Question

【題目】“Sorry seems to be the hardest word”— that is one of Elton John's most popular songs. But not every public figure seems to find it so tough to say that powerful five-letter word.

In recent days public figures, from politicians to stars, have all publicly expressed remorse. But with so much remorse, how can we tell a forced apology from a heartfelt expression of remorse?

Specifically, saying sorry should be a realization that something you have said or done has hurt someone and you want to make amends (彌補). "People want the response to be personal to them. They want to feel that they're being listened to and taken seriously," says Martin Stone.

Firstly, it is important to show that you understand. It is vital that any group or a person making an apology understands the focus — is it sorry for the way it's acted or is it sorry that the complainant feels the way they do? Watch out for the speed of response. The quicker the apology comes, the better it indicates that the person making it has felt an immediate sense of guilt.

If sincere, the person making the apology will be looking for clues (線索) to see if he or she is being understood, such as eye contact and facial expressions. Performed apologies always have a sense of being "acted out", and are often accompanied by too many unnatural gestures.

For a sincere apology, it is also important to avoid promises that can't be kept. Don't say that you'll make sure that this will not happen again if you're not confident that it won't. It could come back to bite you. And do remember that the use of "but" can hugely change the tone (語氣) of an apology. As Stone points out, "I'm sorry but..." sounds like you are making excuses and aren't actually taking any form of responsibility.

【1】What is the purpose of the text?

A. To explain what a good apology is.

B. To discuss how to give a formal apology.

C. To show why we should apologize in life.

D. To teach us how to tell if an apology is sincere:

【2】What does the underlined word "remorse" probably mean?

A. Pain. B. Worry.

C. Regret. D. Doubt.

【3】Which of the following indicates it's a "performed" apology?

A. Swearing it will not happen again.

B. Avoiding eye contact with the listener.

C. Showing you understand his/her feelings.

D. Paying attention to the listener's reaction.

【4】What is stressed in the last paragraph?

A. The attitude. B. The tone of voice.

C. The body language. D. The choice of language.

Answer 1

【答案】

【1】D

【2】C

【3】B

【4】D

【解析】

本文是一篇說明文。文章教我們如何判斷一個道歉是否真誠。

【1】主旨大意題。根據(jù)第一段“Sorry seems to be the hardest word”— that is one of Elton John's most popular songs. But not every public figure seems to find it so tough to say that powerful five-letter word.可知，本文教我們如何判斷一個道歉是否真誠。故選D。

【2】詞義猜測題。根據(jù)第二段In recent days public figures, from politicians to stars, have all publicly expressed remorse. But with so much remorse, how can we tell a forced apology from a heartfelt expression of remorse? 目前，從政客到明星的公眾人物都公開表示懺悔。但是，有那么多的悔恨，我們怎么能從一種發(fā)自內心的悔恨中區(qū)分一個被迫的道歉呢？由此推出劃線詞的意思是“后悔”，故選C。

【3】推理判斷題。根據(jù)第五段最后一句Performed apologies always have a sense of being "acted out", and are often accompanied by too many unnatural gestures.可知，“避免與聽眾的目光接觸”表示這是一個“表演”的道歉。故選B。

【4】推理判斷題。根據(jù)最后一段中And do remember that the use of "but" can hugely change the tone (語氣) of an apology. As Stone points out, "I'm sorry but..." sounds like you are making excuses and aren't actually taking any form of responsibility.可知，最后一段強調“語言的選擇”。故選D。

利用上下文提供的情景和線索，進行合乎邏輯的綜合分析進而推測詞義，最常見的就是利用上下文語境、常識和語法關系推斷詞義。特別要抓住所需推斷詞匯前后的含義來確定正確答案。切記：千萬不要脫離開語境。本題第2小題，根據(jù)第二段In recent days public figures, from politicians to stars, have all publicly expressed remorse. But with so much remorse, how can we tell a forced apology from a heartfelt expression of remorse? 目前，從政客到明星的公眾人物都公開表示懺悔。但是，有那么多的悔恨，我們怎么能從一種發(fā)自內心的悔恨中區(qū)分一個被迫的道歉呢？由此推出劃線詞的意思是“后悔”