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 cheer us up or let us down. It doesn’t matter if the words come from someone else or ourselves — the positive and negative (正面和負面) influences are just as lasting.

We all talk to ourselves sometimes. We’re usually too shy to admit(承認) it, though. In fact, we really shouldn’t be because more and more scientists believe talking to ourselves out loud is a healthy habit.

This “self-talk” helps us make ourselves active, remember things, solve problems, and calm ourselves down. It is said that as much as 77% of self-talk is likely 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 influence they will have. But we should realize that our words cause certain influence in others. For example, when returning an item to a store, we might use warm, friendly language during the exchange. And the salesperson will probably answer in a similar manner. Otherwise you may get into trouble.

Words have power because of their lasting influences. Many of us feel sorry for something we once said. And we remember unkind words said to us! Before speaking, we should always ask ourselves: Is it true? Is it loving? Is it needed? If what we want to say doesn’t pass this test, then it’s better left unsaid.

Words have power: both positive and negative. Those around us receive encouragement when we speak positively. We can offer hope, build self-confidence and encourage others to do their best. Negative words destroy all those things. Will we use our words to hurt or to cure? The choice is ours.

1. There is no need for us to feel shy when we talk to ourselves because ________.

A. almost everybody has the habit of talking to themselves

B. talking to ourselves always gives us courage

C. we may gain quite a few advantages of talking to ourselves

D. it does no harm to have “self-talk” when we are alone

2. The underlined part in the third paragraph means that we should also ________ in time.

A. remind ourselves

B. praise ourselves

C. make ourselves relaxed

D. give ourselves fun

3.The writer would probably hold the view that ________.

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

B. negative words may encourage us to make more progress

C. people prefer to remember friendly words

D. encouraging words are sure to lead to kind offers

4.In which column(版面) of the newspaper can you most likely read this passage?

A. News. B. Nature. C. Health. D. Culture.

Answer 1