【推荐2】Common phrases like “no pains, no gains” give the impression that we ought to be suffering while we study. It’s almost as though the only way to know if we’re putting in enough work is the sense of hardship we bear.

When we haven’t taken the time to come up with another strategy, all we know how to do is shut ourselves in a room with a book. It’s no surprise that we find revision boring and difficult. Just as children learn from playing, we can learn from doing, or at least from study techniques that engage us, rather than make us switch off.

Shutting yourself away can make you learn to hate studying. This leads to a situation where instead of being able to concentrate on your work, you obsess about (唠叨)how unfair it is that you must study. When you feel bitter about your work it’s very difficult to make yourself start, or approach it with enthusiasm. This can be part of a vicious cycle (恶性循环) that traps you into ineffective revision, your poor progress fuelling further bitterness. Just being around other people really helps fight against feelings of loneliness and, thankfully, it’s perfectly possible to work in the company of other people. We just need to learn how to deal with distractions.

It’s not necessary to avoid all company, just idle (懒散的) company. Studying in the same room with someone who is ironing or working out is perfectly possible. People who are bored and looking to be distracted, however, are terrible to work around. They constantly try to keep others in conversation. It’s also a good idea to avoid the company of people engaged in activities that you would rather be doing than studying. Working while sitting next to someone playing video games is much more likely to end with a new high score than a productive few hours of revision. If being around others means working in a noisy environment, a pair of headphones and some background music can block out noises. They also act as a psychological barrier, so that people think twice before interrupting you.

When you’re studying for a big exam, it seems like your whole life is taken up with study. Being in the same room with friends and family can lessen feelings of isolation (孤立). Also connecting with other people makes us happy, so it’s important not to give that up and to make sure that we take the time to socialize.

1. What is the author’s attitude to the saying “no pains, no gains”?

A．Serious.

B．Positive

C．Negative

D．Uncaring.

2. What should you do if you are studying in a noisy environment?

A．Give indication of not wanting to be interrupted.

B．Give up others’ company at once.

C．Think twice before taking any action.

D．Force yourself to be accustomed to the environment.

3. What does paragraph 4 mainly talk about?

A．Ways to deal with distractions.

B．How to choose a perfect place to study.

C．Learning problems students are faced with.

D．How to focus mind on study.

4. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To encourage students to work hard.

B．To introduce effective learning strategies

C．To remind students to balance study and play.

D．To advise students study in the company of others.

【推荐3】Talking to solve friendship problems

Sometimes our friends’ behaviour can offend us; sometimes we can see changes they need to make — but how do we tell them?     1    

It’s important to have solid evidence that there is indeed a problem. Evidence that can be agreed upon makes it easier for other people to recognise issues.     2     Psychologist Andrea Bonior suggests framing problems with “I”. Saying “I feel hurt that you spend less time with me” is less accusatory (责难的) than “You never spend time with me!” and is focused more clearly on the impact.

Staying calm is vital.     3     Bonior recommends that you should acknowledge the conversation could make you anxious. If you think about this yourself, it can help you focus on positive results. If you admit your anxiety to your friend, you will show a more human side. Another psychologist, Laura Brennan, points out how it’s important that we let go of our ego and don’t focus on the need to be proved right. This can help reduce tension.

    4     We can lower the potential for conflict by listening to the other person and asking questions. Many experts recommend planning your words before having a conversation, so that you can say things in a way that avoids conflict. However, Bonior cautions against overplanning as this can stop you being flexible enough to genuinely follow and participate in the discussion.

Be realistic. Complicated problems are unlikely to be solved with one conversation. Consider what is possible in one discussion, and that it may be harder than you initially thought.     5    

A．Plan ahead properly to make a better conversation.

B．Are there any ways to make difficult conversations easier?

C．Learn to listen to carefully instead of merely blaming others.

D．This will help you to set realistic goals for what you can achieve.

E．Becoming tense might lead you to react badly and cause an argument.

F．Once you have proof, it’s important to highlight how it impacts us and others.

G．Talking about the problems realistically is the best approach to resolving the conflict.

【推荐1】Alice Kwak
2551 Lancey Street, Toronto
Ontario M2O 2R5
P. (566) 734-4470
E-mail: akwak@cvva.ca
Ms. Rory Saunders
Human Resources Manager
Trinity Client Publications
881 Second Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M20 3K2
Dear Ms. Saunders,
I am writing in regard to the Administrative Assistant position that is available at Trinity Client Publications.
I have just completed the Office Administration program at Frayer College and am excited to try my skills in the real world. I have a good knowledge of basic computer programs, and have writing, editing, and critical thinking skills. I work well with tight deadlines, and am a highly-motivated self-starter.
At past jobs I have checked and corrected letters, taken notes, and made plans. I also communicated with customers. I am efficient and accurate in all my work. Please consult the enclosed resume（简历） for additional information about my work experience.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. If you have any questions you can reach me at (566) 734-4470 or at akwak@cvva.ca.
Sincerely,
Alice Kwak
1. Who is Rory Saunders?

A．A copy editor.

B．A Job Center employee.

C．A human resources manager.

D．A teacher at Frayer College.

2. In which of the areas does Alice Kwak claim to have experience?

A．Using database.	B．Editing letters.
C．Arranging travel.	D．Organizing meetings.

3. How does Alice describe herself?

A．A creative manager.	B．A famous writer.
C．A team player.	D．A self-starter.

【推荐2】Chelsea Peddle is a death doula: one of dozens of professionals in Canada who provide emotional and practical guidance for people near death and for their families. She earned her certificate at Dawson College, in Vancouver, but was originally set on this path at age 15 when her father died of an aggressive brain tumor. The experience had initially left Peddle with a crushing fear of illness and death. “I know what it’s like to feel lost and to not know what benefits and resources are available,” she says, “or even how to be with someone who’s dying.”

About half of Peddle’s clients today are in palliative（缓解的）care. Many are undergoing treatments, such as chemotherapy, for terminal illnesses. Every one of them is simply trying to wrap their head around the process of dying. She acts as a sounding board, directs them to resources, and helps them cope with the big emotions that come with knowing you’re going to die. “Sometimes there’s a sense of unfairness,” she says, “but a lot of the time there’s also this amazing level of acceptance.”

Facing death is often harder for the families. One of Peddle’s clients, for example, was recently caring for her sick mom in the U.S., living away from her family in Victoria, B.C., Canada, and felt guilty and conflicted for wanting the whole thing to be over already. Peddle helped her process those tough feelings and release the shame she was holding. “She had no idea that it was an entirely normal way to feel,” Peddle says. “She was so relieved that it didn’t make her a horrible person and that she wasn’t alone.”

During the pandemic, Peddle has had to figure out new ways to do her job: she can’t sit by a client’s bedside or visit their homes. Instead, she’s learned to build a level of trust and communication over camera sessions. At the same time, she’s noticed more people facing the inevitable case of death, creating advanced care plans and wills. “The veil on death has been pulled back,” she says. “The fact that death can visit anybody, regardless of their age, is more apparent now.”

1. When did Peddle have the idea to start the career?

A．After graduation at Dawson College.

B．When she helped a client faced with death.

C．When her father died of a terminal illness.

D．After her father recovering from a brain tumor.

2. Why did Peddle’s client that was caring for her mom in the US feel guilty and shame?

A．Her desire for her mother’s recovery from the illness.

B．Her plan of travelling back to Canada.

C．Her family living far away from her at that time.

D．Her expectation of her mother coming to the end of life soon.

3. In what way does Peddle carry out her job during the pandemic period?

A．Through emails.	B．Via voice communication.
C．By online video.	D．By a driving-through visit.

4. What does the underlined word “inevitable” mean?

A．unavoidable.	B．unexpected.
C．uncomfortable.	D．unpleasant.