自然，前后部分分别陈述积极话语和消极话语的两种情况，选项里的those代指前文的We can offer hope, build self-esteem and motivate others to do their best，故选D项。