Question

【题目】When a friend is sad about a tragedy (悲剧)，it’s hard know how to comfort (安慰) him / her. But the worst thing you can do is say nothing. It could mean that you don’t care. You don’t have to say much. A single supportive phrase doesn’t require absolutely perfect words to break the ice. Here are some conversation starters when difficult situations have your tongue tied.

1. A friend loses his baby.

Don’t say: “Don’t worry. You’re so young. You’ll have another baby.” Do say: “I’m so sorry. I can’t begin to imagine what you are going through, but if you want to talk about it, call me anytime.”

2. A guy deserts（抛弃）your friend.

Don’t say: “I never liked that rat bustard (坏蛋) anyway!” (If the couple winds up reconciling (和解), you could end up losing your friend.) Do say: “Breaking up is always hard to deal with, but I’m here for you, whatever you need.”

3. A Maid has a death in the family.

Don’t say: “It’s God’s will.” or “I know exactly how you feel.” Do say: “I’m sorry about your loss. What can I do to help?"

4. A friend loses a job suddenly.

Don’t say: “Work is always boring. Those employers didn’t suit you!” Do say: “I’m sorry for that, but I know there’s an even better job waiting for you there. Let’s think about possibilities.”

5. Someone’s pet dies.

Don’t say: “Gee! It was only a cat!” or “My roommate doesn’t like her dog and she is getting rid of her dog. Do you want it?” Do say: “I’m sorry, she was such a great cat. How long did you have it?”

【1】Which of the following has the same meaning as the underlined part “have your tongue tied”？

A. tie your tongue in order not to say. B. make your tongue shut.

C. have no suitable words to say. D. say what you want freely.

【2】As a whole, what’s the best way to comfort your friend troubled with a tragedy?

A. To try to make the tragedy less serious.

B. To show your sorrow and offer your help.

C. To do your best to make him/her cheerful again.

D. To tell your friend not to think about it any more.

【3】Though your friend is deserted, you’d better not say dirty words about her / his friend because ________.

A. it may be a sign that you don’t care for your friend

B. your friend might not liker you to say that against her / his friend

C. your friend might hate you in the future

D. they might get along well again and you might be deserted

【4】Which of the following might be suitable words when your friend’s dog dies?

A. I’m sorry to hear that. It was such a good dog.

B. I’m sorry you lost your dog. But it was at its ripe age.

C. You must be sad about it. That’s enough.

D. Don’t worry too much. I’ll give you a good one.

Answer 1

【答案】

【1】C

【2】B

【3】D

【4】A

【解析】文章讲述的是当朋友遇到了困难时，你该如何安慰他/她，文章列出了5种情况。

【1】C

猜测句意题。Here are some conversation starters when life difficult situationshave your tongue tied.横线前面是difficult situations指遇见的一些生活中的可能出了现的困难情况，这些情况让你无话可说。也就是是很难找出合适的词来表达自己的意思。分析选项可知C项符合题意。

【2】B

推理判断题。文章中提到的5种情况中，都有“I’m so sorry.，(for…)”等，涉及对他们的遭遇表示同情，可知都要表现出自己对他们的同情。故选B项。

【3】D

细节题细节。根据Don’t say: “I never liked that rat bastard (坏蛋) anyway!” ( If the couple winds up reconciling (和解)， youcould end up losing your friend.)我从来就不喜欢那个坏蛋（如果他们和好了那你就会永远失去了你的朋友。）分析句意，可知你的朋友可能和她的朋友和好，所以D正确。

【4】A

细节理解题。根据第5中情况中的，Dosay: “I’m sorry, she was such a great cat. How long did you have it?”分析句意可知，如果是宠物猫死了，说她曾是多么好的一只猫。但如果是宠物狗的话就要说“这曾经是一只多么好的狗”了，故A正确。